Grande Terre
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Positives
- Small easy waves
- Consistent surf
- Alternative water sports
- Laid back Caribbean atmosphere
Negatives
- Sloppy onshore waves
- School crowds
- Tourist development
- Pricey
Grande Terre surf travel guide
French-governed Guadeloupe is the biggest land mass in the lesser Antilles consisting of two main islands, Grande Terre and Basse Terre, joined in the middle, which when viewed from above, reveal a butterfly shape. Grande Terre benefits from a deeper offshore valley pointing towards the Atlantic NE winter swell source as well as regular trade wind swells and has the majority of the surf spots. The waves are often windy and rarely get bigger than 8ft (2.5m). There are also the exposed islands of Marie Galante and La Dèsirade offshore, which have good potential for marine mobile explorers. Guadeloupe feels very French, although it has its own unique ‘Creole’ style. Locals are generally proud to be both French and Guadeloupian.
Surf spots in Grande Terre
Research the 14 surf breaks in Grande Terre and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Grande Terre.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Grande Terre
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 650,000
- Population
- 400,124
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 0.7 EUR EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +590
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- French, Creole
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cde
Visas
Same as France : France is a Schengen state and citizens of most European countries, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and japan do not require visas. All others, including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the French consulate in their home country.
Getting There
It is possible to take a bus from Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) to Le Moule but a taxi or rental car will be easier.
Getting Around
There’s a good public transport system, but most spots require a rental car which is expensive ($50/d). The road system is well maintained but the east coast lacks paved roads. Driving can be a bit crazy - use the horn! Le Moule is the best place to base yourself.
Accommodation
If you can't stay in Le Moule, try St. Francois. Freddo Surf Camp from $340/wk. Most of the hotels are on the south shore, costing anything from $32-$245/n. Renting a flat can be much cheaper (Airbnb from $40/n). Creole cuisine is very tasty - try ti-punch, the local drink of rum, lime and cane syrup. A meal will cost around $20.
Activities
Apart from visiting spice markets or sailing, Basse Terre offers enjoyable trekking around La Soufrire volcano. Diving is best at ëlets Pigeon, on the Carib side. There are mangrove swamps between the two islands.
Hazards & hassles
Many of the spots break on limestone or coral, often in shallow water, so watch out for reef cuts. Some spots have many urchins. Avoid hurricane season because Guadeloupe is right in their paths and the surf is usually small at this time of year.
Handy Hints
Gear is expensive but available at Gwada Surf Shop (Le Moule) and Surf Rider, (Saint-Francois). Two surf schools in Le Moule. Most surfers are local Guadeloupe and French expats or tourists. There are lots of bodyboarders. French is the official language though most locals speak Creole.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.