An authentic trip to La Désirade: Between Wild Nature and Creole Traditions

A small island in the east of the Guadeloupe archipelago, La Désirade has a crazy charm. Protected from mass tourism, it is the first overseas geological reserve. Located about ten kilometers from Grande Terre and Cap Château, it is composed of several nature reserves, including two islets sheltering aquatic fauna unique in Guadeloupe.

Beautiful beaches, great gastronomy and a relaxed lifestyle, there are many reasons to discover this very natural and wild place. Less well known than Marie-Galante and Les Saintes, it promises a peaceful getaway in an authentic setting, of great tranquility surrounded by nature.

La Désirade, to the rhythm of the sea

La Désirade takes its current name (previously called “Oualiri” by the Amerindians) from an expedition by Christopher Columbus. It was the first land reached (the desired one) on November 2, 1493, by the explorer.

This fishing island is largely sheltered from tourism. La Désirade is also part of this region, known as the “Riviera of the Islands of Guadeloupe”, which extends from Gosier to Sainte-Anne via Saint-François. But unlike seaside resorts whose reputation is well established, La Désirade is distinguished by its air at the end of the world.

Apart from any extravagance, La Désirade is home to a few cottages and restaurants in a friendly atmosphere. As soon as they arrive at the port of Beausejour, a feeling of freedom overwhelms visitors. Surrounded by impressive rock barriers, here you feel far from everything, on the edge of the tropical ocean and the Caribbean Sea, so dear to the heart of Desiradians.

It should be noted that fishing is central to the island, as this area is rich in fish. This is the main activity, accounting for half of the local fishery.

Two unique nature reserves in Guadeloupe

La Désirade is not only of great interest from a geological point of view. Indeed, the island is 150 million years old. It is the first land in the Lesser Antilles. But it is also a habitat for exceptional flora and fauna. Hikers will be able to observe this preserved nature along the trails. The Desert Botanical Garden, which is home to 3,500 cacti and other plants of 800 varieties, is also worth a visit.

La Désirade is also home to the two National Nature Reserves of Guadeloupe. La Désirade National Nature Reserve and Petite-Terre National Nature Reserve. While the first is accessible via the island's only road, it is only possible to get to the second by sea.

The Petite-Terre National Nature Reserve consists of two islands: Terre de Haut and Terre de Bas. It takes about an hour by boat to reach this small tropical paradise. During the crossing, you will have the opportunity to see turtles, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins and other flying fish. And once docked, there are many wonders to discover. Salinas surrounded by mangroves and lagoons with turquoise waters, protected by coral reefs, the landscape is remarkable in beauty.

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