Les Saintes (the Saintes Islands) are a small volcanic archipelago south of Guadeloupe, between Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante and Dominica: 13 km² (5 sq mi) of land, two inhabited islands, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, and a handful of islets. People come for the bay of Terre-de-Haut, Fort Napoléon, the beaches of Pompierre and Pain de Sucre, the hike up Morne du Chameau and the underwater world. This Les Saintes travel guide covers what to see, how to get there, what to do in a day or a longer stay, and what weather to expect.
To plan the rest of the trip, see our guide to travel in Guadeloupe, the calendar for when to go to Guadeloupe, the neighbouring island of Marie-Galante and our page on car rental in Guadeloupe.
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Les Saintes at a glance
- Archipelago Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas (inhabited), Îlet à Cabrit, Grand-Îlet, La Coche, Les Augustins, La Redonde, Le Pâté, Les Roches Percées
- Status two municipalities of the department of Guadeloupe; Terre-de-Haut had 1,463 inhabitants in 2023 (Insee)
- Highest point Morne du Chameau, 309 m (1,014 ft), on Terre-de-Haut
- Main sights the town and bay of Terre-de-Haut, Fort Napoléon, Pompierre, Pain de Sucre, Grande Anse on Terre-de-Bas
- Getting there by boat from Trois-Rivières (daily crossings), Basse-Terre, Pointe-à-Pitre or Grand-Bourg
- Time zone UTC−4, no daylight saving; 4 hours behind London in winter (5 in summer); the same time as New York in winter and 1 hour ahead in summer
- Entry Guadeloupe is part of France and the EU: up to 90 days visa-free for US and UK citizens (travel.state.gov, last updated September 09, 2026; GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026)
What to see in Les Saintes: the highlights
The town and bay of Terre-de-Haut
Most visitors land at the town of Terre-de-Haut, the eastern and busiest island. The bay has been a cruise and yachting stop since the late 1950s. To protect the seabed, dozens of mooring buoys were installed there in 2011 to limit wild anchoring. The town can be explored on foot; you can then rent a scooter, bicycle or electric buggy to reach the beaches and hills.
Fort Napoléon and its garden
On Morne Mire, above the bay, Fort Louis was built from 1777 on the orders of Louis XVI, then renamed Fort Napoléon. The present fort, Vauban-inspired, was begun in 1844 and completed in 1867. Abandoned as a garrison in 1903, then used as a political prison under the Vichy regime, it was restored from 1974 and houses the museum of the history and heritage of the Saintes. A botanical garden, created with the support in 1984 by the gardens of Monaco and Nancy, surrounds the ramparts. It is also the best viewpoint over the bay and Îlet à Cabrit. Opening hours and prices: ask the museum or the tourist office.
The beaches of Pompierre and Pain de Sucre
Pompierre Bay and Pain de Sucre were listed in 1991 under the French law of 1930 on protected sites. They are two of the best-known spots on Terre-de-Haut, popular for swimming and snorkeling. Respect the protections: do not trample seagrass or corals and do not feed the fish.
Morne du Chameau and the hikes
The highest point of the archipelago (309 m / 1,014 ft), Morne du Chameau was acquired by the Conservatoire du littoral. The climb offers a panorama of the whole archipelago. Several hills (Morel, Rodrigue, the south slope of Morne à Craie) are covered by biotope protection orders. Start early: the dry forest gives little shade.
Terre-de-Bas, the quiet island
To the west, Terre-de-Bas is wetter and less visited than Terre-de-Haut. Grande Anse beach there is protected by a biotope order. The hills are covered with bay trees, from which bay rum is made. Shuttles link the two islands.
The islets: Cabrit and Grand-Îlet
Facing the town, Îlet à Cabrit (formerly “Petite Martinique”) hosted a fort, a penal colony in 1851 and then a leper hospital. Grand-Îlet, a nature reserve acquired by the Conservatoire du littoral, shelters seabirds: frigatebirds, brown boobies, red-footed boobies and brown pelicans.
Wildlife and the seabed
The Saintes are home to the Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima), a symbol of Terre-de-Haut, threatened by hybridisation with the green iguana. The waters hold coral fish, sea turtles (including green, hawksbill and leatherback) and, in the Saintes channel, humpback whales during their migration. Beware of the manchineel, a toxic tree marked by a red line on the trunk: do not shelter beneath it.
A little history: the Battle of the Saintes
On 12 April 1782, the French fleet of the Comte de Grasse was beaten by the British fleet off the archipelago: this is the Battle of the Saintes. The archipelago’s military vocation, long nicknamed the “Gibraltar of the Antilles”, explains the presence of the forts.
Les Saintes in a day or a longer stay
| Plan | What it includes | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| One day | Town, Fort Napoléon, one beach (Pompierre or Pain de Sucre) | Travelers based on Basse-Terre or in Pointe-à-Pitre |
| Two days | + Morne du Chameau early in the morning, snorkeling, sunset over the bay | Those who want to see the town after the day-trippers leave |
| Three days or more | + Terre-de-Bas and Grande Anse, a diving trip, the islets | Divers, hikers, a quiet stay |
Where to stay in Les Saintes
Most accommodation is on Terre-de-Haut, in the town or around the bay; Terre-de-Bas has a smaller, quieter offer. Sleeping on site lets you enjoy the town in the evening and set off early on a hike. Book early during school holidays and around festivals.
How to get to Les Saintes
For passengers, small ferries, some of them high-speed, run several crossings a day, 7 days a week, between Trois-Rivières, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, as well as from Basse-Terre on some mornings. Other, mostly tourist, services leave once to several times a week from Pointe-à-Pitre and Grand-Bourg (Marie-Galante). Timetables change with the season and the state of the sea: check directly with the ferry companies before you plan.
Les Saintes–Terre-de-Haut aerodrome has a 580 m (1,903 ft) runway reserved for small planes; according to Wikipedia, no scheduled service has been maintained there since Air Caraïbes stopped its link in 2008 (to be checked). On the islands, people get around on foot, by scooter, by bicycle or by electric buggy.
Ferry tickets, excursions and rentals: what to check
Compare the companies’ official sites and the excursion resellers: outward and return times (the last boat shapes your day), conditions in rough seas, luggage and refunds. To reach the Trois-Rivières jetty, a car is often the simplest solution: see our page on car rental in Guadeloupe. On site, if you rent a scooter, check the licence required and the insurance. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026) says French driving rules apply in Guadeloupe and that you may need an international driving permit as well as your UK licence; check with the local authorities or your hire company.
When to go to Les Saintes: climate and seasons
The climate is tropical, tempered by the trade winds, with two seasons: the drier “carême” from December to April, and the hotter, wetter “hivernage” from May to November, which is also the hurricane season. Terre-de-Haut, very breezy, is drier than Terre-de-Bas. As no official normals are published for the Saintes, the table gives Guadeloupe’s reference station, Pointe-à-Pitre – Le Raizet, with our sunshine calculations for the archipelago.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Day/night gap | Sunrise / sunset (15th) | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.1 °C (84 °F) | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 8.2 °C (15 °F) | 6:37 am / 5:54 pm | 11 h 17 min |
| February | 29.1 °C (84 °F) | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 8.2 °C (15 °F) | 6:31 am / 6:09 pm | 11 h 38 min |
| March | 29.6 °C (85 °F) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 8.5 °C (15 °F) | 6:14 am / 6:16 pm | 12 h 02 min |
| April | 30.2 °C (86 °F) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 7.8 °C (14 °F) | 5:51 am / 6:21 pm | 12 h 30 min |
| May | 30.8 °C (87 °F) | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 7.1 °C (13 °F) | 5:36 am / 6:28 pm | 12 h 52 min |
| June | 31.4 °C (89 °F) | 24.5 °C (76 °F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 6.9 °C (12 °F) | 5:34 am / 6:38 pm | 13 h 04 min |
| July | 31.6 °C (89 °F) | 24.5 °C (76 °F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 7.1 °C (13 °F) | 5:42 am / 6:41 pm | 12 h 59 min |
| August | 31.8 °C (89 °F) | 24.3 °C (76 °F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 7.5 °C (14 °F) | 5:51 am / 6:30 pm | 12 h 39 min |
| September | 31.6 °C (89 °F) | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 7.6 °C (14 °F) | 5:54 am / 6:08 pm | 12 h 13 min |
| October | 31.3 °C (88 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 203 mm (8.0 in) | 7.8 °C (14 °F) | 5:58 am / 5:45 pm | 11 h 47 min |
| November | 30.5 °C (87 °F) | 22.6 °C (73 °F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 7.9 °C (14 °F) | 6:08 am / 5:32 pm | 11 h 24 min |
| December | 29.6 °C (85 °F) | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 127 mm (5.0 in) | 8.0 °C (14 °F) | 6:25 am / 5:37 pm | 11 h 12 min |
Reading the table: at Le Raizet, February is the driest month (58 mm / 2.3 in) and October the wettest (203 mm / 8.0 in). The temperature varies little: from a 29.1 °C (84 °F) high in January to 31.8 °C (89 °F) in August. Destination de Voyage calculation: on the Saintes, the day lasts 11 h 12 min in December and 13 h 04 min in June: night falls early all year, so plan hikes for the morning.
For the month-by-month detail, hurricane risk and sargassum, see when to go to Guadeloupe.
Hurricanes and weather warnings
Like all the Antilles, the archipelago is exposed to tropical cyclones during the hurricane season. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026), the season in Guadeloupe normally runs from June to November, and you should monitor weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the US National Hurricane Center. Before and during your stay, also follow Météo-France warnings and the instructions of the Guadeloupe prefecture; in an alert, ferry services can be suspended.
Entry requirements and phone
Les Saintes are part of Guadeloupe, a French department: the currency is the euro. For entry, we read the following sources on 26 October 2026:
- US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, French West Indies page, last updated September 09, 2026), you need a U.S. passport with at least 6 months’ validity. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days if you have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and can show evidence of your ability to support yourself.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026), your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Guadeloupe, and you can visit without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
- Safety: the U.S. Department of State notes that petty street crime, including purse snatching, does occur: do not leave valuables unattended or visible in vehicles; and for boaters, be wary of unfamiliar persons or craft approaching your boat.
- See also our guide to entry requirements. For mobile service, ask your provider about conditions in French overseas departments; our travel eSIM guide explains the alternatives.
If you… then…
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Have only one day | Fort Napoléon in the morning, then Pompierre or Pain de Sucre; check the time of the last boat |
| Like hiking | Morne du Chameau early in the morning, with water and a hat |
| Want peace and quiet | Sleep on site or spend a day on Terre-de-Bas |
| Go snorkeling | Pain de Sucre, respecting seagrass and corals |
| Travel from July to November | Watch the hurricane warnings |
| Get seasick | Prefer an early-morning crossing and check the marine forecast |
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Les Saintes?
By boat: daily crossings from Trois-Rivières, some mornings from Basse-Terre, and tourist services from Pointe-à-Pitre and Grand-Bourg. Check timetables with the ferry companies.
Is one day enough to visit Les Saintes?
One day lets you see the town, Fort Napoléon and one beach on Terre-de-Haut. For Morne du Chameau, Terre-de-Bas or diving, allow at least one night.
What is there to see in Les Saintes?
The town and bay of Terre-de-Haut, Fort Napoléon and its garden, Pompierre, Pain de Sucre, Morne du Chameau and Grande Anse on Terre-de-Bas.
What is the best time to go to Les Saintes?
The drier “carême”, from December to April; February is the driest month at Guadeloupe’s reference station (Météo-France, Le Raizet, 1991–2020 normals). The hurricane season runs from June to November (UK FCDO).
Can you drive a car on Les Saintes?
People mostly get around on foot, by scooter, by bicycle or by electric buggy. A rental car is mostly useful for reaching the jetty in Guadeloupe.
Do you need a passport for Les Saintes?
Yes. US citizens need a passport valid for at least 6 months (U.S. Department of State, September 09, 2026) and UK citizens a passport valid at least 3 months after departure (UK FCDO, 22 October 2026); both can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Our sources
- UK FCDO, Guadeloupe foreign travel advice (GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026): entry requirements, safety and security; read 26 October 2026
- U.S. Department of State, French West Indies country information (travel.state.gov, last updated September 09, 2026): entry and exit requirements, safety and security; read 26 October 2026
- Wikipedia (French): “Îles des Saintes” and “Terre-de-Haut”, including Insee legal populations
- Météo-France: climate normals for the Pointe-à-Pitre – Le Raizet station (department-wide reference)
- Astronomical calculations: NOAA solar algorithm applied by Destination de Voyage to the coordinates of Terre-de-Haut (15th of each month, year 2027)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
Opening hours and prices may change: check on site before you go.
