Guadeloupe Uncovered: Waterfalls, City Vibes & Volcano Hikes Episode 38

Welcome back to Banana Pancakes! This week's episode is packed with adventure, family moments, and a bit of engine trouble as we explore the stunning island of Guadeloupe. From celebrating Kami's 37th birthday to hiking an active volcano, snorkeling pristine waters, and experiencing the rich history of the island, it's a week filled with unforgettable memories. Birthday Celebrations & A Chill Day in Guadeloupe The week kicks off with Kami's 37th birthday, starting with a three-mile run along the beautiful waterfront of Guadeloupe. The tropical scenery makes for the perfect birthday morning, and there's something special about running with the ocean breeze in your face. Back on the boat, Steve is hard at work diagnosing an engine issue-he suspects a hydrolock. After some serious troubleshooting (and pulling a ridiculous amount of sargassum from our generator), we finally get things running again. Just another day of boat life! Meanwhile, the kids and I slow down for a chill day-playing Yahtzee and board games as a family, hanging out on the beach, and soaking in the beauty of island life. As the sun sets, the entire anchorage surprises me with a birthday song, and Easton steals my heart by baking a cake and singing to me. It's these little moments that make life aboard so special. And just when I think the day couldn't get any better, Steve surprises me with a beautiful necklace, a perfect way to end a magical birthday. Sailing South & A Dolphin Surprise The next day, we hoist the sails and set off for a new anchorage further south. Kamden is learning the ropes-literally-as he takes on the challenge of learning to sail. Watching him gain confidence on the boat is incredible. As we make our way down the coast, we get the best surprise-a dolphin flipping right in front of us! These moments never get old and remind us how lucky we are to live this life. Once we arrive, Easton wastes no time and heads out with his cast net, determined to catch something for dinner. Town Adventures & Pigeon Point Snorkeling We head into town to rent a car, but just as we step off the dinghy, the skies open up, and we get caught in a massive rainstorm. If you've ever been in the tropics, you know these storms don't mess around! Once the rain clears, we meet up with Eric and Katie for an epic snorkeling session at Pigeon Point. The underwater world here is breathtaking, and we even get to swim alongside some incredible marine life. Exploring Guadeloupe's History & Waterfalls The next day, we drive into the city to visit the Museum of Slavery, a deeply moving experience that reminds us of the history woven into these islands. It's a powerful moment of learning and reflection for all of us. Back at the anchorage, Kamden is determined to perfect his wing foiling, and he makes some serious progress! Watching him glide across the water is amazing-it's no easy sport, but he's getting the hang of it. Later, we take the car up into the lush jungle with the kids from Orion, an 80-foot catamaran. Together, we embark on a waterfall adventure, hiking through the forest and swimming beneath cascading falls. The jungle feels like something out of a movie, and the kids have a blast exploring. Hiking Mount Soufrière & More Sailing Fun No trip to Guadeloupe would be complete without hiking its active volcano, Mount Soufrière. We gather a huge group and set off on the two-hour climb, winding through steaming vents and rocky terrain. The views from the top make every step worth it! After the exhausting hike, we pack everyone into our dinghy (which is definitely pushing its limits) and head back to the boats. Fishing, Diving & Homeschooling with a View The next morning, Brett and Steve take the kids deep-sea fishing, but let's just say? things don't go quite as planned. They lose all their hooks, and the fish win this round. While the boys are out fishing, the kids settle in for homeschool with a view, proving that learning on a boat is anything but ordinary. Later in the day, I practice my freediving, getting more comfortable with each breath hold. Meanwhile, Kamden is dialing in his wing foiling skills, carving across the water with more confidence than ever. What's Next? From birthday surprises to snorkeling, hiking, and sailing, this week in Guadeloupe was one for the books. But the adventure doesn't stop here! Stay tuned for our next episode as we continue exploring the Caribbean one anchorage at a time. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe-it means the world to us! Thanks for being part of our journey. See you next week! #SailingLife #Guadeloupe #SailingFamily #BoatLife #BananaPancakes