From the past few weeks of cruising, Guadeloupe stands out as a favorite. As good as the diving was in Martinique, Guadeloupe has twice as many spots and so much more to offer. The island feels better suited for visitors, with more, better stocked grocery stores, more restaurants, and a nicer, more 'French' feel. The small group of islands south of the mainland, called Les Saintes, is a wonderful hangout spot where one could easily spend a month cruising the handful of islands that make up the archipelago.
Although things have taken a turn in during the last few days, we have so far been extremely lucky to not have any issues with bugs, be it flies, mosquitos, or midges. From Barbados to Guadeloupe, we've managed to get away with no screens over the hatches, a fact that I am extremely thankful for as I can live more comfortably. The unfortunate truth is the bug screens cut airflow through the boat by over half, a necessity to keep biting critters at bay.
In contrast to the few months leading up to the Atlantic passage, I truly feel like I'm on vacation with no major boat jobs or repairs on anyone's list.
Translated to Islet of the goats, this now-uninhabited island provides spectacular views of Les Saintes, Guadeloupe
Not only inhabited by goats, but dozens of hermit crabs as well
A view of Terre-de-Bas
The remains of Fort Josephine
Terre-de-Haute as viewed from the summit of Illet a Cabrit
A mother goat and her kid
An abandoned building from another era
The biggest conch I've ever seen, diving in about 40 feet of water. This one was lucky that harvest is only open to professional divers
Spectacular sunsets were the usual while moored at the islet
M/Y Felix kept us company for a few nights
Terre-de-Haute from the air one beautiful evening. Note Dominica in the background, about 20 miles away
