Marie-Galante is a secluded and luxurious piece of paradise. Here, no one and nothing distracts from Caribbean nirvana, as travelers greedy for noisy entertainment bypass the protected area with their attention. However, those who dream of enjoying the silence and splendor of nature, coupled with decent service, will definitely not be disappointed in a fabulous vacation.
Marie Galant on the map
Marie-Galante Island on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-). Caribbean on the map
The small Caribbean island is the territorial property of Guadeloupe, which, in turn, belongs to the overseas French possessions. Administratively, Marie-Galante is divided into three commune-settlements created in 1994: Capesterre-de-Marie-Galante, Saint-Louis, Grand-Bourg. The latter holds the status of the capital city.
The island itself, washed by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, has an area of 158 km². It is separated from the northern coast of South America by 620 km. The highest point of the fairly flat Marie-Galante is just over 200 meters.
Holidays on Marie-Galante
For enchanting night adventures a la the Caribbean you need to go to other islands, but Marie-Galante is simply created for a relaxing southern vacation. Cozy bays, caressing sun, absolutely deserted beaches - a fairy tale in reality! That is why, recently, the original pearl has become increasingly popular among newlyweds and couples in love. However, a holiday on Marie-Galante is also suitable for a family holiday: no noise from highways, no pre-dawn parties gushing with youthful prowess - everything is calm, measured, safe.
You can save money by staying in a hotel a little far from the coastline - the service there is no worse than in an apartment overlooking the turquoise waves. It’s just that in almost all coastal hotels, each room has its own veranda, from which a wonderful seascape opens. A light breeze, the aroma of tropical flowers, endless open spaces, a glass of freshly squeezed juice in a glass, a comfortable lounger - what could be better? Only active rest! It is connected to Marie-Galante, of course, with the sea. This includes fishing, underwater exploration, a promenade along the surf line, and excursions to nearby islands.
There is no need to book a car in advance; there is always a good selection of cars. An environmentally friendly alternative is bicycles, which, like mopeds, are easy to rent. There are no problems with food either; some hotels have their own kitchens, and visitors do not experience a shortage in cafes and restaurants.
The nature of Marie-Galant
Unlike many of its rocky sister islands, Marie-Galante is quite flat, it’s not for nothing that the locals call it the Big Pancake. The coastline curves gracefully, reed plantations play with reflections, mangrove forests with fresh water lakes set off the azure sea - this is exactly what secluded Eden looks like from above. From the north there are cliffs, from the west there are lush forests, citrus groves, coffee, cotton, tobacco fields, velvety beaches. If you consider that all this splendor is bordered on the east by a barrier coral reef, it will become clear that the charm of the natural beauty of the island is difficult to convey in words.
The underwater world is rich, it’s not for nothing that snorkeling, diving and other deep entertainment on Marie-Galante are in such demand. The flora on land is represented mainly by rodents and birds; there are no poisonous or dangerous creatures here, so eco-tourists can only relax and receive vivid aesthetic pleasure.
Attractions Marie-Galant
It would seem that this is a relatively small area with a deliberate lack of large-scale entertainment - what attractions could there be? Not at all! You can start your historical tour from the town of Grand-Bourg to visit the Museum of Arts and Traditions. And then, imbued with the spirit of the island indoors, move into the fresh air. There are plenty of dilapidated buildings from the colonial era, and the ruins of the Eusin de Bernard sugar factory are incredibly picturesque. Historical heritage includes a restored stone mill, smokehouses at the Roussel-Trianon plantation, a museum and monument at Punch Pond Lake, and exhibitions of wooden sculptures in the Arman Baptist gallery.
The island is not famous for its unique history - serve the modern tourist with hearty bread and juicy spectacles. Crispy croissants, as well as fruits, vegetables, herbs, aromatic coffee, seasonings, and local delicacies are sold in the city center at a colorful market that is open only until lunch. Spectacles are guaranteed at the popular cockfights, on the picturesque beaches of Petite Anse, Anse du Vieux Faux, Plage de la Feuer, and during canoe trips through the fresh mangrove swamps. It is advisable to include a wine tasting tour in the excursion route, since it is Marie-Galante that produces the best rum in Guadeloupe.
If you don’t have enough extreme notes in your sonata of relaxation, then a walk through the 900-meter karst cave with an underground reservoir called Trou-à-Diable will help out. One caveat: professional support is necessary, because without special masks, the outing is dangerous - the spores of the fungi covering the surface of the cave emit toxic fumes. But impressive views of the underground creation of nature will be a worthy reward for daredevils.
When is the best time to go to Marie-Galante
It is advisable to go to Marie-Galante during the driest period, which lasts from December to the end of April. During these months, the vagaries of nature in the form of hurricanes and heavy rains are excluded, and the temperature can only please the guests of the island: on average, plus 26˚.
There are many places in the Caribbean that can drive travelers crazy with their beauty. And one of them, without a doubt, is Marie-Galante - an island that will forever remain in the heart.
