Marie-Galante
Marie-Galante is a mostly flat island in Guadeloupe, known for sugar cane fields, old windmills and rum distilleries, with beaches along its coast.
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Marie-Galante is an island in the Guadeloupe archipelago, part of France and the Caribbean. It lies southeast of Basse-Terre, the western half of Guadeloupe, and the ferry from Trois-Rivières takes you there. Unlike the volcanic mountains of Basse-Terre, the island is mostly flat, and it is often called the island of a hundred windmills.
Sugar cane has long shaped the island. Visitors come for the rum distilleries, the old sugar windmills among the fields, and the beaches along the coast. It suits travelers who want slow days, local food and a car for getting around. Plan a day or two for the main sights, or several days if you want to slow down. December to May is the drier season and the best time to visit. June to November is hurricane season, when storms are possible. Public buses are limited, so a rental car makes it easier to reach the distilleries and beaches.
Marie-Galante in five
- Take the ferry from Trois-Rivières, or fly from Pointe-à-PitreThe ferry crosses from Trois-Rivières on Basse-Terre to Saint-Louis on Marie-Galante, and small planes fly from Pointe-à-Pitre. Check both timetables before you book.Getting around
- Rent a car or pre-book a taxiThe island is small, but villages and beaches are spread out and public buses are limited. Arrange your car or taxi before you cross.
- Carry euro cash for small stallsThe currency is the euro. Card payments work in larger places, but not every bakery or market stall takes cards, so keep some notes and coins.
- Set up an eSIM before you crossInstall an eSIM or buy a local SIM before the ferry, so you can check timetables and routes on your phone. Set it up on Wi-Fi at home or at your hotel.Phones and eSIM
- Check entry rules for your passportGuadeloupe is a French overseas department, so entry rules follow France, not the island. Check your nationality on France-Visas before you book flights.Visas and entry
Things to do in Marie-Galante
See all attractions in Marie-Galante
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- French rules apply; check your passport on France-Visas Read more
- Emergency
- 17 police, 15 SAMU ambulance, 18 fire; 112 works too
- Tipping
- Service included by law; a small extra is optional
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry season, sunny
- AprilDry, warm
- MayDry season ends, wetter
- JuneHurricane season begins
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustPeak storm risk
- SeptemberPeak storm risk
- OctoberStorm risk
- NovemberStorm risk, easing
- DecemberDry season returns
Right now in Marie-Galante
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 31°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 19 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 76%
Marie-Galante
06:06 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°27°76%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Tue29°25°60%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 60%.
- Wed29°26°12%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Thu29°26°16%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Fri29°25°45%Friday: Clear. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Sat28°25°39%Saturday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Sun29°25°27%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 27%.
Updated 02:30 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Day trips by train
- Grand-Bourga short drive across the islandThe island's main town and administrative centre, with shops and services.
- Saint-Louisa short drive from Grand-BourgThe fishing port where the ferry from Trois-Rivières lands.
- Sugar windmillsa short drive across the islandSugar windmills from the plantation era, scattered across the island and visible from the road.
Before you go to Marie-Galante
Rules for Marie-Galante, checked
- Check the entry rules for your passport on France-Visas before you book, since Guadeloupe follows French rules.Source
- Plants, fresh produce and some food products can be restricted or need paperwork. Check French customs before you pack.Source
- Carry your passport or ID card, since police can ask to see it. Drive on the right if you rent a car.
Plan around Marie-Galante
The main island, plus ferries and flights to Marie-Galante
Read the guideGetting aroundFerry, flights and how to move across the island
Read the guideWhere to stayPlaces to base yourself for a quiet island stay
Read the guideVisas and entryFrench entry rules for your passport
Read the guideMoney and costsTypical prices in euros
Read the guideCaribbean destinationsOther islands and the wider region
Read the guideMarie-Galante FAQ
How do you get to Marie-Galante?
Take the ferry from Trois-Rivières on Basse-Terre, or fly from Pointe-à-Pitre on a small plane. Check both timetables before you book.
Is Marie-Galante worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a quiet island with old sugar windmills, rum distilleries and beaches. It suits slow days more than nightlife, so skip it if you want a busy resort.
How many days do you need on Marie-Galante?
Plan at least two nights to see the main villages, a windmill walk and a rum visit. Stay longer if you want to rent a car and explore the coast slowly.
Do you need a car on Marie-Galante?
Usually, yes. The island is small, but villages and beaches are spread out and buses are limited. Book a rental or a taxi before you cross.
Can you visit Marie-Galante as a day trip from Guadeloupe?
It is possible but tight, since the crossing and transfers leave you little time on the island. Stay at least one night if you can.
What currency is used on Marie-Galante?
The euro. Card payments work in larger places, but carry cash for small bakeries and market stalls.