According to forum posts, reaching Les Saintes requires morning ferries from Point à Pitre or afternoon ferries from Trois-Rivières. Travelers aiming for an afternoon departure should head to Trois-Rivières or stay overnight in Gosier to catch the next morning's ferry from Point à Pitre.

Some travelers mentioned that in Les Saintes, visitors can rent a golf cart to explore the island, visit Pain de Sucre for snorkeling, or enjoy swimming in picturesque coves. The Fort Napoleon offers panoramic views and historical insights, while Plage des Pompierres provides a calm beach experience. For those interested in hiking, the trek up to Le Chameau to the Napoleonic lookout tower is recommended, especially in the cooler morning hours.

Travelers have called out the availability of a well-equipped pharmacy on Les Saintes that offers COVID-19 tests and vaccines, essential for those needing health services or compliance with travel regulations. This can be particularly useful for visitors planning their return trips to home countries with specific health entry requirements.

According to forum posts, some of the most recommended beaches in Guadeloupe include La Datcha in Gosier, which offers beach bars and is described as a nice and safe area. Plage du Bourg, Plage de Bois Jolan, Plage de Petit Havre, and Plage de la Caravelle on Grand-Terre are noted for their tropical scenery and tranquil waters.

Travelers have called out that while beach chairs and umbrellas are not commonly rented out across Guadeloupe, some beaches like those near the Auberge Hotel do offer them. It's suggested to bring a towel and find a spot under a tree for a more authentic experience.

For those interested in food options near the beaches, posts suggest that the beaches on the Basse-Terre side have the best beachside dining options. Specific beaches like Plage de la Perle and Plage de Grande Anse offer good eating establishments right next to the beach.

Travelers looking for less crowded and more serene beach experiences might consider beaches on Basse-Terre, which are described as bigger and quieter but with rougher waters compared to those on Grand-Terre.

According to forum posts, Air Antilles offers flights from Guadeloupe to Martinique, though these flights may not operate daily and could be routed through Fort-de-France. Some travelers mentioned that while Air Caraïbes and Air Antilles are generally reliable, there can be occasional delays due to insufficient ticket sales, leading to rescheduled flights.

Travelers have discussed that the ferry service between Guadeloupe and Martinique is available, but it only operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The Express des Îles offers this ferry service, and tickets can be booked online. Some users noted that the catamaran service is a picturesque way to travel between the two islands.

According to forum posts, some travelers recommend local car rental companies like West Indies Car for their reliability and helpful service, especially if issues arise. Locar in St. François is also praised for its convenient airport pickup service and customer-oriented approach.

For many users, larger car rental companies at the airport like Rent A Car Guadeloupe offer a straightforward rental process with reasonable prices and efficient service. These companies often have shorter waiting times compared to more recognized brands, making them a viable option for many visitors.

Some travelers said that using discount codes for larger companies can significantly reduce rental costs. For instance, a promo code was mentioned that offered a substantial discount for a month-long rental from Budget Car Rental.

Travelers have called out the importance of booking early, especially for automatic cars, as they are less common and quickly booked out during high seasons.