Basse-Terre Town Roads

About This Anchorage

Basse-Terre town is the official administrative capital of Guadeloupe — the seat of the Regional Council, Prefectural administration, and courts, though Pointe-à-Pitre (on Grande-Terre) is the commercial capital and larger city. Basse-Terre is a dignified, unhurried town with beautiful colonial architecture: the imposing Fort Delgrès (1643, one of the best-preserved French colonial forts in the Caribbean), an 18th-century cathedral, the lively market on Place de la Victoire, and numerous good restaurants serving authentic Guadeloupean cuisine. The marina (Marina de Rivière Sens) is small but functional for visiting yachts with water, electricity, and basic facilities. The town provides the best access to excursions to La Soufrière volcano (18km, accessible by car hire or guided tour), the Parc National de la Guadeloupe, and the thermal springs at Matouba.

Hazards

• !Ferry traffic from Basse-Terre to Les Saintes and Marie-Galante — maintain clear approach channels
• !SW swell exposure — anchorage is a roadstead open to the south and west
• !PPRN volcanic risk — Basse-Terre is in the volcanic influence zone of La Soufrière; follow local authority guidance if volcanic activity increases
• !Limited marina capacity — contact capitainerie well in advance in peak season

Skipper's Tips

• →Fort Delgrès (10-minute walk from the marina) is one of the most impressive French colonial fortifications in the Caribbean — free entry and extraordinary views
• →Hire a car from Basse-Terre for a half-day excursion to La Soufrière volcano — the drive through the national park is spectacular
• →The market at Place de la Victoire is the best in southern Basse-Terre — fresh produce, fish, and local crafts
• →The Matouba hot springs (20km from town) are worth the detour — naturally heated mineral water pools in a spectacular mountain setting
• →Ferries to Les Saintes depart from Basse-Terre port — the ferry schedule is posted at the terminal

Nearby Anchorages