Marie Galante, Guadeloupe

Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe – French Caribbean Island Getaway

Affiliate Disclosure: This Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are entirely my own.

INTRODUCTION

My husband and I have a bit of an obsession with small Caribbean islands—particularly in the French Antilles. Beyond the beautiful, crowd-free beaches, it’s the unique blend of Creole culture and French influence that we find so appealing.

We enjoy the challenge of bumbling along in a foreign language (neither of us is fluent in French, and certainly not in Creole). We are also big fans of the flavorful cuisine and find that experiencing the local way of life adds a layer of cultural immersion to what might otherwise be a typical beach vacation. And while the Caribbean is quite a journey from our home in Vancouver, Canada—nearly 24 hours door-to-door—it’s absolutely worth it to us.

Marie-Galante beach

One island that had long been on our radar—but we hadn’t quite made it to—was Marie-Galante, just a one-hour ferry ride from the larger island of Guadeloupe, where the international airport is located (PTP). We’d already fallen for its charming neighbor, Terre-de-Haut, and were planning our third visit. When we discovered a direct ferry linking the two, allowing us to make a full loop (Guadeloupe → Terre-de-Haut → Marie-Galante → Guadeloupe), we figured it was finally time to give the island a try!

In this post, I’ll share everything we learned—and loved—about Marie-Galante. To get a quick feel for the island vibe, I recommend starting with the 90-second video below. Alternatively, use the menu to jump quickly to the section you need most, or keep reading for all the details.

MARIE-GALANTE VIDEO (90 SEC.)

ABOUT MARIE-GALANTE

Marie Galante Windmills

Marie-Galante has the nickname la grande galette (“the big pancake”) owing to its round shape and rolling hills. The island offers many of the classic elements of a beach holiday—gentle bays with sugary sand, eclectic beach bars, and spectacular sunsets. But alongside that, it delivers a truly authentic Caribbean experience. There are no mega-resorts —just a handful of small boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and vacation rentals—and you won’t find yourself battling crowds of cruise ship day-trippers in town.

Marie Galante Beaches

While tourism plays a role in the local economy, agriculture remains the island’s primary industry, as it has for centuries. The main crop is sugarcane, first cultivated during the colonial era through the forced labor of enslaved people. Many of the island’s stone windmills—once used to crush sugarcane and extract its juice for processing—are still visible today.

Windmill on Marie Galante

These days, Marie Galante is home to three historic distilleries producing rhum agricole and a sugar refinery that processes around 100,000 tons of cane each year. (We visited during harvest season, when trucks and ox-drawn wagons piled high with cane were being transported across the island.)

Tractor full of sugar cane, Marie Galante
Sugar Cane Harvest
Rhum Marie Galante
Rhum Marie Galante

Also interesting about Marie-Galante is that the island generates about a third of its power from wind turbines which are dotted around the north and east of the island.

Wind Turbines Marie-Galante
Wind Turbines, Marie-Galante

MARIE-GALANTE OR TERRE-DE-HAUTE

If you’re island-hopping as we were, you’ll quickly notice that Marie-Galante has a very different feel from nearby Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes). Both have lovely beaches, but Marie-Galante feels like a quieter, more rural version of Guadeloupe, with a strong agricultural presence.

Terre-de-Haut, by contrast, was originally settled by fishermen from Brittany, and still carries a distinctly French—Breton—vibe. It’s candy-colored cottages and sailboats bobbing in the harbor, give it the feel of an off-the-radar yachting port. If you can, visit both—they each offer something quite unique.

GUADELOUPE – MARIE GALANTE DAY TRIPS

While this post is geared toward travelers spending a few days to a week on Marie-Galante, it’s also possible to visit the island as a day trip from Guadeloupe.

See these options on Manawa.com:

GETTING TO MARIE-GALANTE

Most travelers heading to Marie-Galante will arrive first at Guadeloupe’s international airport (PTP). From there, you can take a ferry to Marie-Galante from either the Pointe-à-Pitre dock (closest to the airport) or the Saint-François dock. You can also travel by ferry between Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes) and Marie-Galante. Although there is a small airport on Marie-Galante, there are no commercial flights that service this route.

Ferry to Marie Galante Guadeloupe
L’Express des Îles Ferry

Below, I’ve outlined your ferry options as of this post’s date (May 2025), but please note that schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check the individual carrier websites (linked below) for the latest information.

NOTE: If you’re prone to seasickness, be advised that the ferry ride to Marie-Galante can be a bit rough, especially in windy conditions.

GUADELOUPE – MARIE GALANTE FERRY

The company L’Express des Îles offers daily service from Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe to Grand-Bourg, Marie-Galante, with multiple sailings on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This is a passenger-only ferry, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Tickets can be booked online or at the ferry dock.

NOTE: We pre-purchased tickets online but still had to exchange them at the ticket booth for boarding passes before our departure.

The ferry company Comatrile offers passenger-only service between Saint-François, Guadeloupe and Saint-Louis, Marie-Galante. Sailings run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. At certain times of the year, there are also sailings on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I highly recommend calling the ticket office (+590 590 22 26 31) in advance to confirm your sailing (especially if it appears in red on the horaires schedule page).

Not to make things more confusing, but there is a second company that offers ferry service between Saint-François, Guadeloupe and Saint-Louis, Marie-Galante called Comadile. I haven’t traveled with them myself, but they appear to offer sailings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

MARIE GALANTE – LES SAINTES FERRY

The same Comatrile ferry that runs between Saint-François, Guadeloupe and Saint-Louis, Marie-Galante also continues on to Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes), returning the same day along the same route. This allows for easy ferry passage between Terre-de-Haut and Marie-Galante.

The ferry typically runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and some Sundays, with a crossing time of about 50 minutes. During peak times, there are sometimes sailings on Wednesdays and Saturdays as well. I highly recommend calling the ticket office in advance (+590 590 22 26 31) to confirm your sailing (especially if it appears in red on the horaires schedule page).

NOTE: We tried to pre-purchase tickets online in advance for this route but were unsuccessful. Instead, we bought tickets from an agent right at the dock just prior to departure. (Super old-school, handwritten ticket in triplicate. 🤣)

LA DESIRADE TO MARIE-GALANTE

There is currently no direct ferry between La Désirade and Marie-Galante. Travelers must first take a ferry with Comadile between La Désirade and Saint-François on Grande-Terre (the main island of Guadeloupe), and then a second ferry to Marie-Galante. While it may be possible to complete this journey in one day (taking between 2.5 to 3 hours), you’ll most likely need to overnight on Guadeloupe between sailings.

GETTING AROUND MARIE-GALANTE

I highly recommend renting a car to fully enjoy Marie-Galante. We used Cubix and had a good experience—they even allowed us to pick up the car at one ferry dock (Saint-Louis) and return it to another (Grand-Bourg).

There’s a funny quirk with rental cars in Guadeloupe that we’ve only ever encountered there: rental companies expect you to vacuum the car before returning it. (If not, you will be charged a cleaning fee of 30–40 euros.) It sounds like a pain-in-the-@$$, but it’s actually pretty easy—especially since you’ll likely already be at a gas station topping up the tank.

NOTE: We did struggle a tiny bit to get quotes on rental cars. We filled out the online quote forms for both Cubix and Marie-Galanate Location. We had to follow up by email with both and only Cubix replied.

MARIE-GALANTE MAP

In this post, I have tried to outline in detail everything that I think might be useful to you (activities, restaurants, hotels) on a visit to Marie Galante. Who doesn’t love a visual though? I hope this Marie Galante map map also be helpful to you. You can click here or on the map image for an interactive version.

Marie Galante Google Map
Google Screenshot, May 2025

BEST THINGS TO DO ON MARIE-GALANTE

1. DRIVE THE ISLAND RING ROAD

There’s no better way to experience the beauty of Marie-Galante than by driving the full coastal road. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a week, renting a car or scooter to make the loop is an absolute must. It takes just over an hour to circle the island by road.

Driving Around Marie Galante

Along the way, you’ll get a real feel for what makes Marie-Galante so unique, passing ox carts, sugarcane fields, beautiful beaches, and laid-back little towns. Just be mindful of rural road hazards—narrow shoulders, blind corners, and slow-moving tractors as you navigate the island.

2. HIT THE BEACHES

Despite what I said earlier about Marie-Galante not being just about beaches, the beaches are really spectacular! The nicest and most protected stretches of stand are on the west side of the island and there are at least 1/2 a dozen good options to choose from as you drive along that coastline! (The west facing beaches are also less prone to accumulations of sargassum seaweed.)

Here are all of our favorite Marie-Galante beaches:

ANSE CANOT

Popular with sailboats dropping anchor to enjoy some beach time, Anse Canot offers calm, clear waters and welcoming shade under the sea grape trees. It was our favorite beach on the island—protected even on windy days. Although it was the busiest beach we visited, there was still plenty of space for everyone.

Anse Canot, Marie Galante
Plage Canot

ANSE BAMBOU

Anse Bambou is a lovely, sheltered bay just north of Anse Canot, and it’s usually a little less crowded. In fact, we had the entire beach to ourselves when we visited. The water is calm and great for swimming—just watch your step, as it’s a bit rocky right at the shoreline.

Anse Bambou, Marie Galante
Anse Bambou

ANSE GRAND-BOURG

This beach, which is just south of the town of Grand-Bourg, has a really nice community feel. We visited several times at sunset and loved watching kids play around the offshore pool, residents doing water aerobics in the ocean, and others just enjoying their nightly dip. (There are washrooms and picnic tables at this beach.)

Anse Grand Bourg Marie Galante
Anse Grand Bourg

The next few beaches we took quick peeks at but did not spend any great length of time.

ANSE DE MAYS

Anse de Mays is a peaceful, uncrowded beach located just south of Saint-Louis, on the northwestern coast of Marie-Galante. Easily accessible from the road, it offers soft sand, calm turquoise waters, and shady spots beneath seagrape trees—making it a perfect spot for a quiet swim or picnic, away from the busier southern beaches.

ANSE MOUSTIQUE

Just south of Anse Canot, you’ll find the beautiful Anse Moustique. We stopped by but didn’t end up staying—although scenic, there wasn’t much space between the seagrape trees and the shoreline. (We didn’t want to risk getting our towels wet.) Instead, we headed back to our favorite Marie-Galante beach, Anse Canot.

Anse Moustique
Anse Moustique

LA FEUILLÈRE

This beach is a great way to round out a visit to the town of Capesterre—famous for its murals—on the east side of Marie-Galante. It’s a beautiful stretch of sand, with a few charming little beach bars and restaurants dotting the shoreline. La Feuillère tends to be a bit windier, with rougher water, making it a popular spot for kite surfers.

NOTE: During sargassum seaweed season (Apr. – Oct.) this beautiful beach can get heavily impacted.

ANSE FEUILLARD

Not to be confused with La Feuillère above, Anse Feuillard is located in a more remote area on the eastern side of Marie-Galante and is accessed via a 20-minute walking trail. As tempting as it may be to drive down the trail—don’t. It gets much rockier the further in you go. This beach isn’t ideal for swimming, as it’s wild and unmaintained, but if you’re looking to disconnect and escape the crowds, it might be just the spot. It’s worth noting that there was quite a bit of seaweed on the beach when we visited in March 2025.

Anse Feuillard Marie Galante
Anse Feuillard

3. VISIT A RUM DISTILLERY

Marie-Galante is famous for its rhum agricole—a lighter, earthier style of rum made from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice and primarily distilled in the French Caribbean. You can easily pop into one or two distilleries as you explore the island. Please note, the first two are only open between 9am-1pm.

Rhum Bielle Marie Galante
Distillerie Bielle

DISTILLERIE BIELLE 

This distillery is famous for its artisanal approach to making a wide range of aged agricole rums. If you are a spirits collector (like my husband), you might be interested to know that some of their vintages have been winning notable awards at the Caribbean Rum Awards. (See The World’s Best Rum, Forbes 2024). To learn more see Distillerie Bielle. For their opening hours, see the Bielle Facebook page.

DISTILLERY FOCUS – BIELLE, MARIE GALANTE (RUMPORTER 2024)

NOTE: At Distillerie Bielle we also found that there were several locals selling baked good, beautiful produce and even farm-fresh eggs.

DISTILLERIE BELLEVUE 

The largest distillery on the island, Bellevue is set in a picturesque landscape complete with a historic windmill, a tasting kiosk, a gift shop, and viewing access to its production area, where you can see rhum agricole being made firsthand.

To learn more, including hours of operation, see Habitation Bellevue.

Distillerie Bellevue Marie Galante
Distillerie Bellevue

DISTILLERIE POISSON – PÈRE LABAT 

Although we didn’t manage to get to this one, this distillery is one of the oldest on the island and continues to use time-honored methods, including a historic copper column still, to craft its bold, character-driven rums. To learn more, including hours of operation, see Distillerie Père Labat.

4. SEE THE GUEULE GRAND GOUFFRE

When researching Marie-Galante—especially on social media—Gueule Grand Gouffre is easily one of the most photographed and recognizable sights you’ll come across. This striking limestone arch is well worth a stop when exploring the wild north coast of the island.

Grand Gouffre Marie Galante
Guele Grand Gouffre

The arch is reached via a short path from the parking lot to a small lookout. It’s also worth taking the path to the left for about another 100 meters to enjoy a view of the coastline looking west.

NOTE: We really enjoyed stopping in for lunch at the restaurant L’Océanite, located at the nearby Au Village de Menard hotel. The restaurant opens regularly for breakfast and dinner, and seems to offer lunch service during high season (Nov.-Mar.). Be sure to make a reservation in advance and bring cash—when we visited, the Wi-Fi was down, so we couldn’t pay by credit card, which apparently isn’t unusual.

The hotel looked really sweet as well and gets excellent reviews. You can check rates on Booking.com. If you’re looking for family-friendly hotels on Marie-Galante, this could be a great option—they offer suites that can sleep up to six people!

5. VISIT THE PLANTATION RUINS

As you explore Marie-Galante, it’s impossible to ignore the crumbling windmills and stone ruins that dot the landscape—remnants of the island’s colonial past. These former sugar plantations form part of a complex and painful history shaped by slavery and the global sugar trade. Visiting them offers the opportunity to understand some of the forces that shaped the Caribbean.

ÉCOMUSÉE MARIE GALANTE

Just outside Grand-Bourg, the Écomusée Murât (aka Habitation Murat) was once the largest sugar plantation in Guadeloupe. Today, it’s been thoughtfully transformed into a small eco-museum where you can wander past the remains of the windmill, the restored Great House, and a medicinal garden. For more information and hours, visit the Marie Galante tourism website.

Écomusée Murât, Marie-Galante
Écomusée Murât, Marie-Galante

HABITATION ROUSSEL-TRIANON

Tucked between Grand-Bourg and Saint-Louis, this lesser-known site feels more raw and untouched. The ruins of the master’s house, red-brick stables, and sugar mill stand quietly among the trees. There are no signs or fences—just history left in place.

Habitation Roussel-Trianon, Marie-Galante
Habitation Roussel-Trianon

6. SEE MOULIN DE BÉZARD

The Moulin de Bézard, located near Capesterre, is one of Marie-Galante’s best-preserved historic windmills. Built in the 1840s and restored in the 1990s, it offers a glimpse into the island’s sugarcane-producing past and is a worthwhile stop for history lovers.

7. PADDLE THE MANGROVES

Just north of Saint-Louis on Marie-Galante’s west coast, you can peacefully paddle along the Rivière Saint-Jean to explore the island’s quiet mangrove ecosystem. At this spot, you can rent kayaks or paddle boats—or, if you’re short on time, simply stroll the serene boardwalk to observe the local flora and fauna.

Boat rentals are available through Base Nautique AAEA – CISMAG, which, during our visit, was open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm (last departure at 3pm). You can find the most up-to-date details on the Tourism Marie-Galante website.

Kayak Rentals Marie Galante
Kayak Rentals Marie Galante

8. EXPLORE THE TOWNS

We really enjoyed strolling around the towns while exploring the island, picking up some locally made treats and souvenirs along the way.

See a full list of island creators and artisans on the Marie Galante tourism website.

SAINT-LOUIS 

Saint-Louis, Marie Galante
Saint-Louis

A relaxed coastal town on the northwest coast, Saint-Louis is known for its peaceful beaches, nearby mangroves, and scenic coastal drives. Personally, I thought Saint-Louis had some of the cutest shops on the island for locally made souvenirs. Be sure to visit Chez Zèles and Sable Blanc (located across from each other).

GRAND-BOURG

Grand Bourg Marie Galante
Place de L’Eglise, Grand Bourg

The island’s main town and ferry port, Grand-Bourg has a bit more bustle, with a lively market, a beautiful 19th-century church, and the Habitation Murat eco-museum just a short drive inland. It’s a great place to pick up local goods and get a feel for everyday island life. Browse colorful stalls selling fresh produce, spices, crafts, and locally made treats.

Marche Grand Bourg
Marché Grand-Bourg

CAPESTERRE

Capesterre, Marie Galante
Capesterre

On the breezy southeast coast, Capesterre is known for its laid-back charm, excellent kite-surfing beaches, and a colorful collection of murals that brighten the village streets. This town also has some great beachfront dining options along La Feuillière, one of the most photographed beaches on the island.

9. TRY THE LOCAL FARE

Food on Marie-Galante is a flavorful mix of Creole tradition, French influence, and fresh island ingredients. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from a roadside stand or sitting down for a beachside meal, these local specialties are well worth seeking out:

NOTE ON TIPPING – Tipping is not expected on Marie-Galante and most often we paid our bill at the bar on the way out.

COLOMBO

A fragrant Creole curry made with chicken, goat, or fish, simmered in spices, turmeric, and vegetables.

BOKIT 

A deep-fried bread sandwich filled with salt cod, chicken, cheese, sausage, or other savory ingredients. (There’s a good little snack bar for this beside the cathedral in Grand Bourg called Pati-Syl.)

Bokit on Marie Galante
Pati-Syl Snack Bar

ACCRAS 

Crispy fish fritters (usually salt cod), often served as a snack or starter with a spicy dipping sauce. (I’m so addicted to these that I actually tried to make them back home in Canada – a complete fail.)

Accras Marie Galante
Accras (Cod Fritters)

GRILLED FISH

You absolutely must try some freshly caught grilled fish (dorade/seabream, thazard/kingfish, vivaneau/snapper typically served with a Creole-style with sauce and sides like rice or root vegetables.

CRÊPES AND GALETTES

A nod to the island’s French heritage, available in sweet or savory versions from cafés or roadside stalls. We especially enjoyed them at a roadside restaurant called La Crêperie near Saint-Louis.

TI’PUNCH

A traditional rum-based cocktail made with local agricole rum, lime, and sugar—simple but strong. If you prefer something fruitier and lighter, try a Planteur Punch, typically made with rhum agricole, orange and pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine or sugar syrup, and often finished with a dash of bitters and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Planteur Punch, Guadeloupe
Planteur Punch (Sun 7 Beach)

Although I really can’t provide an extensive list of island restaurants, I do want to share a few that we especially enjoyed:

L’OCÉANITE

French-Caribean fare in a garden setting at Au Village du Menard Hotel in the north. Chef David is a lot of fun and adds to the whole dining experience.

LE MURAT

French-Caribbean cuisine with a creative twist in a lovely garden setting. (We liked it so much we returned twice!)

LA BALEINE ROUGE

Creole fusion and international cuisine on the waterfront in Saint-Louis.

SUN 7 BEACH

A must for sunset cocktails and accras located close to Grand Bourg. They also offer takeout pizza.

Sun 7 Beach Marie Galante
Sun 7 Beach

10. ATTEND A FESTIVAL

Marie-Galante may be a quiet island most of the year, but it comes alive during a few key festivals that celebrate its music and culture.

CARNIVAL (FEB/MAR)

Carnival on Marie-Galante is a vibrant, island-wide celebration filled with colorful parades, traditional music, dancing, and cultural performances. Rooted in local customs and community spirit, the festivities can extend over several weeks.

TERRE DE BLUES (JUNE)

A world-class music festival held over Pentecost weekend, featuring Caribbean and international blues, soul, and reggae artists.

FÊTE DE LA SAINT-LOUIS (AUGUST)

The patron saint festival of Saint-Louis, with parades, music, dancing, and traditional food.

While we didn’t happen to be there for any of the major festivals, we were invited to a small market in Capesterre that turned out to be a fundraiser for local children (raising money for a winter trip to France). With music, dancing, and handmade goods, it offered a fun peek into everyday island life.

WHERE TO STAY ON MARIE-GALANTE

If you’re planning more than just a day trip to Marie-Galante, you’re probably wondering where to stay. With a rental car or scooter, getting around is easy—the island is small enough that you can choose accommodations based on your style and budget rather than location alone.

That said, my personal preference is to stay near Grand-Bourg or Saint-Louis. These two west coast towns are close to some of the island’s best beaches, offer convenient access to shops and ferry terminals, and provide front-row seats to stunning sunsets.

While there are a few hotels on the island, vacation rentals—or gîtes, as they’re called in French—are much more common. Most hotel properties are small and boutique-style, but the catch is that very few consistently receive great reviews. Personally, I don’t care whether it’s a 3-star or 5-star stay—if it doesn’t score at least 8.5/10 in guest reviews, I’m not booking it.

With that in mind, here are two hotels I’d recommend:

MARIE GALANTE HOTEL OPTIONS

LE VILLAGE DE MENARD

Au Village de Menard Hotel, Marie Galante
Au Village de Menard – Image: Booking.com

Tucked into the quiet north end of Marie-Galante, Le Village de Menard offers a peaceful base surrounded by tropical gardens and a sense of seclusion. Set on the grounds of a former sugar mill, this laid-back property blends historic charm with modern comfort—ideal for travelers seeking a slower pace.

The accommodations are spread out across 16 non-adjoining units, including villas, bungalows, and studios, each with its own kitchen and terrace, and clustered around a central pool. It’s a great option for families or small groups, with some units able to sleep up to six people.

There’s is a very well regarded on-site restaurant called Oceanité serving up breakfast and dinner (by reservation), and a bar where guests can wind down in the evening. From here, it’s an easy drive to some of the island’s most beautiful west coast beaches—Anse Canot and Anse Bambou included!

Check rates for Le Village de Menard on Booking.com.

HOTEL LE SOLEIL LEVANT

Le Soleil Levant Marie Galante Hotel
Le Soleil Levant – Image: Expedia.com

Hotel Le Soleil Levant is a charming hillside retreat located in the east coast town of Capesterre, just an 8-minute walk from the beautiful La Feuillère Beach.

This 3-star property features 30 air-conditioned rooms, including bungalows and apartments with kitchenettes—ideal for families or longer stays. Guests can enjoy a relaxing outdoor pool, a small spa offering massage treatments, a gym, and a garden terrace perfect for unwinding. A lovely buffet breakfast is served daily—the owner is a baker, which adds a special touch.

Check rates for Hotel Le Soleil Levant on Expedia.com.

MARIE GALANTE VACATION RENTALS

There are plenty of lovely vacation rentals scattered around Marie-Galante. As with hotels, I tend to favor the west coast, particularly near Grand-Bourg or Saint-Louis. In fact, there are quite a few newer vacation homes perched on the hillside just south of Grand-Bourg, many of which offer beautiful views.

Marie Galante Vacation Rentals

Here’s the exact unit we rented—a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home listed with VRBO. There are hundreds of other great options available on  Booking.com, VRBO, and other vacation rental platforms. Just be sure to thoroughly read reviews from recent guests before booking.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Marie-Galante is a very safe island, but there are just a few things to keep in mind, which I’ve listed below.

MOSQUITOES – Mosquitoes are active year-round, especially after rain, and dengue fever is not uncommon in Guadeloupe. Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by mosquito bites, with symptoms that may include fever, headache, joint pain, and rash. While most cases are mild, it can occasionally be more serious. To reduce your risk, use insect repellent daily, wear light long-sleeved clothing in the evenings, and sleep under a mosquito net whenever possible.

MANCHINEEL TREES – These highly toxic trees grow near some beaches and should be avoided. Contact with the bark, leaves, or fruit can cause severe skin irritation or blistering, and standing under one during rain can lead to chemical burns. They’re sometimes marked with red paint or warning signs, but not always—when in doubt, give unfamiliar beachside trees a wide berth. (The photo below is actually from nearby Terre-de-Haut Island in Les Saintes.)

Manchineel Tree Terre de Haut

SUN & SEA HAZARDS – The Caribbean sun is strong, even on cloudy days. Apply reef-safe sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and drink plenty of water. If you’re snorkeling or exploring tide pools, wear water shoes to avoid stepping on sea urchins, which can cause painful stings and are difficult to remove.

GIVING BACK

We had an unexpected experience on Marie-Galante. We found an abandoned puppy living in the garden of our vacation rental—or rather, he found us by stealing one of our flip-flops. When we tracked him down, we discovered he had a whole collection of flip-flops tucked away in his little den—perhaps souvenirs from previous guests?

MARIE GALANTE ANIMAUX

Thankfully, we were able to connect with the local animal rescue organization, Marie Galante Animaux. With their help, we made arrangements to capture the pup and bring him to safety. It wasn’t easy—at one point, he got his head stuck in a drain hole and we had to soap him up to gently free him.

Marie Galante Animaux is a local non-profit and part of a larger animal welfare organization based in Guadeloupe. They rescue, sterilize, and re-home hundreds of abandoned cats and dogs each year—over 200 dogs annually on Marie-Galante alone!

Concerned about our little friend, we visited the shelter a few days later and were so impressed by the care and love these animals receive. Our puppy, now named Simba, was thriving—and already booked on a flight to Paris, where he’d have a much better chance of being adopted.

This incredible facility is run entirely by dedicated volunteers and relies on donations to operate. Want to help? No donation is too small. You can support them through the Marie Galante Animaux donations page here.

Or, sign up for a monthly donation of just €1 by scanning the QR code.

Marie Galante Animaux Donation

Marie Galante Animaux also welcomes in-kind donations. If you’re visiting and able to drop any of these items off, it would mean so much. Please just connect with them on WhatsApp or Facebook first to arrange a drop off time.

  • Dog and cat food
  • Canned sardines
  • Dog and cat treats
  • Bleach (for cleaning pens)

You can reach the team at contact@guadeloupe-animaux.org, via their Facebook page or on WhatsApp at +590690739990. Their facilities are located just north of Grand Bourg at the intersection of N9 and D204.

LEARN MORE

I really hope you fall in love with the island of Marie-Galante, just as we have. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on InstagramFacebook or by email.

Want to see more unique adventures? I would love for you to follow along with The Better Beyond on Instagram!

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