Petit-Havre Beach
White sand, turquoise bay — but read the safety notice first
About
Petit-Havre is a compact 250-metre arc of white sand on the southern coast of Grande-Terre, tucked inside a calm, protected bay in the commune of Le Gosier. The water runs a clear turquoise, shallow enough near shore to see the seabed, and the Îlet du Gosier lighthouse sits just 200 metres offshore — a postcard silhouette that anchors every view. The bay's natural shelter keeps the surface relatively flat, which is why families have long been drawn here. That same calm, however, sits alongside a serious and current health warning that changes how you use the beach entirely.
How to get there
From Pointe-à-Pitre, drive south on the coastal road — you'll reach Petit-Havre in about 20 minutes. A daily bus from Mare Gaillard covers the route in roughly 10 minutes. Parking is free and mixed (street and off-road), but spaces are limited, especially on weekends — arrive early or you'll be circling. There is no entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The lighthouse view and calm bay create a genuinely scenic setting for a slow morning on the sand — just keep expectations realistic given the current swimming ban, and plan a sunset drive to Fort Fleur d'Épée, 2 km away, for the panoramic bay views.
For families
The protected, shallow bay and free parking make logistics easy, and the Guadeloupe Aquarium just 1 km away gives kids a solid backup plan — essential right now, since swimming is prohibited and strong currents make the water off-limits for young children regardless.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Petit-Havre is genuinely pretty — white sand, turquoise water, a lighthouse on a coral island 200 metres out — and on paper it ticks every box for a relaxed family beach day. But as of April 2025, swimming and all nautical activities are prohibited due to bacterial contamination risk from a nearby wastewater treatment plant, and that changes everything. Do not enter the water. The beach still works as a scenic stop, a picnic spot, or a photography location, and the surrounding area — Fort Fleur d'Épée, the Guadeloupe Aquarium, the Îlet du Gosier — gives you real reasons to linger on land. Come in the dry season (November to April), arrive early for parking, and check official Guadeloupe health authority updates before your trip. When the ban lifts, this bay will earn its reputation back fast.
What to do
The tiny Îlet du Gosier, just 200 metres offshore, is the area's star attraction — a small coral island with snorkeling and a lighthouse, reachable by short swim or shuttle (check current water-safety status before attempting). Two kilometres away, Fort Fleur d'Épée is an 18th-century fortification with panoramic views over the bay — well worth the short drive. The Guadeloupe Aquarium, billed as the largest in the Caribbean, sits about a kilometre away in Le Gosier marina and makes an excellent alternative when the beach itself is off-limits.
The Îlet du Gosier lighthouse framed against turquoise water from the shoreline is the defining shot — best at sunrise before other visitors arrive.
The white sand foreground with the calm bay stretching behind it works well from either end of the 250-metre beach. Fort Fleur d'Épée, 2 km away, adds a dramatic stone-ruin angle with sweeping bay panoramas.
Where to eat
LA Toubana Hôtel & Spa, just 2.7 km from the beach, is the closest quality dining option and earns consistently strong reviews. For a wider choice, Casa Datcha (7.3 km) offers a highly rated experience worth the short drive. If you're self-catering, bring a picnic — there are no restaurants directly on the beach.
Where to stay
LA Toubana Hôtel & Spa (4.4/5, 2.7 km) is the closest option and the most convenient base for the beach. Club Med La Caravelle (4.1/5, 3.4 km) suits those who want an all-inclusive setup nearby. For a more boutique feel, Le Relais du Moulin (4.6/5, 9.6 km) is the highest-rated property in the wider area.
Photography
Shoot early morning when the turquoise water catches flat golden light and the Îlet du Gosier lighthouse appears sharp on the horizon — that 200-metre offshore silhouette is the frame everyone comes for. Late afternoon from the eastern end of the beach gives you the lighthouse backlit against the sky, with the white sand foreground glowing warm.
Good to know
Swimming and all nautical activities are currently prohibited due to a risk of bacterial contamination from a nearby wastewater treatment plant — do not enter the water, regardless of how inviting it looks (as of April 2025). Strong currents can also be present, posing particular danger for families with young children. Stay on the sand, enjoy the views, and treat this as a picnic-and-scenery stop until official health authorities lift the ban. Avoid visiting in September and October, when hurricane season peaks and conditions deteriorate sharply.
Map
Nearby places
Kfc Les Abymes
Le Relais du Moulin
La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa
LA Toubana Hôtel & Spa
Casa Datcha
Le Relais du Moulin
Club Med La Caravelle
La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa
LA Toubana Hôtel & Spa
Pierre & Vacances Village Club Sainte-Anne
Plage De Sainte-Anne
Marché nocturne Gosier
Plage de la Caye d'argent
Things to see around Le Gosier
Îlet du Gosier
Small coral island with snorkeling and lighthouse, accessible by short swim or shuttle.
Fort Fleur d'Épée
18th-century fort with panoramic bay views.
Guadeloupe Aquarium
Largest aquarium in Caribbean, located in Le Gosier marina.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — cartophyl · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 2 — cartophyl · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 3 — cartophyl · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 4 — Enrevseluj · source · CC BY-SA 4.0