Guadeloupe: Harbours, bridges and formalities for sailors

Formalities

EU memberEU customs unionCurrency: Euro

Clearing in: French overseas department with Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade: EU and EU customs territory, but not Schengen and not in the EU VAT area. Clearance as in Martinique, online since 1 September 2024, on arrival from abroad or the high seas and when leaving for them; without internet at a Point agréé Clearance: Deshaies, Gourbeyre (Marina Rivière-Sens), Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes), Marie-Galante (Grand-Bourg by appointment only, Saint-Louis), Pointe-à-Pitre (Marina Bas-du-Fort), Saint-François. No clearance between the islands of Guadeloupe.

Ausreise: When leaving for abroad or the high seas, submit the clearance declaration; carry a printout of the certificate, some neighbouring states want a stamp.

Documents: As in Martinique: for EU citizens the identity card is enough, a passport is recommended; crew from third countries need a visa for the overseas territories, a Schengen visa is not valid. Boat papers, insurance, certificate of competence and radio licence.

Fees: The online clearance is free, a small fee at a clearance point; harbour dues in the marinas.

Fairway: Buoyage follows IALA system B: red to starboard when entering from seaward, the reverse of Europe. Around the Îlets Pigeon (Réserve Cousteau) an exclusion zone for motorboats.

Nature: National park: around the Îlets Pigeon anchoring is prohibited, only the moorings, one boat per mooring, 8 m length at most, not overnight, no fishing; in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin no free anchoring, only moorings in eleven zones, no fishing and no jet skis. Drones and lighting at night only with a permit.

Tropical storm season: 1 June to 30 November, peak August to October. Shelters according to sailors: Rivière Salée and Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin (mangroves), Marina Bas-du-Fort. Insurers usually restrict cover: check your policy.

Emergency: 196 (maritime emergency from land, free) or 112; CROSS Antilles-Guyane (MRCC Fort-de-France) +596 596 70 92 92, VHF channel 16 and DSC.

Sources: Préfecture de la Martinique: points agréés clearance (15.12.2025), Douane: guide clearance 2024, Démarches simplifiées: déclaration clearance Antilles, Parc national de la Guadeloupe: réglementation dans le cœur marin de Pigeon, Parc national de la Guadeloupe: réglementation dans le Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, Noonsite: Guadeloupe, Auswärtiges Amt: France (with the overseas territories), travel and safety advice (as of 2026-10-20)

Harbours by cruising area

Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre (Deshaies, Bouillante, Rivière-Sens)

• Anse Deshaies
• Baillif
• La Lise
• Marigot
• Marina de Baie-Mahault
• Marina de Rivière Sens
• Pointe-Noire
• Port de Bananier
• Port de Blachon
• Port de Goyave
• Port de Petit-Bourg
• Port de Péche Baillargent
• Port de pêche de Basse-Terre
• Port de pêche de Trois-Rivières
• Port de Sainte-Rose
• Port de Vieux Fort
• Sainte-Marie

Guadeloupe: Grande-Terre (Pointe-à-Pitre, Le Gosier, Saint-François)

• Le Gosier
• Marina de Bas-du-Fort
• Marina de Port-Louis
• Marina de Saint-François
• Pointe-à-Pitre
• Port de pêche d'Anse-Bertrand
• Port de Pêche de Bergevin
• Port de pêche de Petit-Canal
• Port de Pêche de Saint Felix
• Port de Pêche de Sainte-Anne
• Port de pêche de Vieux-Bourg
• Port de pêche du Moule

Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade

• Marina de Grand Bourg
• Port de Beauséjour
• Port de Capesterre
• Port de L'Anse des Muries
• Saint-Louis
• Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes)

Frequently asked questions