SOMETIMES, small islands aren’t small enough, even in Guadeloupe, an island hopper’s dream come true with five major islands to check out. But the French Caribbean archipelago also has a number of tiny islets dotting the water, the perfect places to check out for an afternoon getaway. Here are seven of them.
Ilet du Gosier — This speck of land off the coast of the beach town of Gosier has an old lighthouse and a Robinson Crusoe vibe. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s home to a world-class beach bar called Ti’ Robinson.
Ilet Caret — Located in the marine reserve of Grand-cul-du-Sac, between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, Îlet Caret is an idyllic desert island getaway named for the species of turtle that nest there during nesting season.
Ilet Blanc — Born from Hurricane Hugo, Îlet Blanc is the newest islet to Guadeloupe collection of islets and is a protected islet; visits are prohibited during May 1 to August 30 to allow protected species to nest.
Îlet à Cabrit — This is one of the seven uninhabited islets of the Les Saintes archipelago (famous for the island of Terre de Haut). It’s a secret day getaway for those truly in the know, especially for yachters. It’s also home to the remains of Fort Josephine.
Ilet Kawane — It’s so called for its resemblance to a turtle, a species which is ever-present in its waters. It’s located off the coast of Deshaies in Basse-Terre. It’s also a popular dive spot. (Above: Ilet Kawane as viewed from the Langley Fort Royal Hotel).
Tête à l’Anglais — Another islet near Deshaies, it received its name during the French-British naval wars in the region as French soldiers, thinking the shape resembled the head of an English man, fired test shots at it. Today, it’s protected for bird reproduction.