The beaches are located on the south coast of the island, all are shady and protected by coral reefs. There are several small snacks & small restaurants, but in low season, they are not always open.

Anse Petite Rivière - Baie Mahault

Anse d'Echelle - Pointe des Colibris

Plage du Souffleur - Beauséjour

Desirade is a must in Guadeloupe in terms of diving. It particularly rich, virgin, untouched and all the fish size xxl. Suitable for qualified scuba divers, with at least level 1.
 

The best spot
The sharks cave is a spectacular dive of 22 meters. You'll find barracudas, sharks, rays, manta rays and turtles. For 2° level divers.
The chaos is a maze of rocks between 15/20 meters a magnificent marine environment with gigantic fish.
 

There are quiet a few trails giving walking fans the opportunity to discover the real Desirade. The longest is approximately 3 hours, 5 hours to do the full tour of the island (20 km).

Desirade can be seen in one day, it is enough to take a look round the island and appreciate and get to know its beautiful beaches. In 15 minutes you can get from one side to the other. The mountain road,which is only doable in 4x4 takes two hours.
You can also sleep at Désirade, which we recommended for those looking for true peace and quiet. There is a choice of hotels and chez l'habitant, but tourist facilities and restaurants are not numerous.
 

Beauséjour

Protected by coral reefs (Cayes), it is the port of arrival for the ferry from Guadeloupe, Beauséjour is a small fishing village that has maintained its traditional ways. A point of interest is its cemetery, with its simple the tombs are simple but all decorated with conch shells.
 

The Leprosarium

The leprosarium was the symbol of Désirade for more than two centuries, from 1728 to 1956. Lepers we required to migrate to the island with sufficient livestock and food for six months Accommodation was assigned to them in a way that they would be self sufficient. The locals would mistreat the sick. They would beat them with sticks, use them as slaves and plunder there land & belongings. It was only at the beginning of the 1800's that a hospital was built for them and a doctor assigned. Today you can visit the ruins of the leprosarium and the old cotton mill at 6 km. from Baie-Mahault.

Le quartier des sables

In 1763 France deported some of its most disruptive members of the aristocratic families. The “Camp des relégués” or "The internment camp”, on Desirade was in place for just a short period, but many of the aristocracy chose to remain on the island.
At 1,5 km. south of Beausejour.
 

Petite Terre, a nature reserve, is a coral archipelago located between La Desirade and Marie Galante. Consisting of two islands, Terre de Bas and Terre de Haut. Petite Terre is a little paradise inhabited only by just two guards and the iguanas. You can get to it from Saint François on mainland Guadeloupe, where you will find daily excursions to the island. You can also find other sail boats and excursions which visit the spot. To be avoided on weekends and Easter weekend.