Gosier coastal hike, Guadeloupe

Joyce Belfort

6 years ago

Gosier coastal path is a medium level hiking trail, theoretically, it supposed to take 3 hours (return). I’m a clumsy hiker, so it took me closer to 4.5 hours. Here is what to expect from this hike.

There are 2 starting points, I started off from Petit-Havre beach and ended at La Saline.

I highly recommend arriving at the beach before 8h00. The sun is BLAZING by 10h00. O, also this beach is super popular, after 10h00 it is difficult to find parking. **Alternative parking is at the beach next door, St Jacque. Huge waves and boulder, so there’s no one there. 10min paved road walk to Petit-Havre beach

Entrance is to the left of this restaurant. There is no sign, but the path is obvious.

I am not sure if this was a viewing point, but I think the view was stunning!!!

Yup, this beach is Petit Havre. It really is a stunning beach from the ground level and up.

The beginning bits was quite easy; a steady climb, but nothing rocky.

O, tread carefully, there are a lot of hermit crabs and earth crabs. I came across at least 10? Basically, whenever you see a shell in the middle of nowhere, don’t step on it. For instance, look at this hermit’s camouflage… it really isn’t that er… skillful.

I found him in the middle of the path. The moment I leaned close to it, it pretended to be a shell. *LOL*

The earth crab, however, will flee asap.

He didn't like the attention 🤣 #crab pic.twitter.com/1g1FWLqCMc

— Joyce Belfort (@JoyceBelfort) February 3, 2019

Anyways, onto the harder part. Be prepared to use your hands. Part of the path was almost vertical. Like, 70+ degrees? There’s no rope, so if you’re scared o height or rock climbing etc, it is better to not do this hike.

In any case, this is as hard as it got. This hike did wear me out before we reached Le Saline. It felt like 3 rounds of ascend and descend? I guess I lack the endurance.

O, watch out for strange plants with stingers and wasp.