Plage de la Perle is one of the most popular beaches in all of Guadeloupe. Typically, when I go to a beach destination I end up not liking the most popular beaches as much for a variety of reasons, that was NOT the case with Plage de la Perle.
Even though it’s popular, it is not overrun, and even though it has significant development around, it’s still big enough that you can find space to spread out on and call your own. Perks like these are common in Guadeloupe!
For those not familiar, Guadeloupe is a group of islands in the Caribbean (just beyond Puerto Rico) that officially belongs to France. It is home to some truly amazing beaches. With it being a French overseas territory, the islands are a unique blend of island and European culture in North America.
This is easily one of the best beaches on the west coast of Guadeloupe
For the non-French speakers (like myself) the name translates to Pearl Beach. And yes, calling Plage de la Perle Beach is silly since you are basically saying Pearl Beach Beach.
For fans of “Death in Paradise” TV show you may recognize the inspector’s shack from this beach. I have never seen this show, but I know a lot of people like it.
Plage de la Perle Quick Tips
- Sand & water color: Golden sand and clear blue water
- Other names: Perle Beach, Pearl Beach
- Best for: walks along the beach, swimming, waves, great restaurants and bars, sunsets
- Known for: Being one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island
- Facilities:Â Showers, restrooms (porta-potties), pavilions with picnic tables, lots of restaurants and bars, and plenty of beach shops
- Swimming conditions: Usually great, waves typically not rough
- Lifeguard: none
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Medium difficulty in finding a spot. There are a few lots on the beach, but additional nearby street parking. You will find a spot, you just need to be willing to park a short walk away
Where is Plage de la Perle located?
It is located on the northwest side of the main island of Guadeloupe. If you think of the island being in the shape of the butterfly, you are on the top left wing. The main Guadeloupe island is actually two islands, and the “left wing” is actually the island Basse-Terre.
If you are driving here from the airport it will take you about 45 minutes. It is about 5 minutes from a couple other great beaches, Plage de Tillet and Plage de Grande Anse.
Address: Rifflet, 97126, Guadeloupe
Plage de la Perle Parking
This is the biggest downside of visiting this beach, but it really isn’t as bad as you think. The number of parking spots in the lots directly on the beach are limited. That being said, even if the spots are full you can find a space a little bit up the road and walk down.
While Guadeloupe is known for its easy of access and many isolated beaches, the brief walk is worth it to visit this one. Seriously, you will find plenty of street parking within a 5 minute walk!
What you can Expect at Plage de la Perle beach
First off, this beach is quite big. It seems to stretch endlessly in each direction. This means that even though it is popular, you should have no problem finding your own stretch of sand.
Swimming Conditions
This beach generally has some fairly light waves. This means that it is likely great for swimming. You will want to keep your eyes on your kids (obviously) but in general we saw tons of families splashing around in the waves.
The ocean floor is sandy and devoid of rocks, which is always a plus when you don’t have to worry about bruising your feet.
Another huge perk of this beach is that there are plenty of trees along the shore that provide shade. We found our own stretch of beach with a covered canopy of branches.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gorgeous golden sand beach
- Clear water
- Not as crowded as other beaches in the area
- Lots of space
- Mild waves
- When the sky is clear, you will be able to see Montserrat.
- Sandy bottomed ocean floor (no rocks to hurt your feet)
Cons
- Parking can be limited
Conclusion: Is Plage de la Perle worth visiting?
Unequivocally yes! It is one of the best beaches on the island! Even though it is popular it won’t be overrun and you won’t find any shortage of amenities!
Things to do near Plage de la Perle
- Jardin Botanique de Deshaies (Beautiful Botanical Gardens)
- Plage de Grande Anse
- Plage de Cluny
- Plage des Amandiers
- Plage Manbia
Some things to be aware of before traveling to Guadeloupe
Language Barrier: Guadeloupe is a French speaking island and there is very little English spoken. Trust me, it will help to know a few beach terms in French.
I had to use google translate while doing my trip research because most of the articles were written in French.
Some words that will be especially helpful to know are…
- Plage – Beach
- Anse – Cove
- Plongée en apnée or “palme masque tuba” PMT (Fins, snorkel, mask) – Snorkeling
Geography Clarification – most people think of Guadeloupe as 1 island, but there are actually 6 different inhabited islands. The biggest island is named Guadeloupe, but this island is split in two by a small sound – the west (left side on most maps) is called Basse-Terre and the east (right side on most maps is called Grand-Terre.
- Money – They use the Euro
- Population – about 400,000 people.
What to Bring to the Beach
Travel towel – So much easier to pack these quick dry microfiber travel towels than go without or be forced to buy one once there. We always travel with at least two of them.
Dry Bag – There are some lessons you just don’t want to learn the hard way. Ruining your phone, camera, or other valuables at the beach is a very expensive lesson to learn. This dry bag is amazing and works for any and all water activities.
Reef-safe sunscreen – The sun here can be very strong. Make sure to wear a reef safe sunscreen or a rashguard.
Rash guard or long sleeve swim top – I wear the one from Skims and I love not having to worry about getting burned when I am out in the sun ALL DAY. Free people also has some amazing rash guards you can shop here.
Backpack or waterbottle sling – I am obsessed with my Beis travel backpack. I never travel without it. It is seriously the perfect size. Not too big, not too small. If you don’t want to bring a full backpack this waterbottle sling is my absolute favorite. It fits a waterbottle, iPhone 14 pro max, plus some extra space for bars or snacks or your wallet.
Packable snacks – I always travel with these That’s it bars from Amazon. OMG, they are sooo good and only have a few minimal ingredients.