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.
