Guadeloupe Ferries and Boats

Guadeloupe has several neighboring islands that can be reached by ferry

Friendly Neighbors

The country of Guadeloupe is really made up of two large islands, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, as well a several smaller offshore dependent islands. While vacationing in Guadeloupe, most travelers will want to take the time to visit several of these islands in order to fully experience the country. Travelers can reach both the east and west sides of Guadeloupe and its dependencies by way of interisland ferries.

Tourists can plan a day trip to any of Guadeloupe several islands, which are easily accessible by the country's extensive boat service. This daily service also travels to other nearby islands, including Martinique and Dominica.

Travelers have several choices when it comes to water travel. Try a ride on a large, high-speed catamaran, complete with enclosed seating and refreshments served on board. One-way or round-trip tickets are available to and from several locations around the islands, including Saint-François to La Désirade, and Pointe-à-Pitre to Les Saintes and to Marie-Galante. There is also a weekly ferry service to neighboring islands such as St. Lucia.

Here are some ferry companies on the island, their contact information, and their destination ports:

Destination Company Telephone Number
La Désirade Sototromade 590-20-02-30
La Désirade Socimade 590-83-32-67
La Désirade Le Mistral 590-88-48-63
Les Saintes L'Express des Îles 590-83-12-45
Les Saintes Transports Brudey Fréres 590-90-04-48
Marie-Galante L'Express des Îles 590-83-12-45
Marie-Galante Transports Brudey Fréres 590-90-04-48
Marie-Galante Amanda Galante 590-83-12-45
Neighboring Islands L'Express des Îles 590-83-12-45

Ferry travel is rather inexpensive, with the cost of a round trip ticket ranging from about $25(USD) to $32(USD) for travel from the main island to the offshore islands. Children's fares and one-way fares are about half this price. Ferry schedules are subject to change, but generally begin running around 8:00 a.m. Travelers can get ferry schedules from the tourism office at Pointe-à-Pitre, which can be reached by telephone at 590-82-09-30. The length of your ferry journey will depend on your destination, but will generally range from about 30 to 45 minutes one-way to the closer offshore islands, and up to four hours round trip to other neighboring islands like Dominica and Martinique.

Travelers are sure to get more out of their vacation by visiting Guadeloupe's nearby islands. Consider brushing up on your French or carrying a French translation dictionary to communicate effectively with the ferry boat operator.

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