A short day trip away from the primary island of Grande-Terre, the Petite-Terre islets emerge from the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, offering sanctuary to iguanas, migrating birds, and marine turtles.
Even though they come under the authority of
La Désirade
The twin islands of Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas — together called Petite-Terre — are accessible exclusively through Saint-François on Grande-Terre. A single day suffices to discover these two unpopulated islands, which have been safeguarded as a nature reserve since 1998 and provide refuge for numerous iguanas. Annually, they become essential resting spots for many migratory birds, with serene beaches serving as vital nesting grounds for green and hawksbill turtles.
Your excursion offers plenty of activities: hike along the paths crisscrossing Terre-de-Bas, the bigger island; tour the historical lighthouse, now converted into a museum displaying the rich biodiversity found here; dive underwater off Terre-de-Haut using your snorkeling gear (which is restricted during certain times); or just settle down at one of the picturesque shores. Around the reefs, you might encounter barracuda swimming nearby, possibly spotting small lemon sharks and stingrays too.
This exceptional escape can easily be organized through various local businesses providing boat trips from Saint-François to this wild cluster of islands.
Îles de la Petite-Terre
www.petite-terre.com
