Island of Guadeloupe with the preserved nature, La Désirade is a paradise for the followers of ecotourism.

Between its magnificent beaches, its splendid seabed and its many hiking trails to explore the flora and fauna, La Désirade remains a destination of choice offering a range of activities.

If you cancel up to 24 hours before arrival, you will receive a partial refund (less service charges). In case of cancellation within 24 hours before your trip, the first night is not refundable. The service charge is refunded when the cancellation takes place before arrival and within 48 hours of the reservation.

Number of inhabitants

The island of La Désirade has approximately 1,595 inhabitants (estimated in 2006).

History

In the 3rd century, the island is populated by Amerindians.
On November 2, 1493, La Desirade was the first island discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage. He calls it "La Désirée" because of the eagerness of his sailors to see a land after a long journey.
Unfavorable to agriculture, it served during several centuries of lair to the corsair.
The island was dominated by the Spaniards until the 17th century, before France captured it in 1635 and the annex to Guadeloupe. Cotton plantations are located there.
The island was chosen as the home of the lepers, who were then victims of an epidemic in the Caribbean in 1728. The leprosarium closes in 1952.

Geography

La Désirade is an island in the West Indies in the south-east of Guadeloupe. Its area covers 21.42 km2. It includes a mountain, the Great Mountain, rising to 275 meters of altitude, and its ribs are bordered of white cliffs. Coral reefs protect its two beautiful long beaches of white sand. Its topography makes it vulnerable to strong winds and not conducive to agriculture. While 20 kilometers away from Continental Guadeloupe, it is 6,700 kilometers away from the mainland.

How to get around town?

La Desirade offers various modes of transport, Minibus, Taxi, Car rental, Scooters or Bicycles of your choice.
The minibus: visits of the island by private minibuses are organized via the Tourist Office on site or specialized agencies.
The taxi: a few taxis offer their services to ensure the transport of the traveler.

Rental car and scooter: several rental companies are located near the marina of Beauséjour, main village of the island.
The bike: very small, the island can easily be discovered by bike.

What to see?

The island of the archipelago of Guadeloupe has many tourist sites to discover. Visitors will mainly visit the ruins of the leprosarium and the old cotton factory, the Pointe Doublé lighthouse, the Beauséjour marine cemetery, the Notre-Dame du Calvaire chapel and the Notre-Dame- de-Bon-Secours.
Other sites such as the Petite Terre Nature Reserve, Grande-Anse, Souffleur and Baie-Mahault beaches or the cliffs of the north coast will delight tourists.
Official site of the Island of La Désirade.

What to do ?

- Hike around the island on the small wild paths and in the park of Petite-Terre.
- Observe the incredible fauna and flora, including species of endangered animals such as iguanas, agoutis (rodents also called "golden hare"), tail-flails (birds), frigates and pelicans.
- Diving among the exotic fish of the reefs.
- Stroll along the white sandy beaches and the cozy villages of the island.
Gastronomy and recipe (s) of the soil

The dishes: Bébélé (dish based on tripe and green bananas), accompanied by dombrés (small ball of bread dough stuffed to choose); steaming (traditional stew); Diri Touloulou (crab rice); Fresh fish broth; Creole sausage ; Stuffed crabs ; Chicken Colombo.
Desserts: Watermelon salad, pineapple, bananas, grapefruit and green lemons sweetened and raised with white rum; Crown of the Desirade (Easter dessert with paste, apricot jam and rum).
Drinks: Rum, Juice.

What to see in the area?

In the vicinity of La Desirade, various tourist sites are to be seen.
The other islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago, notably the Saintes, which make up the most beautiful bays in the world; The coast of Continental Guadeloupe; The Petite-Terre Nature Reserve.

Health?

For any emergency, dial 15 or 112.

Hospital of La Désirade:
Departmental Dispensary,
The Desirade, Guadeloupe
(PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN)

transport network

several possibilities of renting scooter, car, bike directly to your arrived on the port of the island.