Visit the mangrove while fishing

Description of the tour

The excursion begins in Morne-à-l’Eau (16.3167° N, 61.5167° W), where you board a traditional boat for a half-day outing. The trip takes place over a short distance within the mangrove. Accompanied by a local guide, you navigate through the channels, learn ancestral fishing techniques, and discover the unique flora and fauna of this environment. Exploring the mangrove while fishing is a unique experience that combines a love of nature, the discovery of an exceptional ecosystem, and the pleasure of fishing. At the heart of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, the town of Morne-à-l’Eau is home to one of Guadeloupe’s most remarkable mangroves—lush and preserved, located at the interface between land and sea. The tangled roots of mangrove trees plunge into calm waters, forming a natural labyrinth where countless marine species take refuge. In this unique setting, some tours offer you the chance to explore the mangrove while practicing fishing, combining a pedagogical approach, sporting pleasure, and environmental respect. This wetland in Morne-à-l’Eau is famous for its rich biodiversity. Through the shallow channels, you’ll discover a silent yet vibrant world: tiny crustaceans climbing exposed roots, seabirds perched in the vegetation, and juvenile fish hiding beneath the surface, safe from offshore predators. This mangrove is more than a passageway—it’s a natural sanctuary vital to preserving the region’s fish resources. The fishing excursion in the mangrove, as offered by some local operators, immerses you in this fascinating environment. A seasoned guide, often a passionate fisherman, accompanies you and shares their knowledge of the area. The goal isn’t just to catch fish but to learn how to read the marine landscape, understand the mangrove’s role in coastal protection, respect breeding seasons, and adopt responsible techniques to avoid disturbing the ecological balance. In practice, the trip often starts near Morne-à-l’Eau. The boat, adapted for shallow waters, glides gently between the mangrove trees. The guide explains what gear to use, how to choose bait, and which species to look for. This experience, generally beginner-friendly, focuses on education. The idea isn’t so much to bring back a big catch but to understand how the mangrove works, observe fish behavior in this habitat, appreciate its importance to the marine and coastal ecosystems, and learn about the species found there. You might come across jacks, snappers, grunts, or small barracudas—but what really matters is the overall experience: the silence, broken only by the sound of water against the hull, and the feeling of being a discreet guest in a nearly secret world. As your line skims the root-filtered water, you become aware of the importance of Morne-à-l’Eau’s mangrove. It is a buffer between land and sea, protecting the coasts from erosion, filtering water, sheltering marine life at critical stages of development, and serving as a haven for many bird species. The guide passionately explains the workings of this ecosystem, the need to leave no waste, avoid cutting branches, and follow regulations regarding fish size. Often, the practice of “catch and release” is encouraged to limit impact on resources and maintain biodiversity over the long term. This reveals another side of fishing: far from the open sea and its waves, the mangrove invites contemplation. Rod in hand, you can watch nesting birds, spot a crab scurrying across a root, or see tiny fish darting among submerged branches. This slow, respectful approach adds an almost meditative dimension to the activity. Every possible catch is emotional—not for the “trophy,” but for what it represents: understanding an environment, mastering a technique, and forging a new connection with nature. The professionals organizing these trips are aware of their responsibility. They ensure groups remain small to minimize disruption. Awareness is central to their approach: informing visitors about the fragility of the environment, the importance of mangrove trees, and the role of mangroves in the marine life cycle. They hope this awareness inspires a true love for nature, so that everyone becomes a steward of preservation—whether future travelers, local residents, or fishing enthusiasts from elsewhere. At the end of the day, when the boat leaves Morne-à-l’Eau’s mangrove, a special feeling stays with you. You’ve had the rare chance to fish in an environment like no other, to learn that this patch of greenery and brackish water is a cornerstone of marine life. You might return with a few fish—if conditions and regulations allow—or simply with the image of a fishing line trembling just below the calm surface, a fleeting glimpse of a secret world. Either way, this immersion in the mangrove leaves you with the feeling of having lived a rare moment, where fishing becomes a pretext for discovery, understanding, and ultimately respecting the fragile balance of Guadeloupe’s nature.

Departure and arrival points

• Starting point: Morne-à-l’Eau (16.3167° N, 61.5167° W)
• End point: Return to starting point (loop tour)

Duration of the tour

• Total duration: Half-day (about 4 hours)
• Time spent sailing and fishing: Throughout the tour

Highlights and must-see points

• The mangrove: A maze of mangrove trees teeming with biodiversity
• Traditional fishing: Learn environmentally responsible methods
• Wildlife observation: Birds, crustaceans, and other endemic species

Practical tips

Wearing a life jacket is mandatory for your safety during the boat trip. Follow your guide’s instructions carefully, especially when handling fishing gear, and make sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the sun. This half-day activity takes you on a short-distance discovery tour of the mangrove aboard a traditional boat. Perfect for fishing and ecotourism lovers, the experience immerses you in nature at an indicative rate of around €50 per person. Wear lightweight long-sleeved clothing, a hat, and don’t forget your mosquito repellent to fully enjoy the adventure in comfort.

FAQ

Can you keep the fish you catch? It depends—ask your guide directly for details.

Is the excursion suitable for children? Yes, it’s a great activity for families with nature-loving kids.

Are there toilets on board? No, facilities are limited—plan ahead.

Do I need a fishing license to participate? No, the activity is supervised by professionals with all required permits.