Welcome to the island of Marie Galante, located in the south of Guadeloupe and composed of the communes of Grand Bourg, Saint-Louis and Capesterre-de-Marie-Galante. It is in surface area (158 km2), the largest of the three islands that surround Guadeloupe (La Desirade and Les Saintes). This island can be reached by sea transport or by an aerodrome. The island has kept all its charm of yesteryear. Life is peaceful there, the environment and landscapes are preserved with the “hundred mills” and pools that once served as a water point for consumption and everyday activities. In terms of activities there are many things to do in the island with its hiking, the beautiful white sand beaches and homes that are the only to titrate a rum to 59 degrees in Guadeloupe. You will necessarily find your happiness between nautical, pedestrian and cultural activities. In terms of services, the island is a home to artisans with shops, restaurants with beautiful settings and various atmospheres. You will find banks, stations, gas stations in each municipality. The island is quite large, so it is better to rent a car on your arrival in the town of Grand Bourg.
The island has many riches to discover such as its sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Access by boat
To access the island of Marie-Galante, you have two main accesses from Guadeloupe by sea transport. From the Bergevin Marine Guard located in Pointe-à-Pitre and the ferry terminal of Saint-François, you will have 45 minutes to 1 hour crossing.
We left from Pointe-à-Pitre. For schedules and reservations, check the website of the company “Express des îles”. Other companies exist but we were satisfied with this one. The crossing may be hectic on the way out people that may become sea sick should be aware.
When you arrive in Grand-Bourg, it is better to rent a car because the island is big. (Plan ahead). Many local or more familiar companies (Hertz) exist on the island.
Itinerary on the island
To access the beach of Anse Canot, from Grand Bourg, go towards the town of Saint-Louis by the coastal road (D206), cross the town and continue straight on the D205. You will see on your left a first long beach (Mosquito Beach), go there until the end to see a small entrance on your left where you can park. You can also continue on the road as another more direct passage exists. The second is two minutes away farther and you can park near the beach.
We chose to stop at the first car park in order to enjoy a light ride before arriving on the beach (Old Fort Trail). This also allows you to enjoy the beach of Anse Mosquito if you wish at first.
You will see on the road along the beach of Mosquito, a panel well known on the island and that never leaves indifferent.
Park in this small beachside parking. You will be able to contemplate already at first the Beach of Mosquito Cove.
Click on this link to have a first video preview of this beach on our Facebook page.
Once you have seen this beautiful beach, it is time to discover another smaller but full of charm.
The beach of l’Anse Canot
Take the path on foot in the middle of the backside vegetation. This portion belongs to the loop of the Old Fort Trail that you can consider doing also during your stay.
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The trail goes along the coast afterwards and brings you little by little towards the next cove
After the climb, you can already enjoy some panoramic views of the nearby coves.
A few meters to go and after a descent, here you are on the beach of Anse Canot.
The beach of Anse Canot is a small cove of white sand and quite busy. Enjoy the calm waters for swimming and consider snorkeling.
As you can see in the photos below, the beach has few places in the shade. Do not forget sun cream and protections for children (lycra). The sun is harmful between 10 am and 2 pm.
Click on this link to have a first video preview of this beach on our Facebook page.
Tables are arranged on the beach to picnic and enjoy the turquoise waters located to sight
It is time for you to relax and enjoy this beach and its fine sand
At dusk, you can also enjoy the sunset
To you to discover it !
Tips
Ø Traffic on the island of Marie-Galante: Prefer the rent a car because the island is quite large. You will enjoy driving on this island between landscapes and very fluid traffic, you will have no time constraints, a real pleasure.
Ø Equipment: Slides, swimsuit, towel, beach bag (knife, k-way, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent), mask, palm and snorkel.
Ø Health:
– Quality of the bathing area: Excellent (Source: Ministry of Health, see map);
– Accessibility: Easily by car and little walk, no disabled access;
– Sunscreen mandatory because the beach is well exposed to the sun, think even of Lycras for children and adults;
– Most important thing always a bottle of water per person and snack in your bag.
Others: you can visit nearby, the Fish Distillery, enjoy the Mosquito Beach or the Anse du Vieux-Fort or even hike the Old Fort Trail.
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Dom Loisirs et Culture at your service.
OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide
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