Guadeloupe – Sainte-Anne Beach on your own

We'll show you how to explore Sainte‑Anne Beach in Guadeloupe on your own from your cruise ship, flexibly and affordably. From the short walk to the bus station and the relaxing ride to the palm-fringed beach to a swim in the tranquil reef pool, we'll provide you with all the times, prices, and directions. So you can enjoy the sun, turquoise water, and Creole lifestyle while still making it back to the ship in time.

Footpath from the cruise terminal to Darbousier train station

As soon as we leave the terminal, we keep right along the waterfront promenade. After about 900 meters – ten to fifteen minutes at a leisurely pace – we reach the bus station. Dubouchage / DarbousierFrom here the line S1 (Bus company = Karu'lis) towards Sainte‑Anne and then to Saint‑François.

  Route: Cruise Terminal ->Bus Station Dubouchage / Darbousier

Cruise Terminal Pointe-à-Pitre Guadeloupe

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Marchè de la Darse Pointe-à-Pitre on the way to the bus station

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Bus trip Pointe‑à‑Pitre → Sainte‑Anne Beach

Guadeloupe - Arrival by bus at Saint-Anne Beach

* According to Karu'lis timetable S1 (school term, Mon–Sat; as of 2024). Please arrive at the stop 15 minutes before departure; traffic conditions may change.

Our route suggestion
• Outward journey: 10:15am from Darbousier – arrival approx. 11:04am
• Return: 16:10 PM from Mairie Ste‑Anne – normally a comfortable buffer to the All Aboard Time, but please check the departure time of your ship

The bus stops in Sainte‑Anne directly at the Rue du Débarcadère – the beach begins here.

Beach walk from the west to the east end

Green iguana on Saint Anne beach

We get out, take off our shoes, and walk about a kilometer along the water. Right at the beginning is the ANASA water sports center (anasa.gp) – here you can rent windsurfing, wing foiling, kayaking, SUP, and catamaran equipment; a kayak for two people, for example, costs €15 for an hour. To the left, palm trees sway in the wind, and behind them, market stalls offer coconuts and accras – time for photos and Caribbean impressions. A few beach cafés, small restaurants, and food trucks provide refreshments along the way. At the end of the beach, we encounter an impressive green iguana that crosses our path.

Relaxation under palm trees

We head back to the middle section of the beach, where we find shade under a palm tree and spread out our towels in the natural shade. Those who prefer comfort can also rent sun loungers there. A small public restroom is located directly behind it, but it's better to grab something to eat at one of the restaurants and use the restroom there.

Tip: Pack sunscreen (high SPF), mosquito repellent and plenty of drinking water – the Caribbean sun should not be underestimated.

Relax under palm trees

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Relaxing on the beach under palm trees

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Snorkeling on the offshore reef

At the beach, the bottom slopes gently down to an offshore coral reef. The reef breaks the surf, so the water near the shore remains pleasantly calm—ideal for relaxing swims or floating in the shallows. Unfortunately, most of the coral reef is now dead, and not many fish can be seen. So keep your expectations low while snorkeling. Please keep your distance and do not touch anything to allow the habitat to recover.

Snorkeling and Swimming - Saint-Anne Beach - Guadeloupe

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Shell discovery on the beach of Saint Anne

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Return by bus & city tour

Return to Pointe-à-Pitre (Darbousier)

We walk back along the water to the beginning of the beach and then the Rue Debarcadere up to Place Schoeller where the stop Mairie Ste-Anne After about a 45-minute bus ride, we arrive back at the bus station in Pointe‑à‑Pitre (Darbousier).

  Route: Sainte‑Anne Beach -> Mairie Ste‑Anne bus station

Before we board the ship, we treat ourselves to a short tour of Pointe‑à‑Pitre:

• Marché Saint‑Antoine – Spices and Rum Punch
• Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul – colonial architecture with iron framework
• Place de la Victoire – Palm Avenue and ice cream parlor for the last snack
• and a few more

You can find further information on the page Guadeloupe Sights -> Pointe-à-Pitre.

Memorial ACTe Guadeloupe

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Bronze statue of Marcel Lollia - a famous musician from Guadeloupe

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Alternative: Organized shore excursion to Saint-Anne Beach

If you are not confident about the tour by bus, the organized shore excursion -> The best of Grand-Terre: City exploration in Pointe-à-Pitre & beach fun" Perhaps something for you: On this small group shore excursion (max. 8 people), you will first experience a guided walk through the old town of Pointe-à-Pitre, travel by motorboat to the idyllic Îlet du Gosier for a tour and free time, and then relax for about an hour and a half on the dream beach of Sainte-Anne before being transferred back to the cruise port on time.

Conclusion

• Budget: ≈ €15 (bus €6, snacks ≈ €9)
• Language: French; basic English will get you by
• Return journey safety: Don't return too late. If there's a traffic jam, the return journey may take longer.

We organize the shore excursion to St. Anne Beach in Guadeloupe entirely on your own: low costs, maximum freedom – and you'll arrive back on board on time and relaxed.

Tour suggestion with "My Shore Excursions" for Guadeloupe