Nicknamed the 'Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean,' Iles des Saintes is a tiny, car-free French archipelago where the pace is slow, the beaches pristine, and the pastries irresistible.
All ships anchor in the stunning Baie des Saintes and run tenders to the Gare Maritime dock in the heart of Bourg — there is no cruise pier.
💡 Pro move: Les Saintes is car-free for tourists. Scooters, e-bikes, and golf carts are the only motorized options. Walking is perfectly viable for Bourg and Plage de Pompierre.
There is no cruise pier — all vessels anchor and tender into the Gare Maritime ferry dock in Bourg.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Windstar, Seabourn, Silversea, Ponant, Star Clippers, SeaDream, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Anchored in Baie des Saintes📍 | Tendered |
| Explora Journeys, Emerald Cruises, expedition ships | Anchored in Baie des Saintes📍 | Tendered |
Most visitors explore independently — rent a golf cart, hit Fort Napoléon before noon, then spend the afternoon at a beach.
A 19th-century fortress built on volcanic heights, housing a museum on the 1782 Battle of the Saintes and a cactus garden roamed by free iguanas. The ramparts offer the best views on the island — including your ship in the bay.
Book Fort Napoléon tours →The island's most popular beach — a reef-sheltered cove with impossibly calm, shallow turquoise water and a palm-shaded shore. About 1.8 km from the pier on foot (20–25 min, mostly flat).
Find beach day tours →Named after its dramatic basalt cliff, this intimate cove has the best snorkeling on the island — corals and reef fish right off the shore. A steep rocky trail leads down from the parking area.
Find snorkeling tours →The highest point on the island (309 m) has a Napoleonic watchtower and 360° views of Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, and Dominica. Strenuous 1-hour hike up a paved sun-exposed road — bring water.
Find hiking tours →Wander the pastel-painted main street, visit the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church, spot the boat-shaped maison-bateau on the waterfront, and eat freshly made tourment d'amour pastries from pier vendors.
Find food tours →Bourg is entirely walkable from the tender dock, and two beaches are reachable on foot — though a golf cart opens up the whole island.
From the Gare Maritime, stroll through the colorful village center, past the Notre-Dame church, out to the conch-shell cemetery (graves lined with giant conch shells — a local tradition), and back along the waterfront.
Head east from the Gare Maritime along the main road, following signs to Pompierre. The path is mostly flat with a gentle rise near the end. The beach reward is well worth the walk.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, France (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 13 | 6:37 AM | 5:54 PM |
| Feb | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 12 | 6:31 AM | 6:09 PM |
| Mar | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 6:14 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Apr | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 12 | 5:51 AM | 6:21 PM |
| May | 81°F / 27°C | 79°F / 26°C | 12 | 5:36 AM | 6:28 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 13 | 5:35 AM | 6:38 PM |
| Jul | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 18 | 5:43 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Aug | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 19 | 5:51 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 80°F / 27°C | 16 | 5:54 AM | 6:07 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 19 | 5:58 AM | 5:45 PM |
| Nov | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 19 | 6:09 AM | 5:32 PM |
| Dec | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 17 | 6:26 AM | 5:37 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Ships tender directly into Bourg des Saintes — the main town is steps from the pier. Most sights are easily walkable from the tender dock.
Scooter rentals are widely available near the pier and are a popular way to explore the island's hills and beaches. A valid driver's license and deposit are required.
Small electric cars (voiturettes/golfettes) can be rented to tour the island at your own pace. Good for groups; driving license required.
Taxis de l'Ile minibuses carry 6–8 passengers and are available for island tours or point-to-point transport. Often include a stop at Fort Napoléon.
Bicycle rentals are available near the pier. Electric-assist bikes are recommended given the hilly terrain.
Upcoming cruises that call at Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, France. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other cruise ports within about 250 km.