Port information & tips for Terre-de-Haut
Terre-de-Haut is the picturesque centerpiece of the Îles des Saintes off Guadeloupe and is considered one of the world's most beautiful bays. The island enchants visitors with its charming French flair, colorful fishing boats, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere surrounded by pristine nature. Impressive highlights include the historic Fort Napoléon with its cactus garden and panoramic views over the archipelago, as well as the dreamlike beach Plage de Pompierre. Cruise ships usually anchor in the protected bay, while guests go ashore at the central Débarcadère, the pier in the heart of the village of Bourg des Saintes. From here, cozy cafes, local boutiques, and all sights are easily accessible on foot thanks to the central location.
Terre-de-Haut is a charming island of the Les Saintes group in Guadeloupe, which is ideal for a relaxed cruise experience. Since the island itself is small and largely car-free, arrival for cruise guests from the DACH region is primarily via a combination of flight and ferry. Cruise ships usually anchor in the bay, and guests are transported by tender boat to the pier in the main town.
Airplane
Arrival at the Terre-de-Haut cruise port initially takes place via a long-haul flight to Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) on the main island of Guadeloupe. From Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, there are various flight connections, often with a layover in Paris. PTP Airport is the central hub for international visitors and offers a good starting point for continuing the journey to the ferries.
Ferry
From Guadeloupe, you can easily reach Terre-de-Haut by ferry. The most reliable and frequent ferry connection starts from Trois-Rivières on the south coast of Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, with providers such as CTM Deher or Val'Ferry. The crossing takes only about 25 minutes. Alternatively, there are also connections from Pointe-à-Pitre, which take about an hour. The Trois-Rivières ferry port can be reached from Pointe-à-Pitre Airport (PTP) in approximately 50 to 60 minutes by taxi or private transfer (approx. 47-48 km). Parking spaces are available at the port in Trois-Rivières.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight time and the necessary ferry crossing, an overnight stay on the main island of Guadeloupe the day before embarkation is recommended for a relaxed journey to Terre-de-Haut. This allows you to comfortably handle flight delays and start your cruise well-rested. You can find hotels both near Pointe-à-Pitre Airport and in the region around Trois-Rivières, where the main ferry terminals are located.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Terre-de-Haut is a charming island of the Les Saintes group in Guadeloupe, which is ideal for a relaxed cruise experience. Since the island itself is small and largely car-free, arrival for cruise guests from the DACH region is primarily via a combination of flight and ferry. Cruise ships usually anchor in the bay, and guests are transported by tender boat to the pier in the main town.
Airplane
Arrival at the Terre-de-Haut cruise port initially takes place via a long-haul flight to Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) on the main island of Guadeloupe. From Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, there are various flight connections, often with a layover in Paris. PTP Airport is the central hub for international visitors and offers a good starting point for continuing the journey to the ferries.
Ferry
From Guadeloupe, you can easily reach Terre-de-Haut by ferry. The most reliable and frequent ferry connection starts from Trois-Rivières on the south coast of Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, with providers such as CTM Deher or Val'Ferry. The crossing takes only about 25 minutes. Alternatively, there are also connections from Pointe-à-Pitre, which take about an hour. The Trois-Rivières ferry port can be reached from Pointe-à-Pitre Airport (PTP) in approximately 50 to 60 minutes by taxi or private transfer (approx. 47-48 km). Parking spaces are available at the port in Trois-Rivières.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight time and the necessary ferry crossing, an overnight stay on the main island of Guadeloupe the day before embarkation is recommended for a relaxed journey to Terre-de-Haut. This allows you to comfortably handle flight delays and start your cruise well-rested. You can find hotels both near Pointe-à-Pitre Airport and in the region around Trois-Rivières, where the main ferry terminals are located.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
In Terre-de-Haut, ships usually arrive directly at the central pier of Bourg des Saintes, providing a perfect starting point for exploration. Thanks to the central location, you can reach the picturesque main town as well as the most important points of interest without any detours.
On Foot
The charming town of Bourg des Saintes is located right by the pier and invites you to take a leisurely stroll through its colorful streets, cafes, and boutiques. In addition, popular destinations such as the beach Plage de Pompierre or the historic Fort Napoléon can be easily reached in 15 to 30 minutes via well-marked paths.
Electric Carts & Scooters
Numerous rental stations for electric carts and motor scooters are located directly at the port exit, allowing for a flexible exploration of the hilly island. Thanks to their compact size, these vehicles are ideal for the narrow streets while offering a comfortable way to discover remote bays and viewpoints.
Water Taxis & Island Taxis
Local water taxis and small island minibuses are available right at the pier, quickly connecting the port with surrounding destinations. While the minibuses offer comfortable island tours by land, the water taxis enable a direct crossing to fantastic snorkeling spots such as the Pain de Sucre or to the neighboring island of Terre-de-Bas.
To best enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of Terre-de-Haut, a combination of a stroll through the colorful island center, a visit to the historic fortress, and a trip to one of the paradisiacal bays is recommended.
Le Bourg
The charming main village directly at the pier impresses with its bright, colorful colonial houses and offers the perfect introduction to the relaxed island lifestyle thanks to its many small cafes and boutiques.
Fort Napoléon
The historic fortress complex impresses with its interesting museum as well as the botanical garden and also offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views over the entire Bay of Les Saintes.
Plage de Pompierre
Framed by majestic palm trees, this sandy beach lies protected in a picturesque bay and, thanks to its proximity to the town center, is ideal for a relaxing swim in the crystal-clear, calm water.
Returning to the central pier in the heart of the village of Bourg is very pleasant and safe, thanks to the short distances on the island.
Local Mini-Buses and Electric Shuttles
Small electric carts and mini-buses run regularly between the sights and the port area. You will find these practical means of transport at central meeting points such as Fort Napoléon or the beach Plage de Pompierre for a relaxed ride directly back to the ship.
On Foot
From the picturesque village center of Bourg, you can reach the tender boats or the pier in a few minutes' walk through the charming streets. Orientation is easy, as the masts of the ships in the bay are visible from almost any elevated point on the island and will reliably guide you.
Rental Vehicles
Should you explore the island with a rented bicycle or scooter, most return stations are located in the immediate vicinity of the port. After the straightforward drop-off, you can comfortably stroll the last few meters to the pier while keeping your ship's departure times directly in view.
