A Guadeloupe Adventure Full of Laughs, Rainstorms & Rum

We were five days deep in Îles des Saintes (Terre De Haut)—sun-kissed, slightly prune, and waiting for the wind to stop throwing a tantrum. On day five, we looked at each other, looked at the sea (still rolling like a toddler having a meltdown), and went: “Eh, let’s go for it.” Brave? Maybe. Sensible? Not even slightly. But off we sailed toward mainland Guadeloupe, with wind gusts smacking us around and waves that had clearly had too much caffeine.

But ahhh, once we rounded the main island, the seas mellowed, and we picked up a graceful 7 knots. For a brief moment, we felt like ocean royalty. Then… the wind ghosted us like a bad Tinder date. Just as we were crawling at a snail’s pace (4 knots, don’t laugh), we spotted a pod of dolphins. Actual dolphins! Swimming beside us, chill as cucumbers. Slow, gliding, making eye contact like, “You got this, babe.” I nearly cried. Tick on the bucket list, thank you very much.

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As we approached Pigeon Island and the Malendure Anchorage, it became a very Guadeloupean game of “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t”—with the wind. Eventually, we furled in the Genoa and cranked on the engine. Then came the big, black, drama-queen of a cloud. We dropped the mainsail, and literally within seconds—boom—30-knot gusts and buckets of rain. But we made it. Salt-streaked, rain-splattered, but alive and anchored.

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And then, the flotilla arrived. Friends from all over, anchored around us like a happy reunion of floating hippies. Plans? Of course.

🔥 Hot Springs & High-Speed Dinghy Shenanigans

Just around the bend lies Bouillante (and yes, it sounds exactly like the kind of place where you should be drinking rosé in a hot tub). There’s a natural hot spring that pours straight into the sea—a geothermal miracle and the local hangout spot. Naturally, our ARC tribe made it a dinghy race. It was like Fast & Furious: Outboard Drift. We may have lost, but we lost with style.

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Once there, we all morphed from pirates to spa-goers. Slipping into warm water bubbling up from volcanic rock, steam rising, boats bobbing in the background… heaven. Do not skip this if you visit. Seriously. 12/10. Bring a drink and your best floaty.

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🍹 From Sundowners to Midnight Feasts

Later, we gathered for a “casual” drink on Portless. Casual. Ha. That turned into dinner-for-everyone, laughter echoing off the hulls, and stargazing sessions that went on until midnight. Honestly, it was one of those nights that you wish you could bottle. Just good humans, good food, and good old Caribbean rum.

🚗 Exploring Guadeloupe by Car—Because, Why Not?

With some boats heading off, only Mosse, Sturdeee, and us were left. So we did the only logical thing: rented a car and played island explorers.

Day 1: We headed to Parc des Mamelles—Guadeloupe’s incredible zoo-slash-rainforest jungle. I’m not even exaggerating when I say it’s one of the most gorgeous places I’ve been. Lush paths through canopy walkways, exotic animals living their best lives. If you don’t like zoos, go for the trees. It’s like Tarzan and David Attenborough teamed up to design it.

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Afterward, we hit Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s bustling centre. We wandered the old French-Caribbean streets, soaked up the architecture, talked history, and dodged a few tropical downpours with grace (and soggy shoes).

Day 2: Grocery run! We made a beeline to the big supermarket (sorry, tiny overpriced corner shops) and did what any self-respecting visitor to France does: stocked up on wine, cheese, and more wine. I think we cleared the rosé aisle.

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Then we drove to Deshaies—aka the set of Death in Paradise. We found the famous bar from the show, posed like dorks, had a cocktail (or two), and ran into more sailing friends. Of course, we all went out to dinner together. When sailors find each other on land, it’s like a class reunion. We know we might not cross paths again for months—or ever—so we celebrate while we can. Even if we just saw each other 48 hours ago. 😂

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⛵ Final Thoughts from a Wind-Chaser

Guadeloupe, you wild and wonderful gem, you’ve been unforgettable—from dolphins and dinghies to volcano-heated seawater and midnight feasts. But now it’s time to hoist the anchor once more.

Next up: Montserrat, where we begin another chapter of this salty saga.

Until then… stay warm, stay witty, and always—ALWAYS—drop your mainsail before the squall hits.

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Why You Should Visit Guadeloupe (Volcanoes, Hot Springs & Baguettes, Oh My)

If you’re cruising the Caribbean or hopping islands like a glamorous castaway, don’t skip Guadeloupe. She’s French, fiery (hello, volcano), and full of wild surprises.

This butterfly-shaped beauty offers black sand beaches, jungle waterfalls, natural hot springs in Bouillante, and hikes that make your legs and heart stronger (looking at you, La Soufrière). One minute you’re sipping espresso with a croissant, the next you’re snorkeling with turtles or soaking in a seaside hot tub powered by the Earth’s core. Yes, darling — this island is drama, in the best way.

With top-notch French wine, baguettes, and rum, plus colorful towns like Deshaies and bustling Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe is like the South of France… but with iguanas.

Trust me: plan a stop here. You’ll want to stay longer — and you’ll leave with sand in your shoes and rum in your veins.

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