Snorkelling in Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin with a local fisherman from Désirade

This all-inclusive excursion will allow you to enjoy a relaxing day at the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin. Your guide will be a local fisherman from Désirade who will take you along the Salé River to several sites in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, where you can go snorkelling to admire the seabed. On the way back, you’ll pass by Cristophe Islet to see the various species of birds that have made it their home.

On board a comfortable boat, you’ll settle in for a relaxing day. As a special touch, we’ll start the day with a brief visit to the fish and spice market in Pointe-à-Pitre. This is your chance to pick up some spices or local handicrafts if you’d like. Then we’ll head for the mangrove. The mangrove forests of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin and Rivière Salée cover nearly 3,000 hectares. This tropical forest is considered a real attraction; with its mangrove trees, it plays a vital role in maintaining the natural balance of the lagoon.

Your captain will help you discover the beauty of the landscape, its secrets and its treasures. A 5-kilometre-long inlet connects the archipelago’s two large bays: the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin to the north and the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin to the south. We’ll sail past the islets of Christophe and Fajou.

We’ll continue our excursion to the ‘Sablier’ shipwreck to the west of Caret Islet. Situated at a depth of just 4 to 5 metres, you can admire numerous colourful fish in complete tranquillity. Snorkelling on this wreck and, more broadly, along the reef is an incredible privilege that will leave you with unforgettable memories. It is worth noting that the coral reef is a unique ecosystem waiting to be discovered. Barely breaking the surface of the water, the Grand-Cul-De-Sac-Marin coral reef – though barely perceptible – is nevertheless very much present at the northernmost end of the Rivière Salée. It is the longest of all the Lesser Antilles, stretching 25 km! Its role? To enclose a vast marine area, forming a lagoon of 15,000 hectares. Acting as a true protective barrier for thousands of animal and plant species, it defines a breeding ground and a teeming habitat.

You don’t have to worry about a thing; we’ll take care of your comfort throughout the day. Refreshments will be served during the boat trip.

Once moored at Îlet Caret, guests will be offered an all-you-can-drink aperitif. We’ll stop so you can enjoy a swim in the turquoise waters; you can savour your meal with your feet in the water or whilst relaxing on a sun lounger. The captain’s traditional aperitif (soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, planteur cocktail, rillettes on toast, canapés, etc.). A full meal (assorted seasonal starters, rice, fresh fish skewers depending on the catch, alocos). For dessert, our most popular choice: coconut flan.

As you can see, this day is all about relaxation, discovery and enjoyment.