Making the most of Deshaies
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Deshaies is located on the island of Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. There are many beautiful beaches located along the coast. This is a tender port.
The town is very compact, so once you arrive at the harbor, you are essentially already in the downtown area.
Printable map to take along.
Cruise Schedule for Deshaies
Between the sea and the mountains, amongst these lands of contrast and wild reliefs, the little village of Deshaies offers charm and authenticity.
Deshaies is a haven where it is nice to stop, to soak up this nonchalant atmosphere so typical of the West Indies, to eat on the terrace of a restaurant or to drink a ti-punch while watching the sunset at the back of the bay.
Getting around
Buses: several private bus lines connect Pointe-à-Pitre or Basse-Terre with all villages. No timetables, stop on sign.
Taxis: fares are set by the government; they are pretty expensive as soon as you leave the cities.
Rental cars: there are lots of car rentals, but reservations especially between December and April are advisable.
Nearby places
On your way out of Deshaies, don't forget to go and visit the Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique). In the heart of a 10 acre property belonging to Coluche, a French comedian, this garden, with its explosion of colors, offers a huge variety of tropical plants (800 plant species), but also 11 animal species in partial liberty, a lake of pink flamingos, aviaries, a torrent, a village of parrots… An enchantment for adults as well as children!
Money
The currency is the Euro. Most banks and bank machines accept most international credit cards.
Credit cards: are welcomed almost everywhere, the best known is Visa.
Staying connected
Police: 17
There are cyber cafes in Saint-François, Sainte Anne, Mare-Gaillard, Pointe-à-Pitre... there are also terminals in some post offices and other public sites.
The official language is French. Most people speak creole. In big tourist centers and at the northern islands (Saint-Martin, Saint-Bartholomew), they also speak English.
Opening Hours and
Stores are usually open 8.00 am to noon and from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Businesses are closed Saturday afternoons, Sundays, holidays and very often Wednesday afternoons.