Plage de Malendure Guadeloupe
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Plage de Malendure Guadeloupe

4.3
·4k reviews·Bouillante, Guadeloupe

Famous for its black sand and abundant sea turtles, Malendure Beach is a gateway to the Pigeon Islands Marine Reserve, offering incredible snorkeling ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer waters

CrowdLow
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Plage de Malendure Guadeloupe

Plage de Malendure Guadeloupe

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer waters

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Famous for its black sand and abundant sea turtles, Malendure Beach is a gateway to the Pigeon Islands Marine Reserve, offering incredible snorkeling and diving.

4.3
(4k reviews)

"Swimming with turtles in this exceptional environment while respecting the fauna and flora! Stunning!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐢 Respect the Turtles

Observe from a distance, never touch or feed them. Let them swim freely. , ,

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited and fills up fast, especially afternoons. Go early to secure a spot.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 3,914 reviews

Type

Beach

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Swimming with Sea Turtles

Swimming with Sea Turtles

Near the seagrass beds

Experience the magic of swimming alongside wild sea turtles in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable encounter. , ,

InstagramReddit+1
Pigeon Islands Marine Reserve

Pigeon Islands Marine Reserve

Offshore from Malendure

Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Ideal for snorkeling and diving, offering a glimpse into an underwater paradise.

Reddit
Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach

Malendure Beach

Relax on unique black volcanic sand. The contrast with the turquoise water creates a striking visual.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Turtle Encounters & Best Viewing Times

Malendure Beach is famous for sea turtles! Visit early morning to avoid crowds and increase your chances of seeing them in calmer waters. Remember to observe from a respectful distance and never feed them.,Instagram Instagram

Parking & Facilities

Parking can be a challenge, especially in the afternoon. Arrive early! Facilities like restrooms can be unreliable; consider bringing your own supplies and a trash bag. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Je valorise mon territoire 🎥 C’est le week-end, quoi de mieux qu’une journée plage de Malendure, soleil et détente. Merci à Nedy pour cette vidéo. Si vous aussi, vous désirez partager vos vidéos et photos qui mettent en avant notre bel Guadeloupe, envoyez-nous par mail : jevalorisemonterritoire@agmedias.fr ou par wetransfer vos vidéos et photos. #franceantilles #guadeloupe #jevalorisemonterrit...
franceantilles_guadeloupe
356 likes • 11.2K views

🐢 Respect the Turtles

Observe from a distance, never touch or feed them. Let them swim freely.,Instagram,Instagram Reddit

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited and fills up fast, especially afternoons. Go early to secure a spot. Reddit

Ma famille 🤍 Les moments précieux de la vie… Et vous, quel est votre prochain voyage ? ✈️ [Plage de Malendure - Guadeloupe] #guadeloupe #vacances #famille #amour #plage #coucherdesoleil #bestmoment
noune_cook
73 likes • 3.4K views
Le saviez-vous ? En Guadeloupe il existe une plage où l’on peut voir des tortues à coup sûr et nager à leurs côtés 🐢 ! C’était d’ailleurs la première fois que Rosa-Louise avait l’occasion de découvrir les fonds marins, et elle a même vue une pièce d’or échappée d’un coffre de trésor de pirate tout au fond de l’eau 🏴‍☠️ Gabin quant à lui est tellement à l’aise qu’impossible de le filmer, il était ...
fanny.ailleursetici
994 likes • 52.6K views

🧳 Pack Essentials

Bring your own trash bags and toiletries as facilities can be unreliable. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended

While boat tours are available, bring your own gear for spontaneous exploration. Reddit

🌴🌊 Plongée dans un joyau menacé En face de la plage de Malendure, les îlets Pigeon abritent l’un des plus beaux récifs coralliens des Antilles. Masque, tuba, palmes… et des règles simples pour préserver ce trésor vivant Mais entre tourisme de masse et réchauffement, le site souffre. Comment concilier émerveillement et protection ? #Guadeloupe #PlongéeResponsable #RécifCorallien #RéserveCouste...
elementterre
148 likes • 20.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐢 Respect the Turtles

Observe from a distance, never touch or feed them. Let them swim freely.,Instagram,Instagram Reddit

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited and fills up fast, especially afternoons. Go early to secure a spot. Reddit

🧳 Pack Essentials

Bring your own trash bags and toiletries as facilities can be unreliable. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended

While boat tours are available, bring your own gear for spontaneous exploration. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The Caribbean sun is strong. Use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and cover-ups. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Malendure Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, especially the chance to swim with sea turtles and explore the vibrant Pigeon Islands Marine Reserve. Visitors appreciate the unique black sand and calm waters, though some note that parking can be difficult and facilities are not always well-maintained. Despite minor drawbacks, it's considered a highlight of Guadeloupe. Reddit

"We spent nice time here. Is a beach with black sand. The water is not that clear for snorkeling, but there is the posibility to go on a boat trip till Pigeon Island to see the underwater marine life. There are couple of resturants on the beach."

Lavinia Fernea

"Certainly one of my most beautiful life experiences.
Swimming with turtles in this exceptional environment while respecting the fauna and flora!
Stunning!!!"

Jonathan Cruz Sequeira (Cruzibabe)

"This is a lovely spot to spend the day in the water to explore Cousteau Reserve. The coral and underwater life is top notch. By heading to the north side to Petite Malendure, you can explore the sea life by the rocks finding an abundance of life including all types of coral, fish, eels and octopi. We spent hours in the water. The white sand is soft and few rocks. The water was not rough and little current. Swimming with the turtles that eat the grass off Petite Malendure was amazing.
Plage de Malendure has good facilities including a decent restroom, restaurants, and shops. A number of dive shops are set up on the beach making it easy to catch a ride out to Pigeon Island for more underwater exploring. We spent 5 days here and could have spent more."

Heather Terech

What People Like

Swimming with sea turtles
Vibrant marine life
Unique black sand

What People Dislike

Crowded parking
Inconsistent facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plage de Malendure is located in Bouillante on the west coast of Guadeloupe. If you're driving, follow signs for Bouillante and then for Plage de Malendure. Parking can be challenging, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Yes, it's a well-known spot. Look for signs for Bouillante and then follow directions to the beach. It's a popular destination, so it's usually well-marked. Instagram

The most common way to reach Plage de Malendure is by car. Rental cars are widely available in Guadeloupe. Taxis are also an option, but can be more expensive. Reddit

Public bus services in Guadeloupe can be limited, especially to more remote beaches. It's best to check local bus schedules, but a rental car or taxi is generally more convenient. Reddit

There are several parking areas along the road adjacent to the beach. However, they fill up quickly, especially during peak hours and weekends. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plage de Malendure itself is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. Access to the beach is free. Instagram

While the beach is free, boat tours for snorkeling or diving to the Pigeon Islands typically have a fee. Prices vary depending on the operator and duration. Reddit

Plage de Malendure is accessible at all times, as it's a public beach. However, facilities like restaurants and shops will have their own operating hours. Instagram

Yes, there are several vendors on the beach where you can rent snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins. Reddit

The Pigeon Islands are part of the Guadeloupe National Park and are protected. While there isn't a specific entrance fee to swim around them, boat tours to the islands will have associated costs. Instagram

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

The best way is to snorkel or swim in the designated areas, particularly near the seagrass beds. Go early in the morning for the best chances and calmer waters. Remember to be respectful and maintain distance.,Instagram,Instagram Reddit

The water clarity can vary, but many visitors find it good for snorkeling, especially on the north side near the rocks and around the Pigeon Islands. Early mornings often offer better visibility. Reddit

You can expect to see sea turtles, various colorful fish, coral formations, and sometimes eels and octopi, especially near the Pigeon Islands and rocky areas.,Instagram Reddit

Yes, there are several restaurants and food trucks along the beach offering local cuisine. Facilities like restrooms and showers are available, though their upkeep can be inconsistent. Reddit

Besides swimming and snorkeling, you can take boat trips to the Pigeon Islands, rent kayaks, or try electric surfboards. Some visitors also enjoy hiking nearby trails.,Instagram Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are several restaurants and food trucks directly on the beach offering a variety of local dishes, seafood, and drinks. Reddit

Yes, the beach itself has numerous dining options. Some visitors recommend bringing your own lunch due to long wait times at some establishments. Reddit

You can typically find Creole specialties, fresh seafood like grilled fish, and other local delicacies. Reddit

Options may be limited, but it's worth asking restaurants about vegetable-based dishes or salads. It's advisable to check menus or inquire beforehand. Reddit

Prices can vary, but expect typical beachside tourist pricing. Bringing your own snacks or lunch can be a more budget-friendly option. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique black sand, the vibrant turquoise water, and especially the sea turtles. Sunsets can also be spectacular. Instagram

Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty. Late afternoon can also be beautiful with golden hour light. Instagram

Yes, with a waterproof camera or phone case, you can capture amazing underwater shots of the turtles and marine life. Instagram

The beach itself offers great perspectives. For wider shots, consider the nearby hiking trails that provide elevated views of the coastline. Instagram

Be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the wildlife. Ensure your equipment is protected from sand and saltwater. Instagram

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