Kayak discovery of Guadeloupe

Who hasn’t dreamed of traveling light, embarking on a kayak in the manner of the first Hawaiian surfers? When you paddle, you will feel like you are flying over the Caribbean Sea while being in perfect harmony with nature. And what a nature, Guadeloupe with its clear water, pure air, multicolored shallows, and more. Welcome to the Grand-cul-de-sac marin, a vast lagoon that connects Basse-Terre to Grande-Terre to the north of the Rivière Salée. 

First and foremost, this 15,000-hectare lagoon is classified both as a natural reserve, a wetland for waterfowl, and a biosphere reserve. Consequently, it is best explored by kayak with a professional guide. In order to limit human impact on the environment, numerous restrictions exist that you must be aware of. Some of them will undoubtedly surprise you. For instance, it is strictly forbidden to exceed 5 knots for any vessel, to fly over the area at less than 300 meters in altitude or even to collect as much as sand or a fossil! This proactive environmental policy has already borne fruit as no fewer than 255 species, from crustaceans to mollusks, have colonized the lagoon. You will notice the presence of crabs, starfish, or sea cucumbers. The hawksbill turtle, a threatened species of sea turtle, breeds here. It can measure 90 cm in length and is recognized by its spotted shell!

If you are in the presence of tropical vegetation: large coconut trees, agaves, date palms, local pear trees, etc..., the most surprising remains this amphibious forest that is the mangrove. Once again, the kayak proves to be an ideal means of transportation within this swampy environment. You will be on the lookout for sounds, hearing hummingbirds, grasshoppers... Composed of mangroves, the mangrove plays a crucial role for the environment. First of all, the feet of the mangroves are submerged which constitutes a bulwark against the assault of waves just as breakwaters would. On the other hand, the mangrove acts as a filter by capturing carbon. Finally, it harbors many living microorganisms such as algae. Unfortunately, a too high salinity jeopardizes the existence of this natural environment and a sign of the poor health of the mangrove, it takes on a pink color.

Let's row to the islets, each possessing their own peculiarity.

If I tell you it's called Christophe's islet then you imagine Columbus anchoring on this islet which looks like a child's drawing with a tree sheltering a small land. Not at all! Christophe, a colorful character has made it his home since 1970. Consequently, he has become its chief guardian. Now we are heading towards Labiche. More frequented than the previous one, this islet is paradise for fishermen. One can catch tuna, dorado, cod or captain... Do not hesitate to taste on the spot, a snapper in court bouillon, in blaff (stew), grilled or baked. To finish, why not push on to the islet of Carénage otherwise known as Bird Island? You will easily spot the terns or sea swallows with their large white wings that make them fly gracefully.

The coral barrier. It stretches over 25 KM long and closes the lagoon. It is by approaching in kayak that one can admire in snorkeling the most beautiful coral specimens. In Guadeloupe, one can rightly talk about a true anthology. Corals seek warm (over 20°C), clear and well-lit waters. The seabeds being also hard in Guadeloupe, clay constructions can attach there. In total, there are more than 50 varieties: fire coral, black coral, red coral... If you are an aficionado of diving, you will evolve among magnificent specimens of fish: round-bodied damsels. Or you might fall for the indigo blue parrotfish. You will also spot striped butterflyfish in yellow and black or even translucent white and orange angelfish.

If you love discoveries by kayak, do not hesitate to check out the travel ideas of Travel Planners.