Saint-François Marina & Village
A vibrant marina and village on Guadeloupe, known for sailing events, friendly service, and local charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Electrifying atmosphere!
Saint-François Marina & Village
Best Time
Electrifying atmosphere!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant marina and village on Guadeloupe, known for sailing events, friendly service, and local charm.
"One of the best experiences we've ever had at a marina. Wonderful people, affordable prices, great facilities."
🤝 Friendly Welcome
Marina staff are welcoming and helpful, even assisting with docking in English.
🔌 Power Up
Foreign vessels can utilize 110v electricity for their needs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Marina Promenade
Saint-François Marina
Stroll along the waterfront, admire the yachts, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling hub.
Mini Transat Finish Line
Saint-François Marina
Experience the excitement of this major sailing event, with skippers arriving and festive celebrations.
+1
Local Flavors
Village of Saint-François
Explore the village for authentic Guadeloupean cuisine and local delicacies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Marina Post-Fire
+1Boating & Berthing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Friendly Welcome
Marina staff are welcoming and helpful, even assisting with docking in English.
🔌 Power Up
Foreign vessels can utilize 110v electricity for their needs.
🛒 Provisioning Easy
Find groceries, bakeries, and restaurants within walking distance.
🛥️ Docking Assistance
Specialized boats help guide you into your berth.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Friendly Welcome
Marina staff are welcoming and helpful, even assisting with docking in English.
🔌 Power Up
Foreign vessels can utilize 110v electricity for their needs.
🛒 Provisioning Easy
Find groceries, bakeries, and restaurants within walking distance.
🛥️ Docking Assistance
Specialized boats help guide you into your berth.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Saint-François Marina for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, particularly their assistance with docking and English communication. The facilities are generally well-maintained and convenient, with easy access to groceries and restaurants. However, some guests have noted minor issues with water odor and facility cleanliness, and the impact of a recent fire has affected dining options.
"Wonderful stay at this Marina. We are American, with a big old monohull and no bow thruster. We were worried about Med mooring as we're used to docking with finger piers, and we were worried about our French not being great. When we hailed them on VHF in terrible French, the portmaster immediately asked if we wanted to speak English. He made us feel so welcome and safe. They have a runabout specially designed for helping guide your boat into the berth. They even have 110 if you need it for electricity.
This is a fantastic marina for foreign vessels.
There is a grocery and bakery right there, as well as laundromat and dozens of restaurants, all in walking distance.
Marina is centrally located so you have access to the rainforest of Basse Terre as well as the beaches of Grande Terre.
One of the best experiences we've ever had at a marina. Wonderful people, affordable prices, great constantly updated facilities, perfect location.
Highly recommended.
Photo is us at the welcome dock :)"
Sara Lovotti
"Nice & well equipped Marina, Friendly people. Clean, well equipped, and fairly new catamaran we got"
iSeeBoard
"Good place for walking around and trying out some better restaurants in the city. Seems like a fancy neighborhood altogether for Pt. a Pitre"
Romulus C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The marina is located in the town of Saint-François on Grande-Terre island in Guadeloupe. If arriving by air at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), you can rent a car or take a taxi to Saint-François, which is about a 45-minute drive.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the marina, though it can get busy, especially during events.
Public transport options might be limited directly to the marina, but buses do connect towns on Grande-Terre. Renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore the island and reach the marina.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general access to the marina promenade and village is free. You only need tickets or reservations if you plan to dine at specific restaurants or participate in ticketed events.
The marina itself is operational 24/7 for boaters. Shops and restaurants in the village have their own operating hours, typically open during the day and into the evening.
There are no entry fees to walk around the village of Saint-François or the marina area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy strolling along the docks, admiring the boats, dining at restaurants, and exploring the nearby village. The marina is also a hub for sailing events like the Mini Transat.
While the main promenade is generally flat, some areas might have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details if you have mobility concerns.
Some visitors have noted that the water in the marina can have an odor and may require more frequent cleaning of facilities.
Yes, the marina offers fuel services for visiting boats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The marina and surrounding village offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, serving local Guadeloupean cuisine.
Yes, you'll find a grocery store (Carrefour Express) and several bakeries within walking distance of the marina for provisioning.
Look for dishes featuring fresh seafood, accras (fritters), boudin (sausage), and local fruits like mango and passionfruit.
Unfortunately, a significant fire in October 2025 destroyed several restaurants at the marina. Recovery efforts are ongoing, so it's best to check for current dining availability.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the yachts, the sunset over the water, and the lively atmosphere during events like the Mini Transat.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while evenings provide beautiful sunset colors over the marina.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of private property and individuals when taking pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the marina itself is focused on boating, the general atmosphere is safe and engaging for children to observe the boats and the water. Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow kids more space to explore. For dining, look for restaurants in the village that offer a more relaxed setting.
Ensure you check the current status of restaurants before planning a meal. The proximity to beaches on Grande-Terre also makes it a good starting point for family beach days. ⚓ Sailors & Boaters
While the marina is well-equipped, be aware of potential minor issues like water odor and the need for more frequent toilet cleaning.
💰 Budget Travelers
You can save money by provisioning at the local grocery store and bakery rather than dining out for every meal. Consider visiting outside of major event periods like the Mini Transat, as accommodation and activity prices might be higher during these times.
The marina's central location also means you can access other parts of Guadeloupe without necessarily needing to stay in more expensive tourist hubs. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marina Experience for Boaters
Beyond the practicalities of berthing and services, the marina's location is a significant advantage. It's centrally located, providing easy access to both the lush rainforests of Basse-Terre and the beautiful beaches of Grande-Terre.
While the overall experience is highly positive, some minor drawbacks have been noted. A few visitors mentioned an odor in the water and suggested that toilet cleaning could be more frequent.
Impact of the 2025 Fire
+1 This event was a devastating blow to the local businesses and the vibrant atmosphere of the marina. +1 The fire reportedly started in one restaurant and quickly spread to adjacent establishments, causing extensive damage over a large area. The incident has understandably caused distress and concern among the community and visitors, with some expressing feelings of indignation and calling for better management.
The destruction of these eateries not only affects the livelihoods of the restaurateurs but also alters the dining landscape of the marina, especially impacting the crucial tourist season. While the marina infrastructure itself remains operational for boating, the loss of these dining venues is a significant setback. Visitors planning a trip should verify the current status of restaurants and any ongoing recovery efforts to manage expectations regarding dining options.
+2Events and Atmosphere
+1 This event brings a surge of excitement, with skippers arriving and crowds gathering to witness the culmination of their challenging journeys. The presence of musical performances, like those by Les Aiglons, further amplifies the festive mood during such occasions. Beyond major events, the marina generally exudes a lively and authentic ambiance.
It's a place where you can observe the daily comings and goings of yachts, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in the Caribbean spirit. The village surrounding the marina also contributes to this atmosphere, offering local shops and a glimpse into daily life. Whether you're a sailor or a visitor, the marina offers a dynamic environment that captures the essence of Guadeloupe's coastal charm. 
Social
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