Excursion to the great Cul-de-Sac Marin

EXCURSION TO THE GREAT CUL-DE-SAC MARIN

Description

The great Cul-de-sac Marin is one of the most beautiful natural wildlife reserves of the Antilles, appointed by UNESCO as biosphere reserve, the great Cul-de-sac Marin has thus received international recognition.

Located just north of the Rivière-Salée in Guadeloupe, and between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, the site is sheltered by an immense corail reff of 31 kilometers (19 miles) in lenght, the largest in the Lesser Antilles. The lagoon's crystal-clear water bathes numerous paradisical islets among the best preserved of the Lesser Antilles. The mangrove, set in a submerged soil, varies with the set of the tide and the elements, and harbours a luxuriant vegetation as well as a rich and peculiar fauna which make it a unique spot in the entire Caribbean.

This excursion will arouse all your of your senses, as much by its wealth of discoveries as its natural sea-scapes, where you can let yourself be rocked by turquoise waters, warm and surrounding islets of fine white sand emerging flush at water level...a veritable little paradise!

Programme

Our excursion will begin by a little stop off at the Pointe-à-Pitre spice market, before crossing the Rivière Salée (a mini sea arm) that meanders through the mangrove swamp with its particular fauna. This aquatic passage will bring us directly to the Caribbean sea, just at the entrance of the Grand Cul-de-sac marine reserve.

Then, we will serve a drink as well as a meal on the islet La Biche, in the firsherman's hut, right at the water's edge !

After lunch we shall resume our boat outing by heading for the islet Caret to relax and for a swim. This is a mythical islet in Guadeloupe with white sand and coconut trees.

Afterwards, our vessel will make a halt in the middle of the turquoise watered lagoon, behind the islet Fajou. There, we will dive with flippers, masks and sorkels to meet the starfish and according to the changes of the moon, we will also see divers shellfish.

Finally on our return journey, we will stop at the entrance of the Rivière-Salée to observe sternes, frigatebirds and pelicans coming back to roost for the night in their nests on the nearby islets.

Meal

The meal will be served in the fisherman's hut, at table, with one's feet in the water !.
Various dishes and desserts will be proposed in our menu.Choose as your fancy tells you.

Menu:

House-made aperitif (planter's punch, virgin cocktails...)
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Raw vegetable hors d'oeuvre (according to season)
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Marinated chicken, grilled on the barbecue
or
Chicken curry
or
Grilled fish (according to the fisherman's catch)
or
Poached fish, creole style (according to the fisherman's catch)
or
Grilled lobster (extra charged)
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Caramelized banana with rum Sauce
or
Cake of the day
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Wine, water and fruit juice are included
After-dinner vanilla flavoured rum
If you wish a particular menu or meal do not hesitate to enquire.

Departure and return time

You will have the choixe of a departure and return from and to Pointe-à-Pitre marina or Le Gosier's hotels:

	full day	half day Morning*	half day Afternoon*
Departure	9.00am	9.00am	1.30pm
Return	5.00pm	12.30pm	5.00pm

Fees

Fees	full day	half day
Adult	80€	55€
Child (-12 years)	60€	45€
Child (-2 years)	30€	25€

VAT included by guest
Fee including transportation to the islands and diving spots, guided tour, beverages, meal (except half day excursion), snorkeling equipment