Petite Terre Islands

Petite Terre is two low uninhabited islets, Terre de Haut and Terre de Bas, about ten kilometres southeast of Grande-Terre, protected as a nature reserve since 1998. The lagoon between them is shallow and clear, with turtles, rays and reef fish, and the islets hold one of the densest populations of the lesser Antillean iguana anywhere. A nineteenth-century lighthouse stands on Terre de Bas. Only licensed boats may land and numbers are capped.

Background

The two islands lie about 10 km southeast of Grande-Terre and take their name, Small Land, in contrast to it. Terre de Bas, the larger, lies to the southwest and Terre de Haut to the northeast; the names mean low and upper land, because Terre de Haut is the first to meet the northeast trade winds. Together they cover 1.68 km2, and the reserve takes in another 842 hectares of sea around them. Administratively the islands depend on the commune of La Désirade.

Source: Wikipedia, "Petite Terre Islands"

Highlights

• The iguanas - one of the densest populations of the lesser Antillean iguana.
• The lagoon - shallow clear water between the two islets, with turtles and rays.
• The lighthouse - the nineteenth-century tower on Terre de Bas.
• The reserve rules - the licensing and caps that limit visitor numbers.

When to go

December to April is the calmest for the crossing. Trips are cancelled in swell. Numbers are capped and booking ahead is necessary.

Practical notes

Only licensed operators may land and numbers are limited, so booking is essential. The crossing is exposed and often rough. There is no shade, water or facility on the islets and everything must be carried in and out.

Nearby

Saint-Francois is the departure point, and La Desirade is north.

Key facts