FAJOU ISLAND

Nestled in the heart of the Grand-Cul-de-Sac-Marin, the Fajou islet is part of the Guadeloupe Nature Reserve. It is the largest of the islands of the Grand-Cul-de-Sac marin. With an area of 115 hectares, it is entirely made up of mangrove (group of woody plants). It is also lined with white sand and turtle grass. Located 6 kilometers west of Vieux Bourg and also about 6 kilometers north of the mouth of the Salt River, the islet was inhabited in the middle of the 19th century. It was home to fertilizer and lime factories. To the north of the islet, a last lime kiln, in ruins, remains. At that time, corals and some shells were used to make lime. The islet is now preserved from any habitation; only the animals of the island reign as masters between mongooses, fishes, migratory and sedentary ducks, waders, grey rails, but also magnificent pelicans... The marine turtles (hawksbill turtles) also frequent the islet during the egg-laying period. The presence of mongooses and rats was such a threat for the turtle eggs that an eradication action had to be carried out between 2001 and 2003.

Fajou islet is bordered by a rich coral reef and, with a little luck, you can sometimes see a baby shark! Boat trips are organized by day by professionals experts of the Nature Reserve (you will find them in the port of Sainte-Rose).