A short boat ride from beachfront resorts, a quiet oasis awaits
On the calm southern coast of Guadeloupe, the seaside town of Le Gosier lures vacationers with a collection of charming small hotels and cafes. The shoreline is laced with sheltered coves and sun-spangled beaches, but the area’s favorite aquatic destination lies just offshore.
Islet du Gosier is a half-mile long strip of sand and greenery surrounded by shallow reefs. A historic lighthouse rises above the island’s palm grove to warn mariners away from the shoals, but these same coral reefs now attract day-trippers. Cruising yachtsmen anchor nearby and dingy ashore, while taxi boats provide easy access via a five-minute boat ride from town. More ambitious types can rent a kayak and paddle out from Datcha Beach, and some locals even make it a practice to swim to the island for their morning constitutional.
Once there, visitors can spread a towel and relax, or don mask and snorkel to explore the surrounding coral gardens. There are public restrooms on the island, and local vendors often set up shop on the beach, offering a range of savory refreshments. Though popular, this offshore haven rarely draws a crowd, and is about as close as one can get to experiencing a deserted island without actually being shipwrecked.
