An educational tour of the mangroves and lagoon in 7 stages, including 4 snorkelling stops

Set off on a half-day excursion to discover the gems of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, accompanied by a guide who is an expert on the region and its unique features. This excursion, certified under the “Esprit Parc National de la Guadeloupe” scheme, takes you to various sites where you can experience the richness and beauty of the underwater wildlife through snorkelling sessions. The programme also includes a visit to a mangrove grove, home to various species of birds, and a trip off the coast of Îlet Blanc, all accompanied by the guide’s explanations of this unique ecosystem.

Your discovery and relaxation excursion begins at the port of Sainte-Rose, and we’ll set sail at 8.00 am, 11.30 am or 3.00 pm, depending on the programme you’ve chosen. The half-day excursion is divided into several stages, taking you both underwater to discover colourful fish and corals, and to the mangrove islets to explore a thriving community of birds of all kinds. During your trip, you’ll be accompanied by a specially trained guide who knows this specific region and its ecosystem like the back of their hand. The first stop will be near the Carénage Nature Reserve, specifically the red mangrove islets close to Îlet Blanc. Here you’ll be able to observe the various species of birds that have made this oasis in the middle of the sea their home for many years. It will be a real treat for photography enthusiasts, as the spectacle before you will be truly magnificent. Next on the itinerary is a shipwreck lying just a few centimetres below the surface, right in the middle of the sea. Over time, the remains of this 1966 vessel have become a refuge for various species of fish. So it’s time to put on your mask, fins and snorkel and take a little tour through the heart of this tiny underwater town. Your guide will be delighted to name each species for you and answer any questions from the most curious among you. After this first encounter with the exceptional underwater wildlife of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, the adventure continues to another site where you’ll be able to see even more. After a few minutes’ sail, you’ll reach the coral reef. As well as diving to get a closer look at the reef, you can also try a unique experience in the natural pool, just 50 cm deep (in the middle of the ocean), which borders the reef. The final stop on this half-day excursion will be a visit to the coastal mangrove forest around La Biche islet, with detailed technical explanations and information about the habitat as you make your way through this little labyrinth of vegetation. And to round off the tour in style, you’ll enjoy a homemade planteur and fruit juice in one of the idyllic spots in the area chosen by your guide.