“It’s yachting, not cruising”

 

 Yachting Land Adventures for  Deshaies, Guadeloupe

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TROPICAL ECO ADVENTURE BY ZODIAC
TROPICAL PARADISE & THE PRIVATE SIDE OF ISLAND LIVING


Back to List of Tours    TROPICAL ECO ADVENTURE BY ZODIAC
Duration: 4.5 hours
Departure: Morning

Located between the north of Basse-Terre and the north of Grande-Terre, the natural reserve of Grand Cul de Sac Marin is part of the Guadeloupe National Park system. Enclosed by a 16-mile/25 kms long coral reef, the grand Cul de Sac shelters all the ecosystems of the Caribbean islands.

A drive of approximately 30-minutes will bring you to your zodiac launch site where you will meet with your local mates, and commence with a mangrove exploration in search of its birds, crabs, sea stars and multicolor sponges. The small zodiacs will be the transport of choice in order to view the mangroves, reefs and islands – some guests may even be asked to ‘skipper’ their own zodiac and follow the guide around the National Park.

Leaving the mangrove, the zodiacs will cruise to ”La Biche,” a tiny bay with beautiful crystal waters and a coral barrier just beyond. The shallow draft of the zodiac allows you to reach the most beautiful spots of the submarine life. Here, in a giant aquarium 1 to 3 meters deep and approximately 6.2 miles/10km from the coast, live the most beautiful Eastern Caribbean tropical corals and fishes. Put on your snorkel and mask and take the time to snorkel and enjoy the “aquarium.”

On the way back to Sainte-Rose, we stop on another small island ‘L’ilet Blanc” so named because of its white sand, where you can enjoy a fruit juice or rum punch.

Notes:
Come prepared as you would for the beach, swimsuit, cover-up, towel, protection from the sun, snorkel equipment from the yacht and shoes that can get wet and, preferably, worn in the water to protect your feet when not on the sand island. There are waterproof containers on the zodiacs for guest use – camera storage etc. Guests participating in this ADVENTURE should be energetic and comfortable ‘at sea’ on a small boat. Also guests wishing to snorkel should be experienced. Lifejackets will be issued and must be worn.

A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. This program is booked onboard only so please make your reservations as soon as possible after boarding to avoid disappointment. All adventures and prices in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. The price is subject to increase based on the rapidly rising exchange rate between the Euro to the US Dollar. Not all of the land adventures shown will be offered on all voyages and departure times are subject to change. Final pricing and departures times will be published onboard.

Prices do not include gratuities for local shore excursion guides, drivers, and related service staff. Independent, subcontracted ground operator companies employ all ground staff and these entities do not participate in SeaDream Land Adventures on board "no tipping" practice. Tipping of guides, drivers and other independent ground staff is at the individual guest's discretion, anticipated and appreciated.
Price : USD 159

Back to List of Tours    TROPICAL PARADISE & THE PRIVATE SIDE OF ISLAND LIVING
Duration: 4 hours
Departure: Morning

The small but charming Creole style fishermen’s village of Deshaies is picturesquely located on the lush northwest side of Guadeloupe. To make the most of your visit, our suggested activities for your stay at this popular stop for yachters include:

• A SeaDream morning adventure including a stunningly beautiful and well-kept Botanical Garden and, an exclusive private home visit hosted by the owners who will take the time to introduce you to the famous Rum’s of Guadeloupe and other local delicacies’.

• Personal time at the lovely Grande Anse Beach in the afternoon.

• An early evening independent stroll along the small shops and cafes of the village.

Your morning SeaDream yachting land adventure commences with a short drive to what is likely the most beautiful botanical garden in the entire Caribbean. Really, we have seen most of them and this garden is exceptional and should not be missed. Perfectly landscaped, this botanical garden offers over 1,000 species of tropical flowers and exotic trees arranged in 15 groups like the water lily pond, the arboretum (with its Royal Palms, Bombax, Jacaranda, Breadfruit trees, Araucaria, Calliandra, Avocado trees…), the giant Banyan, the Bamboos, the water wall (with its numerous bromeliads), orchids flamingos and parrots….truly a tropical paradise!

After this enchanting walk (on paved surfaces), relax on a splendidly scenic drive (about 25 minutes) along the Caribbean coast and the most beautiful beaches of Guadeloupe.

Following a bit of gentle “arm-twisting,” we were able to convince the owners of a very private home belonging to what is named in the French Islands a “b’eke: a descendant of the French colonist to open up their home exclusively to SeaDream guests.

In the privacy of their charming home, you will be greeted by Annick & Bernard Aubery who will personally host and show you how to appreciate the real traditional “Ti Punch” served with the traditional fish cake. Following this leisurely gathering, return to the village of Deshaies. We would like to think that combining these two wonderful experiences would leave you with wonderful lasting memories of this French Island. *** But, why not make the most of the day and spend more time on the island? There is much more to discover and experience - individually.

On your return drive from the private home visit, about 2 miles before reaching Deshaies, you will pass one of the most beautiful beaches on the island – Garnde Anse. We would like to suggest that you leave this morning prepared for the beach and have the vehicle drop you at the beach on the return from the private home visit. There is a casual and shaded Creole restaurant right off the beach with wonderful views and delicious food just waiting to be discovered by you. We would like to recommend that you enjoy an independent lunch at this restaurant, spend time on the beach and return, on your own with a local taxi, to Deshaies in the late afternoon.

The drive from the restaurant to the beach is under ten minutes and ask the driver to stop at the north end of town, allowing you to walk through the village to the SeaDream tender pier on the south side. This easy walk will take you past the shops and waterfront cafes and we suggest that you drop in at one of them and enjoy the sunset while sipping your favorite cocktail before returning to your SeaDream yacht for dinner.
Notes:
This SeaDream adventure includes the visit to the Botanical Garden, the private home visit as described above and the roundtrip transfer to/from Deshaies. The recommended stop at the beach for lunch and return by taxi to Deshaies are suggested activities only to enhance your stay, and not included.

A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures and some have limited capacity. This program is booked onboard only so please make your reservations as soon as possible after boarding to avoid disappointment. All land adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. The price is subject to increase based on the exchange rate between the local currencies to the US Dollar. Final pricing and departures times will be published onboard.
Price : USD 149

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