QUICK JUMP TO: Basse-Terre / Grande-Terre / La Desirade, Les Saints & Marie-Galante / Watersports
Top Things To Do
With so many islands to explore, a change of scenery in Guadeloupe can happen as quickly as you wish it. Whilst gorgeous beaches and nature can be found around the entire archipelago, each island offers its own atmosphere and way of life, providing you with an opportunity to find the exact pace that you need, day after day.
Discover Guadeloupe’s many natural gems through its various reserves and gardens, by hiking the various trails and exploring the majesty of its National Park’s waterfalls and volcano. Head for a diving trip or grab your snorkel to find out what made the archipelago so attractive to the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau, or enjoy a variety of relaxed to adrenaline-fuelled ways of exploring the land and sea.
CARNIVAL
Starting on the first Thursday of January and peaking on Ash Wednesday, the carnival season is one of Guadeloupe’s most important and vibrant traditions, and one that brings all inhabitants together.
MARKETS
A great way to immerse yourself in the local life is obviously to attend a local market, and Guadeloupe’s ones are reputed to be a treat for the senses, with fragrant spices and colourful garments and artefacts spreading on the stalls of every town’s market.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
For a breath of fresh air through Guadeloupe’s vibrant flora, visit one of the archipelago’s many botanical gardens dotted around the islands. With such a favorable year-round climate, Guadeloupe bursts with stunning tropical flowers that are a real treat for the senses. For the best garden experience, head to Deshaies or visit the Parc Paysager de Petit Canal, where you can learn about the plants’ medicinal virtues.
HORSEBACK RIDING
If you’re looking for a different way to explore the various’ islands, consider joining a horseback riding tour, taking you from rugged terrains to deserted beach, where you can even enjoy a swim with your horse, with tours adapted to all levels of experience.
AGROTOURISM
Treat your senses further by visiting one of the archipelago’s many plantations, whether it is sugarcane (Les Sentiers de la Canne in Capesterre), cocoa (Maison du Cacao in Pointe-Noire, Basse-Terre), coffee (Habitation La Grivelière in Vieux-Habitants, or Bonifierie in Saint-Claude), or Vanilla (Domaine de Vanibel in Vieux-Habitants).
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BASSE-TERRE
NATIONAL PARK
The island of Basse-Terre is home to a bountiful National Park spreading over 17,000 ha of lush vegetation covering breathtaking mountains, and hiding refreshing natural pools and beautiful waterfalls. 186 miles-worth of hiking paths enable visitors to immerse themselves in this haven of natural beauty dominated by the majestic 4,813 feet-high Soufrière volcano.
GRAND CUL-DE-SAC MARIN NATURAL RESERVE
Situated Basse-Terre’s Northern coast and Grande-Terre’s Western coast, this bay of about 15,000 hectares is closed by a coral reef joining the two main islands, and is bordered by over 5,000 hectares of mangroves playing a high ecological part in the area’s biodiversity. It was declared a Natural Reserve in 1987.
FORT DELGRES
Ordered in 1650 by Guadeloupe’s governor Charles Houël and originally named Fort Saint-Charles then Fort Royal, the fort was built in a spot dominating Basse-Terre town, as a symbol of the governor’s power on the people.
PARC ARCHEOLOGIQUE DES ROCHES GRAVEES
Located in Trois-Rivière, the site was opened to the public in 1975 after being declared a National Heritage site the previous year. Spreading over an hectare, it features around 20 rocks with over 230 carvings, all dating from the pre-Columbus era.
RESERVE COUSTEAU
Spreading over 400 hectares over the Pigeon Islets, in Bouillante, this protected underwater park is renowned for being home to an impressive biodiversity, counting numerous species of coral, turtles, eels, seahorses, and crayfish.
AQUARANDO NATIONAL PARK
To spice things up, join one of the park’s Aquarando tours, taking you through to the heart of the beautiful wildlife whilst making your way up-river, challenged by strong cool water streams and volcanic rocks. Although requiring a certain fitness level, it is an adventure you’re guaranteed to never forget!
CARBET WATERFALLS
Appearing in Christopher Columbus’ notes in 1493, the chutes du Carbet are one of the most visited sites in Guadeloupe. Located in Capesterre-Belle-Eau, this succession of three impressive waterfalls is found at the heart of the rainforest on the Soufrière’s lower slopes. A steep hike takes visitors to the first and highest waterfall, featuring a drop of more than 125m at an altitude of 900m.
LA SOUFRIERE
Guadeloupe’s majestic active volcano is also the Lesser Antilles’ highest mountain peak, rising at an altitude of 1,467 metres. Located in Saint-Claude, it is Guadeloupe’s only active volcano, and is a relatively “young” one, estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old.
ZIPLINING
Another fun way to explore Guadeloupe’s verdant nature is to join a ziplining tour, taking you above the parks’ canopies to reward you with breathtaking bird's eye views of the archipelago and its surroundings. Ziplining tours are available at Le Tapeur and Mangofil parks.
LA CASCADE AUX ECREVISSES
Guadeloupe’s number one tourism site is a 10 meter-high waterfall that features a refreshing natural pool, making it an ideal picnic spot to spend the day at. Easily accessible, it only takes a few minutes to walk to the site, and the disabled-people access makes it a great destination for everyone.
L'HABITATION LA GRIVELIERE
Declared National Heritage Site in 1983, this 17th century coffee plantation is one of the best preserved agricultural sites in the Lesser Antilles. Counting no less than a dozen buildings, the estate is located in the island’s National Park, by the Grande Rivière in Vieux-Habitants, at an altitude of 200 meters.
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GRANDE-TERRE
EGLISE ST PIERRE ET ST PAUL DE POINTE-A-PITRE
Registered as a National Heritage site in 1978, the current church is the second one built on this site, between 1807 and 1817, the first one having been destroyed in 1794 by Victor Hugues.
MEMORIAL ACTE
Located in the capital, the memorial was built on what used to be the Darboussier sugar factory, a site symbolically chosen for it conducted forced labour until the 19th century, with the first stone being symbolically laid on 27th May 2008, commemorating the slavery abolition decree of 27th April 1848. The memorial was inaugurated on 10th May 2015 by Président François Hollande.
LA POINTE-DES-CHATEAUX
Situated 11km east of the town of Saint-François, La Pointe-des-Châteaux is a breathtaking rock formation stretching towards La Désirade, and an impressive demonstration of nature’s strength, with powerful waves and winds challenging both the land and visitors coming to explore this one-of-a-kind site.
GUADELOUPE AQUARIUM
Representing over 80 fish species and 50 coral species, this aquarium boasts the Antilles’ largest collection of marine life. Located on the southern side of the island, in Gosier’s Bas du Fort marina, the aquarium is also home to two associations dedicated to protect local turtle species, and educate about marine wildlife and environment, and offers ecotours around the Réserve Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin.
FORT FLEUR D'EPEE
Listed as a National Heritage site in 1979, Fleur d’Épée is Grande-Terre’s most important fort and is located at an approximate altitude of 10 meters, above the town of Gosier. It was built between 1750 and 1763 and legend has it that it was named after the nickname of a soldier who lived there.
ILET GOSIER
Located off the coast of Gosier town, this kilometre-long uninhabited islet is home to a lighthouse and is famous for the bountiful marine life that hosts its coral reef. The perfect destination of some snorkeling, however, make sure you bring your own gear with you.
POINT D'ENFER AND POINTE DE LA GRAND VIGIE
For more incredible vistas and impressive sights of nature’s powers, take a hike to these two sites, where shorter or longer walks reveal more breathtaking cliffs, powerful waves, as well as some local wildlife. An experience that will delight keen hikers and nature lovers.
SCHOELCHER MUSEUM
Named after one the main actors in the abolition of slavery, the museum is found in Pointe-à-Pitre’s old town, and hosts a collection of Roman and Egyptian sculptures, as well as items gifted by the Louvres and Victor Schoelcher himself. Inaugurated in 1886, the museum has since grown its collection, gathering items relating to slavery and the slave trade.
GOLF INTERNATIONAL DE SAINT-FRANCOIS
Located on the eastern end of Grande-Terre’s south coast, this 53 acres-large 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones is a golfer’s favourite, offering slopes, artificial lakes and bunkers, topped-up with stunning coastal views. There’s also an on-site Club House, pro-shop and restaurant.
LE PAYS DE LA CANNE
Located in Beauport, Port-Louis, this old sugarcane plantation has been repurposed into a scientific, industrial and technical center, and features an interactive park dedicated to the history of sugar in Guadeloupe.
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LA DESIRADE, les saintes & MARIE-GALANTE
LE MORNE DU SOUFFLEUR, LA DESIRADE
An hour’s hike takes you to the top of this hill where, at an altitude of 223 metres, you will be met by the most breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings.
LES SAINTES
Located South of Basse-Terre and West of Marie-Galante, Les Saintes is composed of two inhabited islands, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, characterised by their mountainous topography, and seven smaller uninhabited islands, spreading over a total surface of 12.8km. Les Saintes is a great site to explore for its numerous stunning beaches and cliffs.
MARIE-GALANTE
For an authentic experience of the Guadeloupean life, head to Marie-Galante and enjoy its renowned unspoiled beaches and powerful rum produced from the local sugar cane, and which holds an important place in the island’s heritage, reflected in Marie-Galante’s nickname - the Island of a Hundred Windmills.
THE LEPROSARIUM & OLD COTTON MILL, LA DESIRADE
Once the symbol of La Désirade for over two centuries, the leprosarium welcomed lepers from 1728 to 1956. Before it was built, lepers were sent on the island with the requirement of bringing 6 months-worth of food and livestock and used to be beaten by locals, who would sometimes use them as slaves as well as depriving them from their possessions.
TERRE-DE-HAUT, LES SAINTES
Les Saintes’ more touristy island attracts visitors for its variety of landmarks and sites, covering interests ranging from culture to nature.
TERRE-DE-BAS, LES SAINTES
Less touristy and much larger than Terre-de-Haut, Terre-de-Bas is the island to escape to for a quieter experience in residential surroundings.
TERRE DE BLUES FESTIVAL, MARIE-GALANTE
If you happen to be visiting Guadeloupe during June’s Pentecost weekend, head to Marie-Galante to experience the archipelago’s most important musical event, the Terre de Blues festival.
PETITE-TERRE, LA DESIRADE
The two small islands of Terre de Bas and Terre de Haut compose this archipelago located between La Désirade and Marie-Galante and surrounded by a coral reef. You can reach Petite-Terre by boat from Saint-François, via one of the daily excursions, to enjoy this quiet land mostly inhabited by iguanas.
BAIE DES SAINTES, LES SAINTES
Whilst in Terre-de-Haut, head to the Northwest coast of the island to enjoy the scenic landscape of Les Saintes Bay, declared one of the World’s most beautiful bays by UNESCO, and which was once the scene of many battles between the French and the English between the 17th and 19th centuries. The bay’s history explains the presence of Les Saintes’ three famous forts: Fort Josephine on the Cabrit Islet, Fort Napoleon standing on the Pointe Coquelet, and the Batterie de la Tête-Rouge located between Anse Galet and Anse du Fond Curé.
GUEULE GRAND GOUFFRE TRAIL, MARIE-GALANTE
For a taste of Marie-Galante’s natural beauty, hike the Gueule Grand Gouffre trail, or head to L’Anse-Canot and La Feuillère beach for a relaxing day by the sea.
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watersports
CANOEING & KAYAKING
If you like the idea of discovering the local marine life first-hand but are not keen on diving or snorkeling, join a canoe / kayak tour or rent your own, and explore the archipelago’s abundant mangroves, lagoons, and reefs. An eco-friendly way to learn about Guadeloupe’s diverse ecosystem.
SURFING & BOARDSPORTS
With its varied coasts, currents, and great year-round climate, Guadeloupe offers great conditions for a variety of board sports. Experienced surfers will enjoy the thrill of the Atlantic waves found off Le Moule, whilst Sainte-Anne and Saint-François beaches’ coral reefs provide ideal kite-surfing conditions.
SAILING
With renowned state-of-the-art marina facilities and countless destinations to explore, Guadeloupe is a reputed sailing destination that not only attracts famous skippers and sailors, but also plays host to prestigious yearly events such as the Route du Rhum, Triskell Cup, or La Karujet.
FISHING
If your holiday isn’t complete without a fishing trip, head to Bouillante, a town located on Basse-Terre’s Leeward coast for a deep sea fishing trip and a chance to catch a blue marlin, spearfish, swordfish, or sea bream, amongst other fish species.
DIVING
Guadeloupe’s all-round crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life have long placed the island on the map of scuba-diving enthusiasts, with sites such as the Cousteau Marine Réserve, off the Pigeon Islets, attracting divers from all around the world.
SNORKELLING
When planning a trip to the beach, make sure you pack your snorkel! Whilst the archipelago is renowned for its stunning diving spots, Guadeloupe’s submarine beauty can also simply be enjoyed a stone-throw from the shore, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and healthy reefs.
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