
Plage de Malendure 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
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

Plage de Malendure Guadeloupe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

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

🐢 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.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 3,914 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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. , ,

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.

Black Sand Beach
Malendure Beach
Relax on unique black volcanic sand. The contrast with the turquoise water creates a striking visual.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Encounters & Best Viewing Times
Parking & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 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.
🧳 Pack Essentials
Bring your own trash bags and toiletries as facilities can be unreliable.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
While boat tours are available, bring your own gear for spontaneous exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 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.
🧳 Pack Essentials
Bring your own trash bags and toiletries as facilities can be unreliable.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
While boat tours are available, bring your own gear for spontaneous exploration.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Caribbean sun is strong. Use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and cover-ups.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are several parking areas along the road adjacent to the beach. However, they fill up quickly, especially during peak hours and weekends.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plage de Malendure itself is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. Access to the beach is free.
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.
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.
Yes, there are several vendors on the beach where you can rent snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins.
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.
🎫 🐠 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.,,
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.
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.,
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.
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.,
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several restaurants and food trucks directly on the beach offering a variety of local dishes, seafood, and drinks.
Yes, the beach itself has numerous dining options. Some visitors recommend bringing your own lunch due to long wait times at some establishments.
You can typically find Creole specialties, fresh seafood like grilled fish, and other local delicacies.
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.
Prices can vary, but expect typical beachside tourist pricing. Bringing your own snacks or lunch can be a more budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique black sand, the vibrant turquoise water, and especially the sea turtles. Sunsets can also be spectacular.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty. Late afternoon can also be beautiful with golden hour light.
Yes, with a waterproof camera or phone case, you can capture amazing underwater shots of the turtles and marine life.
The beach itself offers great perspectives. For wider shots, consider the nearby hiking trails that provide elevated views of the coastline.
Be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the wildlife. Ensure your equipment is protected from sand and saltwater.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit