The Iles Des Saintes Port, located just six miles south of Guadeloupe, is an ideal port for those visiting the Caribbean Sea. The Les Saintes is a group of eight small islands, of which only two have inhabitants. The first is Terre-de-Haut, which offers some of the best beaches and bays in the Caribbean. If you are planning to snorkel, this is the place to go. The second populated island is Terre-de-Bas is a bit more residential. In either case, visitors to the Iles des Saintes cruise port will find a welcome face to greet them when they arrive.
Shopping
A visit to Iles des Saintes cruise terminal will provide you with several opportunities for shopping pleasure. Keep in mind, though, both of these islands are quite small. Terre-de-Haut is only three miles long and two miles wide, so there are not too many shops to visit. It will take you a few minutes to walk to the center of Bourg, the only village on the island, where you will find a mostly residential area, with a few local shops to drop in to. The other shops located on the island are mainly for water sports, such as the dive shops located at Terre-de-Haut. Still, a local mom and pop type shop can be stopped into. One of the best dive shops is La Dive Bouteille.
Things to Do
Perhaps the most important thing to do when you visit the Iles des Saintes Port is to enjoy the beaches.
- Visit Plage Pompiere Beach, the most popular but sometimes crowded option
- Grande Anse or Big Cove, near the airport does not allow swimming, but there is a nice arch of sand
- Pain de Sucre, or Sugar Loaf, is a great place for snorkeling
When you visit Terre-de-Haut, be sure to check out the local landmark: the doctor's home which is in the shape of a ship's bow. The island only has a few dozen four wheel drive vehicles and you can expect to spend most of it walking about a very small village. In addition, you will find an old cemetery located here. Note the conch shells on the graves, which mark the men lost at sea.
Restaurants and Bars
At the Iles des Saintes port of call, you will find a few good restaurants worth the stop. Keep in mind that the flavor of the islands is French, but you will find American and Creole influences here as well. The Iles des Saintes Port is only a few minutes from the French restaurants of La Saladerie, a local favorite and Quai des Artistes, a more formal restaurant. In addition, visit Le Touloulou and Les Amandiers if you are looking for spicy and interesting Creole food.
Though small, Iles Des Saintes Port has lots to offer visitors, including a wide range of natural adventures to enjoy. Keep in mind that this is an exotic island getaway that can be expensive.