Day Trip to Petite-Terre in the Guadeloupe Islands: Here’s Why You Absolutely Have to Go!

Spending the day on a deserted paradise island, swimming with baby lemon sharks, rays and turtles, spotting wild iguanas… that’s how a day on Petite-Terre was described to me.

Needless to say, my expectations were high as I boarded the Paradoxe catamaran heading for this little piece of paradise.

With its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and incredible wildlife, Petite-Terre is a must for nature and relaxation lovers.

But keep in mind: this protected gem is only accessible by boat, with a crossing that takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the type of vessel.

Also, the number of visitors is strictly limited each day. You’ll need to plan ahead — and be ready to handle a bit of choppy water!

So, is it really worth it? Spoiler alert: absolutely, a thousand times yes!

Here’s the full recap of our magical day on the island, the must-do activities, and all my tips to make the most of the experience.

A Day on Petite-Terre

The day starts early with a departure from Saint-François. It’s a sea journey that lets you soak up the sun and salty breeze — and maybe enjoy a cocktail or two along the way.

That said, be warned: it can get bumpy, especially if the sea is rough. Nothing dramatic, but if you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to plan accordingly.

But as soon as Petite-Terre comes into view, all that’s quickly forgotten — turquoise waters as far as the eye can see, white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees…

A postcard-perfect scene that sets the tone for a very special day.

This slice of paradise, located off the coast of Grande-Terre, is made up of two uninhabited islets: Terre-de-haut and Terre-de-bas.

Classified as a nature reserve since 1998, the archipelago is a sanctuary for local flora and fauna.

Only Terre-de-bas is open to visitors, to help preserve the delicate ecosystem.

Along with the turtles and lemon sharks you might encounter, Petite-Terre is also home to an impressive colony of over 10,000 Lesser Antillean iguanas, which you’ll see everywhere along the trails.

Exploring the Island

Once we arrive, everyone disembarks. After a quick reminder of the rules to follow in the reserve, our small group sets off with a guide to explore the island.

Within minutes, several people spot baby lemon sharks swimming near the shore.

A little further along, the iguanas start appearing — sometimes surprisingly close! We also catch sight of tropical birds and lots of curious hermit crabs making their way across the path.

The trail is dotted with educational signs about the island’s unique ecosystem.

We make a stop at Petite-Terre’s lighthouse, built in the 19th century, before heading to the wilder, wave-exposed side of the island.

Beach Time, Rum Punch and Snorkeling

Meanwhile, the crew gets busy preparing lunch: grilled fish, rice, fresh salad and fruit — and of course, the essential ti-punch and planteur cocktails. Wine is also served with the meal.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, everyone enjoying their meal barefoot in the sand.

The afternoon is free for swimming, lounging in the shade of coconut trees, or snorkeling — and this is where the magic really happens.

The water is shallow, incredibly clear, and teeming with life: turtles, colorful fish, rays… Everything you need for a memorable snorkeling session, even close to shore.

For more advanced swimmers, it’s possible to go beyond the coral reef, where we’re told the adult sharks live. As for me, I was perfectly content staying in the calm waters with the turtles and baby sharks.

One small downside? Some areas are off-limits to protect the environment, so you can’t roam freely everywhere. But it’s a necessary compromise to help preserve this natural wonder.

Planning Your Trip to Petite-Terre

Depending on the tour company, excursions are offered on different types of boats, each with varying levels of comfort and speed:

Catamaran: Spacious and comfortable, ideal for families with young children or travelers of all physical levels. Often includes shaded areas and drinks onboard. The crossing takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. That said — be prepared! The sea can be rough, especially between December and April. Bring snacks, water, and Gravol if needed.

Speedboat: Gets you there in about 30 minutes, giving you more time on the island. However, it’s bumpier and not recommended for young children or pregnant women. These tours often have smaller groups.

Most departures are from Saint-François.

What to Check Before Booking

Here are a few things to verify before reserving your excursion:

1. Boat type: Catamaran or speedboat?
2. Group size: Some tours offer smaller, more intimate groups.
3. Included equipment: Not all companies provide snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins).
4. Meals and drinks: There are no services on the island, so make sure food and drinks are included.
5. Weather flexibility: It’s best to book your excursion early in your trip, in case it needs to be rescheduled due to weather.

Don’t Forget to Pack

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat, sunglasses and towel
• Swimsuit, snorkel gear and water shoes
• Plenty of drinking water
• A light jacket or windbreaker for the boat ride (optional but useful)

And of course, it goes without saying: do not touch or feed the animals, take nothing from the island, and leave no trash. It’s a protected environment — and we all have a role in keeping it that way.

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This content was made possible thanks to the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board.

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