Ever been to Guadeloupe and Les Saintes?

[sirensong]

I'm thinking of taking a long vacation...well, long for me,... maybe 10-14 day trip to Guadeloupe, including the smaller islands (Les Saintes). Has anyone been there? I'm looking for a good diving operation, both off the main islands and Les Saintes. I heard there are whale dives, and supposedly Cousteau called Pigeon Island (off the west coast) one of the top 10 dives sites in the world! (Although that might be a quote from Guadeloupe's tourist board!) Any recommendations as far as kayaking, hiking, sailing, accommodation, etc. would be great appreciated. :10:

Thanks!

Melissa

P.S. What's this guy all about? :fruit:

 

[sirensong]

I'm looking for someone who has been to Guadeloupe or Les Saintes.....anyone, anyone????

 

[DougY]

Hi,
I was in Guadeloupe in Nov 2005 for a week. I stayed at http://www.rocher-de-malendure.gp/ and went diving with
http://www.heures-saines.gp/
They were right next to pigeon island -- 5 min boat trip. The dive outfit were quite good. they went out for a 1 tank three times a day.
9, 11 and 3 I think.
I think Jaques must have been on the sauce the day he said it was one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Its interesting enough quite a few fish, nothing big the odd turtle or two an underwater statue of Jaques - but top ten in the world not in my opion.
I had 5 days of diving and it was good but I had definatly seen all there was to see in 5 days.
I liked Guadeloupe the two halfs of the island are quite different. Being able to speak a bit of french will help as lots of people have no english. The food is very good.

hope this helps
Doug

 

[sirensong]

...that helps a lot! I'm not sure if it is worth going considering flights are quite expensive from Philadelphia. Still, Les Saintes looks appealing. Thanks for the information!

Melissa