In Guadeloupe, if there's one destination for an idyllic excursion beneath the coconut palms with stunning views over a lagoon, it's certainly Petite Terre. This is a micro-coral archipelago nestled between Désirade and Les Saintes. It comprises two islands, namely Terre de Bas and Terre de Haut. These paradisiacal patches of land are classified as a protected natural reserve. They captivate travelers eager to discover Caribbean marine and terrestrial fauna, as well as the region's flora. Vacationers who visit discover abundant peaceful and serene spots to spend an unforgettable moment of relaxation and leisure with family or friends.

Petite Terre and its history

This tiny archipelago, located roughly ten kilometers from Pointe des Châteaux, consists of two uninhabited islets. The largest is known as Terre de Bas, covering approximately 1.5 km². It houses the historic lighthouse, commonly called "the lighthouse at the end of the world," which has been transformed into a natural history museum to highlight local biodiversity. Administratively, Petite Terre's islets are part of the parish of Désirade.

The Arawaks and Carib Indians occupied the territory between 600 and 1500, representing the earliest traces of habitation on the islands according to archaeological findings. The peoples whom Christopher Columbus encountered upon his arrival in 1493 were hunters and fishermen. It was only toward the end of the 18th century, with European colonization, that agricultural activity began. Cotton cultivation, along with yams, pumpkins, peas and sweet potatoes, thrived as an organized undertaking. Maritime trade development and fishing demanded signaling and marking of the lands, leading to the lighthouse's construction in 1840. In 1998, the small archipelago changed status and became a marine and terrestrial nature reserve. The fragile balance in this corner of paradise is now managed by the National Forestry Office.

The wildlife of Petite Terre

Terrestrial fauna

The iguana is a protected species and ubiquitous across Petite Terre. The archipelago is home to more than 10,000 individuals—roughly one-third of the world's Caribbean iguana population. This harmless, herbivorous species feeds on flowers, fruits, and notably leaves from black wood, serpent wood, country pear trees, and even manchineel trees, a toxic species. It can reach nearly 1.60 meters in length and weigh up to 3 kg. You may encounter female or young green-colored iguanas. Beyond this, the hermit crab or souda awaits discovery throughout the archipelago. This species can also achieve impressive dimensions.

Other reptile species you may encounter on the island include the anolis and the skink. The former is rarely found elsewhere in Guadeloupe but thrives at Petite Terre. This specimen is arboreal and feeds primarily on insects. As for the skink, it's somewhat difficult to spot since it often hides in rock cavities and buries itself quickly with its small feet. It's recognizable by its bronze coloring with dark and light stripes.

Marine fauna

As you venture onto Petite Terre's lagoon, you'll encounter tropical fish such as black surgeonfish, trumpetfish, colas, slender cardinalfish, angelfish, sheephead wrasse, and the tri-color parrotfish. Various species of rays and small harmless sharks are also there to discover—of course, assuming you don't attempt to catch them. Among crustaceans, you may observe sea urchins, crabs, and spiny lobsters. Watch out for lobster antennae protruding from rocky cavities. Along the seagrass beds of Terre de Bas and the southern coast of Terre de Haut, you won't miss spotting impressive marine mammals such as bottlenose dolphins, as well as hawksbill turtles and green sea turtles.

Avian species

You'll encounter numerous resident birds at Petite Terre. Most notably, there's the yellow-bellied honeycreeper, found throughout the South American mainland. This nectar-eating bird won't hesitate to peck at your cookware or finish the remains of your meal. You can admire American oystercatchers along the shore, feeding primarily on mollusks with their long, robust beaks designed to pry open shellfish. Additionally, the yellow warbler is on Guadeloupe's regional list of protected species. It shelters around wetland areas and feeds on insects, spiders, and caterpillar berries. Among other migratory birds, yellow-billed cuckoos and other bobolinks are visible from September to November and April to May. Along the lagoon's edge, sanderlings frequently wander in search of small fish and crustaceans.

Nearly twenty companies offer services to take you to Petite Terre departing from Pointe-à-Pitre, and especially from Saint-François. Services are nearly identical, but the choice is yours.

To move about freely in Guadeloupe, it's advisable to opt for a rental car if your budget allows.