Kitesurf at Les Saintes

Have you ever heard of Les Saintes, the small archipelago off the coast of Guadeloupe, facing 3 rivers? It’s a true paradise, definitely touristy, but really charming, especially when the vacationers take the evening boat back.

Les Saintes is an archipelago of 9 islets, with only 2 inhabited: Terre de Haut, very touristy and lively, and Terre de Bas, much quieter. The archipelago is composed of small volcanic islands, with rugged terrain and lush vegetation cascading into the clear sea. Most tourists stay on Terre de Haut (where most boats drop you off), but for those who spend several consecutive days in the archipelago, a trip to Terre de Bas is a must!

To get there, you have to pass through Guadeloupe and take the boat from 3 rivers (about a 30-minute crossing for 20/30€ round trip). The arrival in the bay of Les Saintes is magnificent… You can easily do it in a day, but it’s also worth staying a few days to fully enjoy what the islands have to offer.

For kiteboarding, there are several places you can sail, but it’s best to know or ask for advice from the locals: – Grande Anse beach is not recommended for beginners because it can be dangerous (strong currents and sometimes really big waves) – The bay in front of Pain de Sucre, in Terre de Haut: you need to get there by boat, and it’s just magical! The setting is sublime, the water is clear, and the landscapes are completely breathtaking!

You can explore Les Saintes on foot, by bike (but beware, it’s hilly!), or by scooter. There are hardly any cars on the island, making it more peaceful. The distances are not very large, just keep in mind that it’s quite hilly.

When you go to Les Saintes, you must try a “tourment d’amour,” the local specialty! It’s a round and soft cake, which can come in different flavors (the most famous being coconut).

Pain de Sucre is a must-see: it’s this round hill covered in vegetation that extends into the water. You can swim, have lunch, and walk around there.