Transport in Guadeloupe’s Dependencies

Ferry Services

La Désirade, Les Saintes, and Marie-Galante are the three "dependencies" of Guadeloupe, located just a few dozen kilometres off its coast. Each is connected to Guadeloupe by ferry systems. During high season, some routes may be increased or offered in addition to the regular year-round services. It’s also worth noting that various local providers offer private transfers or excursions to these islands.

Ferry Companies

Archipel Ferries, Babou One, Comatrile, L'Express des Iles, Jeans for Freedom, Val Ferry.

La Désirade

• Archipel Ferries: same as Babou One.

• Babou One/Sademar: two daily connections between Saint-François and La Désirade. Count on 26 € for a 45-minute crossing.

Les Saintes

• L'Express des Iles: two weekly rotations for 26 € one-way or 43 € return from/to Pointe-à-Pitre.

• Jeans for Freedom: three weekly rotations starting at 19 € per trip from/to Pointe-à-Pitre.

• Val Ferry: operates from Trois-Rivières with one or two daily rotations. Also offers a combined pass for Les Saintes and Marie Galante.

Marie Galante

• Babou One/Sademar: one daily connection between Saint-François and Saint-Louis on Marie Galante.

• Comatrile: ferry between Saint-François and Saint-Louis.

• L'Express des Iles: three or four daily connections between Pointe-à-Pitre and Grand Bourg or Saint-Louis (26 € one-way or 43 € return).

• Val Ferry: up to three daily rotations from Pointe-à-Pitre to Grand Bourg. Also offers a combined pass for Les Saintes and Marie Galante.

Inter-Island Travel

In almost all cases, you’ll need to return to Guadeloupe to travel between dependencies. However, Babou One also offers a daily connection between Les Saintes and Marie Galante.

Getting Around

Transport options differ significantly from those in Pointe-à-Pitre and its surrounding area, not least because these islands are much smaller.

• La Désirade: barely 21 km², which you can explore on foot or using the "Désirbus"—the island’s two shared minibuses.

• Les Saintes: scooters, bikes (though it’s hilly), and walking are the best ways to get around this, the smallest territory in Guadeloupe. A ferry connects Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, the two main islands of Les Saintes.

• Marie Galante: choose between renting a bike, scooter, or car for this, the largest of Guadeloupe’s dependencies.

Inter-Island Distances

Guadeloupe*: Pointe-à-Pitre