Sailing catamaran in La Baie des Saintes

Les Saintes is best seen from the water, and this small catamaran gets you there without the feel of a crowded boat trip. You sail Saga from Terre de Haut to Grande Baie on Terre de Bas, stop to snorkel with sea turtles, then return through the famous bay under sail.

I like the seven-person limit and the chance to take part in sailing rather than simply ride along. I also like the easy mix of activity and downtime: you can help with the sails and steering, then stretch out on the deck or net with a drink while the islands slide past.

The one drawback is space. Saga is only 8 meters long, so this is a close-quarters outing, not a roomy day cruise. Three hours also gives you a good taste of Les Saintes, but not time for a long list of coves and beaches.

Key points to know before you book

• A real sailing boat: Saga is a yellow Corneel 26 catamaran, about 26 feet long, with sails rather than an engine-only sightseeing setup.
• A very small group: The boat is limited to seven participants, making conversation and hands-on sailing possible.
• Turtle snorkeling at Grande Baie: The main swim stop is around Terre de Bas, where you can look for sea turtles and fish.
• Two possible water stops: Recent outings have included Terre de Bas for turtles and Ilet Cabrit for fish and coral.
• A flexible role on board: You can help raise the sails, learn to steer, or simply relax on the deck and net.
• A convenient ferry meeting point: The boat leaves from the pier beside Le Génois, only about 10 meters to the left as you step off the ferry from Guadeloupe.

Why this little catamaran suits Les Saintes

Les Saintes is an archipelago of small islands south of Guadeloupe. Its appeal is not just the view from land. The islands are scattered across a bright Caribbean bay, and several of the best swimming and snorkeling spots are easiest to reach by boat.

Saga is built for this setting. At 8 meters long, it is small enough to move between the islands and quiet enough to make the ride feel personal. The boat has a deck and a forward net, with room for six people to sit comfortably, plus the skipper. You should not expect the space or shelter of a large catamaran, but you do get a closer feel for the water.

The trip is led in French and English. Guides named in recent outings include Arnaud and Yohan. Both have been praised for explaining the sailing and pointing out useful places to return to during your stay. Since the group is small, you can ask questions without trying to catch a guide’s attention across a crowded boat.

I see this as a good choice if you want more than a transfer between islands. The ferry gets you to Les Saintes. Saga lets you understand how the islands fit together from the water.

Meeting Saga beside Le Génois

The meeting point is simple, though you should pay attention when getting off the ferry. In Terre de Haut, find the pier in front of Le Génois. The boat meets you on the left, about 10 meters from the ferry landing.

That location matters because Terre de Haut is often reached as a day trip from Guadeloupe. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi or search through the village for a marina. Step off the ferry, look left, and head to the small pier.

The tour lasts three hours, and starting times vary. Check the available departure when booking, especially if you are coming over on the ferry and planning to return the same day. The provided details do not give a fixed daily departure, so you should leave enough time between the ferry and the sailing rather than assume every boat connection will work.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Snorkeling equipment is provided, although bringing your own mask is sensible if you already have one that fits well. The sun can feel strong on the open water, and the white deck and sea add plenty of glare.

Setting sail from Terre de Haut

Once everyone is aboard, the outing begins with a short sailing lesson and a look at the boat. Saga is a Corneel 26, a yellow catamaran that is faster than its compact size suggests.

You can take an active role. The skipper may invite you to help raise the sails and explain how to steer. That makes the trip different from a standard boat ride, where you sit in one place and watch the crew work. If you prefer a quiet morning or afternoon, you can simply settle on the deck or net and enjoy the view.

The net is one of the best seats on the boat, but it is also the place where you feel the motion most directly. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the center of the boat and keep your eyes on the horizon. The supplied information does not promise a calm ride, and wind and sea conditions will affect how lively the catamaran feels.

Sailing is part of the attraction here. You may hear the rigging, feel the boat respond to the wind, and watch the skipper adjust course between the islands. The point is not speed. It is the pleasure of moving quietly through La Baie des Saintes.

The sail to Grande Baie on Terre de Bas

The main route heads from Terre de Haut toward Grande Baie on Terre de Bas. This is where the tour shifts from sailing lesson to water time.

Terre de Bas is quieter and less immediately accessible than Terre de Haut. Reaching it by catamaran gives you a reason to leave the ferry port and see another part of the archipelago. At Grande Baie, the boat pauses so you can swim and snorkel.

The water stop is built around sea turtles. You may see turtles cruising through the water, along with tropical fish. The experience is not a guaranteed wildlife encounter, so you should book it for the combination of sailing and snorkeling rather than treat the turtles as a promise. Still, a recent outing included a beautiful turtle sighting, and that is the sort of moment this route makes possible.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You should still bring your own swimwear and towel, and apply sunscreen before boarding. If you use reef-safe sunscreen, put it on well before entering the water and follow local guidance.

This stop is also a chance to slow down. You can swim, look around, and enjoy a refreshment before the return sail. One outing included free drinks along the way, while another included a small aperitif with tourments d’amour, a Guadeloupe pastry. Those extras may vary, so I would treat them as a pleasant possibility rather than part of the guaranteed package.

What you might see beneath the boat

The snorkeling is not limited to turtles. One recent trip visited a second place for fish and coral, and another included a stop at Ilet Cabrit after Terre de Bas. The exact stops can change with conditions and the skipper’s judgment.

That flexibility is useful. A skipper can choose a better place for the day instead of forcing every trip into one rigid route. It also means you should not expect the same marine life or the same second stop every time.

The water stops are short enough to fit within a three-hour tour, so this is not a full snorkeling day. You will get time to swim and look for turtles, fish, and coral, but the main experience remains the sailing. If you want hours in the water, look for a longer snorkeling or boat charter instead.

I like this balance for a first visit. You get to see the islands from the deck, enter the water, and return to Terre de Haut without spending an entire day on a boat. It leaves room for lunch, a walk through the village, or the ferry back to Guadeloupe.

Sailing back through La Baie des Saintes

After the swim, the sails go up again for the return to Terre de Haut. This is the scenic heart of the trip. La Baie des Saintes has UNESCO recognition as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and it is easy to understand the appeal when you are moving through it at water level.

From Saga, you are not looking at the bay from one fixed viewpoint. The angle changes as the boat crosses the water. Terre de Haut, Terre de Bas, and the smaller islands appear as part of one connected setting rather than separate stops on a map.

The return leg is also where you can relax. Some people will want to keep learning about sailing or take a turn at the helm. Others will prefer the forward net, a drink, and the sound of the water. The small group makes both styles possible.

A few practical limits are worth keeping in mind. There is no claim of a shaded cabin, and the boat is compact. Bring protection from the sun and be ready to share the available sitting space. You will get a more direct sailing experience, but less room to spread out than on a large excursion catamaran.

What the $88 price gives you

At $88 per person, the cost is reasonable if you value a small group and hands-on sailing. You are paying for three hours aboard a private-feeling catamaran, a skipper who can explain the route in French or English, snorkeling equipment, and access to places you cannot reach directly from the ferry dock.

The seven-person cap is important to the price. On a larger boat, the same fare might buy more seats and more deck space, but you would likely get less personal attention. Here, you have a real chance to ask about the islands, help with the sails, or steer for part of the route when the skipper allows it.

The value is less clear if your main goal is simply a long swim. Three hours includes the sailing there and back, so the time in the water is only one part of the outing. You might also find the price high if you already have access to a boat or only want to snorkel from shore.

For most visitors with limited time in Les Saintes, I think the cost makes sense. You get transport between several parts of the archipelago, an activity on the water, and a small-group setting. The tour has a 4.9 rating from 88 reviews, and 97 percent of ratings for the transport portion are perfect, which matches the strongest parts of the experience: the boat, the route, and the personal feel.

Who should book this sailing trip

I would choose Saga if you want to:

• See Les Saintes from the water without joining a large boat.
• Snorkel for turtles, fish, and coral.
• Learn a little about sailing or take a turn steering.
• Keep the outing to three hours.
• Meet other people in a group of no more than seven.
• Combine a boat trip with a wider day in Terre de Haut.

Families with older children may enjoy the active role, but the provided information does not set a minimum age. If you are booking for children, confirm age rules and comfort with a small open boat before paying.

This is also a good pick for couples and solo visitors who want a more social outing. With so few people aboard, conversation comes naturally. It is less suited to anyone who needs a large, stable platform, lots of shade, or a long, structured snorkeling session.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your ferry plans or Guadeloupe schedule are still shifting.

The tour is offered in French and English, but you should indicate your preferred language when booking if that option is available. The exact guide may be Arnaud, Yohan, or another member of the Voilosaintes team.

Check the sea and weather forecast before you go, then bring the basics: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Snorkeling equipment is supplied. A small dry bag can be useful for personal items, though it is not listed as required equipment.

Should you book Saga?

Book this tour if you want the most personal version of a short sailing trip around Les Saintes. The combination of a tiny catamaran, turtle snorkeling at Grande Baie, possible fish and coral viewing near Ilet Cabrit, and a scenic return through La Baie des Saintes gives you a lot in three hours.

Skip it if you want a big, shaded boat, guaranteed turtle sightings, or several hours of swimming. For everyone else, $88 buys more than a boat ride. It gives you a close look at the archipelago and a chance to take part in the sailing itself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour meet?

It meets in Terre de Haut in Les Saintes, on the pier in front of Le Génois. The meeting point is about 10 meters to the left when you get off the ferry from Guadeloupe.

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts three hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to seven participants. Saga can comfortably accommodate six people on its deck and net, in addition to the skipper.

Which languages does the guide speak?

The activity is offered in French and English.

Will I get to snorkel with sea turtles?

The itinerary includes a swim and snorkeling stop at Grande Baie on Terre de Bas, where you can look for sea turtles. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Can I cancel the reservation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.