Half-day excursion: islets and mangroves in 7 stages

Would you like to discover the most beautiful treasures of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin in a half-day trip comprising 5 hours of sightseeing and swimming? You can, with this excursion led by Alex. This nature-loving guide will take you to see the beauty of the islets and the mangroves and will explain everything there is to know about this region through a 7-stage tour packed with discoveries.

Over the course of this tour’s seven stages, you’ll journey from the mangrove forests to the most beautiful islets of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin during what promises to be a spectacular half-day. This catamaran-style speedboat excursion lasts 5 hours, making it one of the longest half-day excursions in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin. You can choose to set off in the morning (a 4.5-hour trip) or in the afternoon, but we recommend the latter as this is the time of day when there are fewer people at the sites visited. You’ll also be able to enjoy a stunning sunset whilst sipping a rum cocktail concocted by Alex. The itinerary is the same whether you set off in the morning or the afternoon. It begins with a tour of the mangrove forest near the Rivière de Viard, with an explanation of its role and unique features. The boat will pass through the “Petite Niche” for a deeper immersion into the heart of the ecosystem. After you’ve gained plenty of knowledge and made some great memories of the mangrove, Alex will take you to visit La Biche islet and stop for a swim at Caret islet. The latter, where you’ll stay for 30 minutes, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic islets in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin and a perfect example of the importance of preserving this area. Îlet Caret has, in fact, lost much of its splendour due to the degradation of the coral reef, even though it remains an exceptional sandbank thanks to its location near the reef (offering a sublime view of Guadeloupe). This fourth stage promises to be a wonderful experience. Alex will take you to a site specially equipped for his boat to moor, where you’ll be the only ones enjoying the coral reef. On the agenda: relaxing on a buoy whilst observing the reef, which lies just below the surface. There’s the chance to go snorkelling thanks to the calm sea and shallow depth (just 6 metres). We’ll head to the shipwreck, lying just a few centimetres below the surface near the coral reef, for a snorkelling session. Discover the many species of birds that inhabit this sanctuary. As always, Alex will be delighted to share with you all his knowledge about the characteristics of this islet. The final stop on the trip: an exclusive visit to one of the terns’ nesting sites. Between 1 September and 30 April, you’ll have the chance to set foot on Îlot Blanc, which is off-limits to the public outside this period. On the way back, Alex has a little surprise in store for you: a homemade flavoured rum to sip whilst taking in the scenery.