Plage de Malendure (Bouillante): today's sargassum
Clear
Solid pick
Plage de Malendure lays its grey volcanic sand along the bay of Bouillante, looking straight at the Pigeon islets. It is the usual departure point for trips to the marine reserve around them, which makes it one of the busiest spots on the Leeward Coast.
Before you walk down to the water, this page gives today's sargassum picture at Malendure: a score from 0 to 5, a read on what the water looks like, and a map of the Bouillante shoreline. Everything is recalculated in the morning, before the first boats head out.
Plage de Malendure on the sargassum map
What to know about this beach
Malendure benefits from two layers of shelter. The first is Bouillante's position on the Caribbean side: the easterly trades cross the entire width of Basse-Terre before arriving here, and the sargassum rafts they carry have already come ashore on the Atlantic coasts. This shoreline is among the least affected in Guadeloupe.
The second layer is the bay itself. The Pigeon islets, a few hundred metres offshore, block part of the swell and change how water moves in front of the beach. Floating material drifts slowly here, seaweed and rain-borne debris alike, so a light patch can linger near the shore. Before booking a snorkelling trip, the daily score tells you what has actually been seen on site.
Frequently asked questions
Does Malendure get sargassum?
Rarely. Its westward aspect and Bouillante's place on the leeward coast keep it clear of most rafts, which the trade winds drive toward Guadeloupe's Atlantic side instead. Scattered deposits remain possible.
How should I check before a snorkelling outing?
Open the FanGass map in the morning: Malendure carries a rating from 0 to 5 plus a comment on conditions, refreshed daily. It is the quickest check before confirming a boat trip.
Do the Pigeon islets make a difference?
They soften the swell in front of the beach and slow water movement inside the bay. Anything floating moves more slowly here, seaweed included, which is why the daily rating is worth reading.
Why is the sand grey at Malendure?
Bouillante sits at the foot of Basse-Terre's volcanic massif, and beaches along this stretch take their sand from dark rock. The colour sharpens the contrast when seaweed does wash up.