Sailboat Discovery

Sailing South to Guadeloupe

After our tour of Montserrat we were off to the French island of Guadeloupe, its the largest of the islands in the west indies and home to what would become two of our most favorite spots, the small fishing village of Deshaies and the beautiful islands of the Saintes just off shore on the south end of the island!

Deshaies is the northern most harbor on the island and a secure anchorage. Although the small harbor is a good place to escape the swell and waves, its also one of the most windy spots in the Caribbean, its known for the amazing gusts of wind that funnel down the mountains and blow thru the anchorage. But its a handy place to clear into t

he country and has a charming village with great bakery and restaurants. It also is the home of a great Botanical garden which is a cant miss attraction. The Saintes is a group if three islands that lay just 6 miles south of the main island. the main island is Terre de Haute and it again is a charming fishing village replete with dress shops. restaurants and French bakery! We rented scooters and toured the entire island in a few hours, The island has several great beaches, good snorkeling and of course good food.

Its also the site of a very well preserved fort, and inside is wonderful display of artifacts that describe the big naval battle that occurred between the French and the English just north of the Saintes, this battle was the defininative battle between the Fench and English for domination of the Caribbean. The English won the battle of the Saintes and pushed Franch out of the Caribbean dominace for good.

The fort should not be missed on any trip to the Saintes!