Boating and Sailing

Generally speaking, most of the towns and cities of Guadeloupe are not beautiful; however, the craggy coastline and the waters of variegated blues and greens are gorgeous. If you plan to sail these waters, you should be aware that the winds and currents tend to be strong. There are excellent, well-equipped marinas in Pointe-à-Pitre, Bas-du-Fort, Deshaies, St-François, and Gourbeyre. You can rent a yacht (bareboat or crewed) from several companies. To make a bareboat charter, companies will evaluate your navigational and seamanship skills. If you do not pass, you must hire a skipper or be left on dry land.

Antilles Sail. Antilles Sail is a charter operation specializing in catamarans from 40 to 62 feet, which can accommodate eight guests. A new, exciting addition to their fleet is a 45-foot Neel trimaran. For those who don't qualify to captain their own ship, or for those who want to just relax and be pampered, a skipper and crew can be hired. Provisioning and meal service can be arranged, and VIP, dive, and other packages are available. The fleet also contains monohulls from 35 to 55 feet, which are used mainly for bareboating. Antilles Sail can also arrange flights and land stays. Bas-du-Fort Marina, Quai No. 9, Boutique des Moulins, Bas du Fort, Grande-Terre, 97110. 0590/90–16–81; www.antilles-sail.com.