The beaches of Deshaies are among the most sought-after in Guadeloupe, and for good reason. This town on Basse-Terre is home to several of the island’s most beautiful stretches of sand, each offering a very different atmosphere yet all equally stunning. From the iconic Grande Anse beach to more secluded coves such as Tillet or Leroux, as well as La Perle, Riflet, and Fort-Royal, they all charm visitors with their golden sand, calm waters, and some of the most beautiful sunsets in Guadeloupe. Before laying down your towel, here is what you need to know to make the most of the beaches in Deshaies.
The 7 Must-See Beaches in Deshaies
Among the most popular beaches in Deshaies are:
- Petite Anse
- Leroux Beach
- Bosco Beach
- Grande Anse Beach
- La Perle Beach in Rifflet
- Anse Tillet
- Fond Helliot Beach
Petite Anse Beach
🕒 Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
⭐ 4.5/5 – 19 reviews
Petite Anse Beach in Deshaies is ideal for a relaxing family day. Sheltered and shallow, it offers calm, warm water that is perfect for children to swim safely. The shoreline, lined with almond trees and coconut palms, provides pleasant shade throughout the day. Access is easy and well signposted, with a large parking area nearby, making it one of the most practical and family-friendly beaches in Deshaies.
Leroux Beach (Ferry)
🕒 Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
⭐ 4.5/5 – 19 reviews
Leroux Beach is located just a few kilometers from the village of Deshaies, in the Ferry area. The water is clear, the sand is white, and the shoreline is shaded by sea grape trees. It is a good spot for diving or snorkeling (fins, mask, and snorkel).
Bosco Beach
🕒 Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
⭐ 4.5/5 – 19 reviews
Bosco Beach is a small stretch of sand, secluded due to its difficult access. It appeals to those who enjoy quiet places and prefer to stay away from heavily frequented tourist beaches. There are no facilities available, but it is possible to picnic under the shade of coconut trees.
Grande Anse Beach
🕒 Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
⭐ 4.5/5 – 19 reviews
Located north of Deshaies, Grande Anse Beach stretches for nearly two kilometers of golden sand. It is the most iconic beach in the town and one of the most famous on Basse-Terre. Highly appreciated by families for its setting and wide open spaces, it can however experience strong currents depending on conditions. Grande Anse is also known for offering some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the area, a sight not to be missed.
La Perle Beach in Rifflet
🕒 Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
⭐ 4.5/5 – 989 reviews
La Perle Beach in Rifflet is a blond-sand beach about 400 meters long. From the shore, you can see Îlet Kawan in the distance.
There is also a basketball court a few dozen meters away.
As La Perle Beach in Rifflet is a turtle nesting site, it is a protected area. Fires are therefore only allowed in designated spots.
Tillet Beach
🕒 Recommended duration: More than 3 hours
⭐ 4.5/5 – 112 reviews
La Perle Beach in Rifflet is a blond-sand beach about 400 meters long. From the shore, you can see Îlet Kawan in the distance.
There is also a basketball court a few dozen meters away.
As La Perle Beach in Rifflet is a turtle nesting site, it is also a protected area. Fires are therefore only allowed in designated spots.
Fond Helliot Beach
🕒 Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
⭐ N/A
Fond Helliot Beach in Deshaies is a small hidden paradise, with its golden sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming. Nestled in a quiet cove, it is bordered by lush vegetation that gives it a natural and wild charm. Less crowded than nearby beaches, it offers a true moment of serenity for visitors seeking peace and quiet. Access to the beach is more discreet, which helps preserve its calm and authentic atmosphere. Unfortunately, in 2024, swimming is prohibited at this beach in Deshaies.
Beach Safety in Deshaies
The double drowning that occurred on May 1 at Rifflet Beach in Deshaies has renewed concerns about swimmer safety, as this stretch of coastline is exposed to strong swells and deceptive currents.
However, ensuring a high level of safety remains challenging. The town of Deshaies is seeking solutions to better protect swimmers. Some beaches in the area require strong swimming skills and extra caution due to water depth and powerful waves, particularly when the swell comes from the north or northeast.
In addition, marine currents tend to pull swimmers offshore, as was the case with the two recent victims. The municipality of Deshaies has identified seven high-risk sites, frequented by both locals and tourists, and has installed warning signs highlighting the dangers of unsupervised swimming.
At times, swimming bans are put in place, but municipal officers responsible for enforcing these restrictions face a certain lack of compliance from some beachgoers. The town hall is considering the possibility of supervised beaches with lifeguards, but it is facing financial and insurance-related constraints.
What Is the Quality of Swimming Water in Deshaies?
The quality of swimming water in Deshaies varies from one beach to another, based on analyses carried out by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). In 2023, several beaches in Deshaies recorded excellent results, while others showed insufficient water quality.
Beaches with “Excellent” quality: Gadet, Grande Anse, Ferry, La Perle, and Tillet beaches stand out for their excellent water quality, according to samples taken between October 2022 and September 2023. These sites are ideal for safe swimming.
Beaches with “Good” quality: Grand Bas Vent Beach is classified as having good water quality, making it a suitable place for swimming.
Beaches with “Insufficient” quality: By contrast, some beaches such as Fond Héliot and Bourg-Deshaies were rated as insufficient in 2023, with potential health risks for swimmers. On these beaches, swimming is not recommended for health reasons.
In Guadeloupe, 63% of swimming sites are classified as “excellent,” but it is important to check water quality before going, especially in sensitive areas such as Fond Héliot.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Beaches of Deshaies
Where can you swim in Deshaies?
Among the most recommended beaches in Deshaies are:
- Leroux Beach for scuba diving;
- Petite Anse Beach, ideal for family swimming;
- Bosco Beach if you are looking for a quiet spot.
Are the beaches of Deshaies dangerous?
Swimming at Grande Anse can be dangerous due to strong currents and seabeds that drop off quickly. In addition, parking can be difficult in some areas.
What water activities can you do in Deshaies?
The beaches of Deshaies provide an ideal setting to enjoy a wide range of exciting water activities. Here are some of the popular options available:
Scuba diving and snorkeling
The crystal-clear waters around Deshaies are home to abundant marine life. You can explore colorful coral reefs and swim alongside tropical fish while scuba diving or snorkeling.
Water sports
A variety of water sports are also available, including windsurfing, water skiing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Equipment can be rented on site, allowing you to enjoy the region’s warm waters.
Boat excursions
Deshaies is an ideal starting point for boat trips to nearby islands or to explore the Guadeloupe coastline. You can book a boat excursion to discover secluded beaches, hidden coves, and spectacular natural sites.
Whale and dolphin watching
If you visit Deshaies during the migration season, you may have the chance to observe humpback whales or dolphins in their natural environment. Special excursions are organized to allow visitors to admire these impressive marine animals.
Boat rentals
If you want to explore the coast at your own pace, you can rent a boat in Deshaies. This allows you to cruise along the shoreline, discover secluded coves, and enjoy the beauty of the area on your own terms.
Are there sargassum seaweed on the beaches of Deshaies?
As the beaches of Deshaies are located on the west coast of Basse-Terre, they are not affected by sargassum seaweed landings.