Port information & tips for Grande Anse
Grande Anse near Deshaies is a true gem on the island of Basse-Terre and embodies the epitome of Caribbean natural beauty on Guadeloupe. The region impresses with an authentic atmosphere, lined with dense rainforests and the famous, miles-long golden sand beach Plage de Grande Anse. In addition to this paradise-like stretch of coastline, highlights include the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies and the picturesque fishing village itself. Cruise ships usually drop anchor in the protected bay and transport guests by tender boat to the Débarcadère de Deshaies. This central landing point is located right in the heart of the town, allowing visitors to easily reach the charming alleys, local restaurants, and coastal highlights on foot thanks to the short distances.
For guests from the DACH region, travel to the cruise port in Guadeloupe is primarily organized by plane. While Grande Anse is a beautiful beach region, the main cruise port for embarkation and disembarkation in Guadeloupe is Pointe-à-Pitre. Here, ships dock at the modern Centre Saint-John Perse Terminal, which offers direct access to the city center and features a good infrastructure.
Airplane
The nearest and only international airport is Guadeloupe Pôle Caraïbes International Airport (PTP), also known as Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport. It is located approximately 9 kilometers (about 3 miles) from the cruise terminal and is served by flights from Europe, especially France, as well as North America and other Caribbean islands. The pure driving time to the port is about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Transfer & Shuttle
Various transfer options are available from PTP Airport to the Pointe-à-Pitre cruise terminal. Taxis are available directly at the airport and terminal; prices are government-regulated but can be quite high, so it is advisable to clarify the price in advance. Private transfer services and shuttles are more convenient and predictable, offering a direct, air-conditioned door-to-door service with fixed prices and often flight monitoring. Arriving by public bus is not recommended for cruise guests due to the infrequency and limited network.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight times from the DACH region and potential traffic jams, especially around the airport and the city bridges of Pointe-à-Pitre, arriving at least one day before embarkation is strongly recommended. In Pointe-à-Pitre and nearby regions such as Le Gosier or Sainte-Anne, you will find numerous hotels that allow for a relaxed start to your cruise. Many accommodations are also conveniently located near the airport and the cruise port.
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 keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
