Hike to Plage de Malendure - Snorkel with sea turtles

Intro

Malendure is one of the most visited beaches in Guadeloupe's Basse-Terre. It is mostly famous for spotting sea turtles while snorkeling, so bring your snorkeling gear. If you don't have snorkeling gear it might be worth investing in some as Guadeloupe has many great snorkeling spots.

This hike will take you to the beach of Malendure over a pretty and adventurous coastal path. You'll have great view over the ocean and will see some impressive cacti along the way.

About the trail

The hike starts next to the N2, one of the main roads. There is no real parking at the start, but there's space next to the road where you can leave your car.

The trail follows the coastline high above sea level. Regularly you can take a small sidepath to check out a viewpoint or even go down to the waterline. You'll end up on Malendure beach where you should spend some time relaxing and snorkeling.

Bring plenty of water, you can expect dry heat and limited shadow along the way. It's also worth noting that you'll often be walking and scrambling over sharp coral rock. Because of this you might want to consider long pants to protect you from potential scratches, despite the heat.

About the sea turtles at Malendure

The waters of Malendure are home to three main species of sea turtles: the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), the Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). These charismatic creatures have captured the hearts of locals and tourists, drawing people from all corners of the globe to witness their beauty and grace in their natural habitat.

The Green sea turtle, named for the greenish hue of its skin and fat, is the most common species found in the waters around Malendure. These herbivorous turtles play a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs by grazing on vegetation, and they are vital to the overall balance of the marine ecosystem.

The Hawksbill sea turtle, recognizable by its strikingly beautiful shell, plays a significant role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by feeding on sponges. Their conservation is of utmost importance as they are listed as critically endangered due to human activities such as poaching and habitat destruction.

The Leatherback sea turtle, the largest of all sea turtle species, is a true marvel of the marine world. Known for its unique leathery shell, these gentle giants undertake astonishing long-distance migrations, crossing entire ocean basins to reach nesting beaches. Sadly, their numbers have been declining due to entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of plastic debris, and accidental capture.

Fortunately, Malendure has become a stronghold for sea turtle conservation and protection. Local organizations, in collaboration with government initiatives and passionate individuals, have worked tirelessly to safeguard these magnificent creatures and their habitats.