A day out exploring Petite-Terre and La Désirade

Two destinations for the price of one! This speedboat excursion will take you to two islands, each boasting their own natural and cultural treasures: Petite-Terre and La Désirade. Whilst the former is best known for its exceptional marine life and iguanas, La Désirade offers the chance to discover an authentic fishing village and stunning panoramic views. Over the course of the day, you’ll dive into the crystal-clear waters of Petite-Terre, take a stroll around the island, then head to La Désirade to enjoy its village and magnificent beaches.

The trip sets off at 7.00 am from the Saint-François marina. First, we’ll head for Petite-Terre, which you’ll reach after a 45-minute boat ride. The first part of the day will be spent on the island and its surroundings. After a brief briefing on the rules to follow during the activities (as Petite-Terre is a nature reserve), you’ll set off to discover the wonders of the area. At Petite-Terre, you’ll dive into exceptionally clear water to admire the beauty of the seabed and try to spot the lemon sharks, turtles and stingrays for which the island is famous. And don’t worry – there are plenty of them in the lagoon, so you’re sure to spot a few! On the walk to the lighthouse, you’ll come across, amongst other things, the many iguanas wandering carefree all over the place. This lighthouse, the oldest in Guadeloupe, is just a few minutes’ walk away. Around midday, we’ll board the boat again to head for La Désirade. The journey takes just a few dozen minutes – a quick crossing so you can make the most of this second leg of the trip. Once you arrive, you’ll first be served an aperitif and lunch to help you recharge your batteries after what has already been a busy morning. The meal, prepared with love and pride, will give you the chance to sample the local cuisine and its delights.

On the menu:

• Aperitif: rillettes, raw vegetables and tartare
• Choice of chicken colombo or fish skewers and Gratin peyi
• Coconut flan and fruit

For the rest of the day, you’ll have complete freedom to plan your own itinerary. You can therefore visit the island’s various attractions by hiring a scooter, a car or even a buggy. Beach lovers won’t be disappointed either, as there are several easily accessible spots for sunbathing or swimming. After nearly 8.30 hours of pure bliss, it will be time to weigh anchor and head for Saint-François. Departure from La Désirade is scheduled for 3.45 pm, with arrival at the Saint-François marina expected around 4.30 pm.