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La Toubana Hôtel & Spa: top beaches in Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe is a true paradise for vacationers looking to spend time on the beach, by the Caribbean Sea. Many activities can be enjoyed here: swimming, relaxing, snorkeling, sailing, and more. You will be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the landscapes: warm, turquoise waters and white sand beaches lined with coconut trees. Here are the most beloved beaches in Grande-Terre, which are some of the most beautiful in Guadeloupe.

Beaches near the hotel

Caravelle Beach: Exotic Charm in Sainte-Anne

Just a 4-minute drive from La Toubana Hôtel & Spa, Caravelle Beach in Guadeloupe is one of the most popular beaches in Grande-Terre. Famous for its pristine white sand and calm, shallow turquoise waters, it’s perfect for safe swimming and snorkeling.

This beach offers shaded areas under the palm trees, ideal for a relaxing day. Its paradisiacal setting attracts both tourists and locals. However, due to its popularity, it’s advised to arrive early to enjoy the peaceful morning.

Petit-Havre Beach: Between Relaxation and Sports Sensations

Located 7 minutes by car from the hotel, between Sainte-Anne and Le Gosier, Petit-Havre Beach is a true haven of peace. This small, quiet beach is less crowded, offering an intimate setting with white sand and clear waters. You’ll enjoy sunbathing or swimming in its crystal-clear waters.

For the more adventurous, the beach is also a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding, especially when the waves are good. Nature lovers may even spot iguanas basking on the surrounding rocks.

Sainte-Anne Beach: In the Heart of Local Vibrancy

Located in the center of Sainte-Anne, just 9 minutes by car, this public beach is highly appreciated for its beautiful white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Its lively atmosphere attracts both tourists and locals. It’s a vibrant place where you can enjoy restaurants, the local colorful market, and craft shops.

Although popular and often busy, this beach offers all the necessary comfort with showers, public toilets, and many food stands. If you’re looking for a dynamic atmosphere with all amenities at hand, this is the ideal place.

Bois Jolan Beach: A Family Paradise under the Coconut Trees

Located 17 minutes by car, just 5 km from Sainte-Anne, Bois Jolan Beach is perfect for families. Its fine sand and turquoise waters provide a paradisiacal setting for relaxation and family games. You can relax in the shade of the coconut trees and enjoy a peaceful picnic.

The site is also great for long walks along the shore, with your feet in the water. On your way, don’t miss out on the coconut ice cream sold by local vendors in the parking lot. This refreshing treat is perfect for sunny, hot days.

La Datcha Beach: Lively Atmosphere with Breathtaking Views

Located 21 minutes by car, in Le Gosier, La Datcha Beach is ideal for those seeking both relaxation and activities. This 1-kilometer long white sand beach offers stunning views of Gosier Islet, which is easily accessible by kayak or by swimming for the more adventurous.

During the day, enjoy many water activities like surfing, windsurfing, or snorkeling. There are also huts available for shaded picnics.

In the evening, the beach is lit up until 11 PM, creating a warm atmosphere for a night walk with your feet in the sand. It’s also one of the best places to admire the sunset while sipping a cocktail at one of the nearby bars.

Other Beautiful Beaches to Discover in Grande-Terre

Raisins Clairs Beach: Relaxation under the Raisin Trees

A 33-minute drive away, Raisins Clairs Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Saint-François. This peaceful haven is popular among locals and visitors. Its original name comes from the many raisin trees lining the shore, offering both lush vegetation and lovely shaded spots.

With its fine golden sand contrasting with the turquoise lagoon, this beach enchants with its idyllic setting. Protected by a coral reef, it offers pleasant swimming, though some areas have slight waves.

Easy to access, the beach has parking and a few amenities. Several stands and food trucks nearby offer local specialties like bokit or coconut sorbet, perfect for a delicious break by the sea. Traditional sailing competitions often animate the horizon, providing a unique show for visitors.

Anse à la Gourde: Wild Beach and Snorkeling

A 39-minute drive from the hotel, Anse à la Gourde, located 6 km from Saint-François, offers a more wild and authentic atmosphere. Less frequented than other beaches, it’s perfect for a day of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle.

Its golden sand and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for snorkeling in Guadeloupe, where you can discover the local marine fauna and flora. Bring your diving gear to explore the coral reefs.

There are huts available for picnicking, but be sure to bring your own food, as facilities are limited at this preserved beach.

Souffleur Beach: Activities and Sunset in Port-Louis

Located 57 minutes by car, Souffleur Beach in Port-Louis is one of the most friendly beaches in Grande-Terre. With its white sand and calm turquoise waters, it’s perfect for family swimming.

Shaded huts are available for picnics, while local beach shacks offer snacks and refreshing drinks. The beach also offers a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and even surfing for enthusiasts.

To end the day, don’t miss the spectacular sunset visible from the beach, a magical moment to share with family or as a couple.

Anse Laborde: A Preserved and Wild Beach

Located 59 minutes by car, to the north of the island near the village of Anse-Bertrand, Anse Laborde is a golden sand beach nestled between the Petite Vigie and Laborde Points. About 500 meters long, it is lined with raisin trees and catalpas, offering shaded areas perfect for relaxation.

This wild beach seduces with its preserved aspect and peaceful atmosphere. The waves are moderate, but some areas, especially near Laborde Point, are off-limits for swimming due to dangerous currents. Signage on-site informs visitors about the risk zones.

For nature lovers, Anse Laborde is also the starting point for hiking trails along the cliffs of northern Grande-Terre, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy La Toubana Hôtel & Spa as Your Starting Point

With its privileged location, La Toubana Hôtel & Spa is the ideal starting point to explore the most beautiful beaches of Grande-Terre. Whether you’re looking for lively beaches, wild coves, or snorkeling spots, you’ll surely find your happiness just a few minutes from the hotel.

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A natural reserve just waiting to welcome you

In the spirit of sharing, the Guadeloupe Islands National Park and its natural reserve, the Grand Cul de Sac Marin welcomes nature lovers and scuba divers all year round. This area covers 135,000 hectares and is both fragile and strong at the same time. The region must be explored with care and attention,
to make sure the treasures within are protected. Here’s the account of an excursion between two afternoon naps on the catamaran nets. We arrived at Mahault-Bay marina at 8:30 am The view is divine in the early light of the morning. The coral reef and small nearby islands protect the lagoon from big waves, surrounded by the natural environment and tropical trees.
The water is always calm and still.

The Azimut catamaran can be accessed by taking a little dinghy. After a short briefing and an introduction to the basics of sailing, the team sets sail, with a northerly course, towards the wreckage of a boat that used to supply the
Arbousier distillery. The barge went down on the coral barrier in 1989. Marked at a depth of 1 meter 20 on the maps, it is clearly visible through the crystal-clear waters. Equipped with flippers, scuba masks and snorkels, we are invited to explore the site and its new inhabitants: a multitude of tropical fish.
The second step is an excursion to the Caret islands for a drink on the water’s edge. This is a great activity for children and those who would rather enjoy the shallow depth of the natural pool rather than delve into the depths of the ocean. This little stop allows visitors to talk to the excursion leaders and learn that this little island carries the same name as the Caret turtles that come to lay their eggs in the sand here once a year. The last stop of the day is between Fageou island and the coral reef. The team makes sure to drop the anchor on
top of a buoy to ensure that it doesn’t drag along the sea bed. This is the heart of the reserve, therefore jet skis and fishing are strictly regulated. This region is marked off by special buoys: yellow buoys with the cross of Saint-André painted upon them. “We all need a purpose in life. For us, it is respecting the  nvironment”, explained the Captain. While the team prepares lunch, we set out to explore a real tropical rainforest of the ocean, one of the most spectacular  marine ecosystems that is home to thousands of animal and plant species. Before our astonished eyes we come across tangs, parrot fish, butterfly fish and barracudas as well as polyps (enormous coral) where some species lay their eggs, away from the eyes of predators.

 

The tip of Fageot Island is pretty much one of the best scuba diving spots, here just by snorkeling, you can easily see a variety of colorful fish. A clear advantage for this site is that it is hard to get to because you have to make way through coral heads, something not everyone can do. More and more protective measures have been put in place to maintain the population level and the current condition of the water. Come and see this beautiful place with your own eyes, on an excursion that is accessible to all, all year round and very day during the tourist season.

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The art of tanning

How to obtain (and maintain) a tan without getting sunburned? Three expert tips to follow to the letter.

Avoid burning!

“Apply suncream with a sun protection factor that suits your skin type. Repeat this at least every two hours and after bathing, using a biodegradable cream that is friendly to the marine environment. You should also avoid exposure when the sun’s rays are at their strongest (between 12 noon and 4 pm).” Laure Calvel, Director of Lancaster.

Eat a balanced diet!

“To prepare your skin for tanning, take a course of beta-carotene! This “Provitamin A” is rich in antioxidants, stimulates melanin production and protects the skin against aging. Also, eat plenty of orange-colored produce like sweet potatoes, carrots and apricots, as well as spinach and lamb’s lettuce!” Cécile Espinasse, beauty editor.

Use body oil after a shower !

“Since monoi contains no sun filters, I use it in the evenings after my shower. On moist skin, it turns into an emulsion, spreads easily and penetrates better. It is full of fatty acids and antioxidant vitamin E, which makes it the ideal substitute for my usual body milk.” Jeanne Dréan, beauty editor.

See our article about the beaches to explore with your family