Board at Départ à la marina de Deshaies for a 2.5-hour evening sail to Grande Anse with swimming, fresh juices, and a planteur as the sun goes down. The trip finishes with a glowing night swim beneath the boat—intimate, relaxed, and easy to add to any Basse-Terre itinerary.
Board at Départ à la marina de Deshaies for a 2.5-hour evening sail to Grande Anse with swimming, fresh juices, and a planteur as the sun goes down. The trip finishes with a glowing night swim beneath the boat—intimate, relaxed, and easy to add to any Basse-Terre itinerary.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by SUN BOAT · Deshaies, Basse-Terre
On the west coast of Basse-Terre, the fishing village of Deshaies gathers its boats at a low-key marina where travelers step aboard for a sunset that feels private and immediate. The Sunset cruise departs from Départ à la marina de Deshaies and slips past the breakers toward a calm bay off Grande Anse, where volcanic cliffs give way to crescent beaches and thin ribbons of coral shelter glassy water.
This 2.5-hour outing is designed around slow, attentive moments: a gentle sail to an anchorage (Bosco, Petite Anse, or Gadet), time to swim in warm Caribbean water, and an aperitif of planteur—Guadeloupe’s rum punch—served with fresh juices as the sky releases one color after another. Guides provide life jackets, a brief safety talk, and an easygoing soundtrack; the maximum of 12 people keeps the mood intimate and respectful of the sea.
What sets this trip apart is the ending: a short nocturnal dip in illuminated water beneath the boat. LED spots under the hull turn the surface into a glowing pool, making night swimming safe and surreal without relying on bioluminescence. The route showcases local geology—black volcanic rock along Basse-Terre's coastline—and the protective coral formations that make these anchorages excellent for calm bathing. You may sight frigatebirds circling as the light falls and, if you’re lucky, a hawksbill turtle cruising near the reef edges.
Practical details are straightforward. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in; the excursion accommodates children aged 2 and up but excludes infants under six months and recommends against travel for women more than six months pregnant without prior consultation. Bring a mineral sunscreen (to reduce reef impact), a swimsuit, towel, mask and snorkel, and a hat. There’s a small port tax and tipping for the captain is not included.
Beyond the glamour of sunset photos, the cruise is an on-water glimpse into Deshaies’ working-marine character: fishermen, mangrove-lined bays, and a coastline shaped by volcanic uplift. For travelers staying in Deshaies or nearby coastal towns, this boat trip is an efficient, low-effort way to experience Basse-Terre’s marine side without long hikes or complicated logistics.
Photographers will favor the bow’s low angle and backlit silhouettes as the sun slips away; bring a waterproof case for after-dark shots. Confirm times and the one-euro port tax when you book. Small groups keep anchorages quiet, and the captain adjusts the route for sea conditions and reef protection. This short cruise is an efficient, memorable close to a day on Basse-Terre and local culture.
The trip departs from Départ à la marina de Deshaies—please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
Children aged 2 and up can join; infants under six months are not allowed. Pregnant travelers past six months should consult before booking.
Yes—LED lights under the hull illuminate the water and crew provide supervision; basic swimming ability is required.
Included: life jackets, captain, fuel, fresh juices, safety briefing, and the boat tour. A one-euro port tax and captain gratuity are not included.
Yes—the captain can adjust the anchorage (Bosco, Petite Anse, or Gadet) based on sea conditions and conservation concerns.
Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 people for a relaxed experience and reduced environmental impact.
SUN BOAT is a sailing operator based in Saint-Claude on Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, offering curated day and evening boat trips that depart from Deshaies. The company runs three signature experiences: Découverte des Saintes, a daylight sail to the Saintes archipelago with village visits, swimming in turquoise waters, and turtle spotting; Sunset, an evening cruise to a calm bay with music, a rum punch, and a glowing night swim under illuminated waters; and Tour en bateau. Découverte Côte sous le vent, a coastal discovery sail along Deshaies featuring snorkeling with tropical fish and turtles, narrated local stories from the guide, and scenic views of beaches and nearby islands. Each trip emphasizes swimming, snorkeling, marine life observation, and relaxed island scenery. SUN BOAT's trips consistently launch from Deshaies, providing convenient access for visitors staying on Basse-Terre and nearby islands. Guides on board share navigation of local coves and natural highlights, enhancing guest understanding of the coastline and marine habitats. The operator's itineraries are built around safe, shallow anchorages for swimming and snorkeling, calm bays for sunset viewing, and clear waters favored for turtle and tropical fish encounters. Practical details, including departure point, trip durations, and exact inclusions, are provided at booking to ensure guests can prepare appropriately. SUN BOAT's presence in Saint-Claude and regular sailings from Deshaies make it a reliable option for travelers seeking accessible sailing, snorkeling, and sunset experiences in Guadeloupe. Booking information, safety briefings, and suggested gear are available prior to departure to help guests maximize time on the water.
Book with SUN BOAT