Cruise port Iles des Saintes
Info for port Iles des Saintes on 17 Dec 2026
Port information & tips for Iles des Saintes
The Îles des Saintes are among the most charming archipelagos in the Caribbean and welcome visitors with the flair of a picturesque fishing village in the bay of Guadeloupe. The destination impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and the colorful houses of Le Bourg, while offering heavenly views of the turquoise sea. Cultural and scenic highlights include the historic Fort Napoléon with its botanical garden, as well as the dreamy Plage de Pompierre beach and the striking Pain de Sucre rocky hill. Cruise ships usually anchor in the bay, so guests arrive comfortably by tender boats directly at the Débarcadère de Terre-de-Haut. This central landing point is located directly in the heart of the main town, making all sights, boutiques, and cafés easily accessible on foot.
The Iles des Saintes are a picturesque archipelago in Guadeloupe, which are typically visited by cruise ships via tender boat. The cruise experience therefore does not begin in a large terminal, but directly in the charming main town of Bourg des Saintes on Terre-de-Haut. For guests from the DACH region, travel is primarily organized as a fly & ferry combination via the main island of Guadeloupe.
Airplane
Your journey to the Iles des Saintes first takes you to Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) on the main island of Guadeloupe. This airport is the central hub of the French Antilles and is served by direct flights from major European airports, particularly from France. From PTP airport, the ferry port of Trois-Rivières, which offers the fastest connection to the Saintes, is approximately 47 to 50 kilometers away, representing a travel time of 35 to 48 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach the ferry port in Pointe-à-Pitre from the airport in just a few minutes. Taxis are available at the airport 24/7, and public buses also connect the airport with Pointe-à-Pitre.
Ferry
The ferry is the only practical connection to the Iles des Saintes from Guadeloupe. The fastest crossing, ideal for a day trip or onward travel for embarkation, starts from the port of Trois-Rivières on Basse-Terre and takes you to Terre-de-Haut in the Saintes in about 20 to 30 minutes. Additionally, there are ferry connections from Pointe-à-Pitre with a crossing time of approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Shipping companies such as CTM Deher, FRS Express des îles, and Karu'Ferry offer regular connections. Booking ferry tickets in advance is recommended, especially during the high season.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region via long-haul flight to Guadeloupe, an overnight stay on the main island is recommended before traveling on to the Iles des Saintes. This allows for a relaxed start to your vacation and smooth coordination with ferry times. Numerous hotels are available near Pointe-à-Pitre airport, in Pointe-à-Pitre itself, or in southern Basse-Terre near Trois-Rivières to easily reach the short ferry connection the next day.
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 the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
In port on 17 Dec 2026
