What to do in Guadeloupe Activities, beaches and excursions not to be missed
Ready for a stay on a Caribbean paradise island (without leaving France)? Welcome to the wonderful Guadeloupe.
Nestled in the Lesser Antilles arc, Guadeloupe is actually an archipelago. It consists of a main island made up of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, as well as a string of islands, including the enchanting Marie-Galante. The tropical maritime climate, tempered by trade winds, offers ideal temperatures year-round. However, the dry season, from November to April, is the best time to explore its stunning treasures.
Nature and lush landscapes, idyllic beaches, water activities, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and unforgettable excursions: Guadeloupe offers endless activities.
Wondering what to do in Guadeloupe? Here’s our guide to discovering the best activities and places to visit in Guadeloupe!
1- Guadeloupe: Exceptional Nature and Landscapes
The Guadeloupe archipelago is classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for its abundant nature and remarkable landscapes. If you especially enjoy nature activities, here are the top must-sees:
Tropical Forests
The humid tropical forest covers much of the territory, making it a paradise for hikers. They can enjoy walks of varying difficulty along the 326 kilometers of hiking trails.
In these forests, home to rare plant and animal species, visitors can engage in wildlife and flora observation.
Finally, discover the best-preserved dry forest in Guadeloupe on Marie-Galante, featuring remarkable trees like Bois d’Inde and Mapous Gris.
Volcanoes and Hot Springs
Guadeloupe is particularly known for its volcanic activity. The Soufrière, often called "the old lady of Guadeloupe," offers beautiful hiking routes. At its summit, hikers can enjoy a panoramic view of the region, extending to Les Saintes and Marie-Galante.
After the hike, relax in natural volcanic hot springs. Here are some spots to enjoy these therapeutic waters:
- The hot baths of Saint-Thomas in Bouillante, overlooking the sea;
- The hot springs along the hiking trails of La Soufrière, such as the Bains Jaunes;
- Bain des Amours in Gourbeyre, in the south of Basse-Terre.
Waterfalls
The Amerindians called Guadeloupe “Karukera,” the "Island of Beautiful Waters." And for good reason! The archipelago is teeming with impressive waterfalls. Among them, don't miss the Cascade aux Écrevisses for its verdant beauty and the Carbet Falls, featuring the tallest drop at 115 meters.
Botanical Gardens
To learn more about the archipelago's lush flora, visit one of the splendid botanical gardens in Basse-Terre: the Deshaies Botanical Garden or the Valombreuse Botanical Garden.
2- Beaches and Water Activities
Guadeloupe’s coastline is dotted with beaches of varying characters: wild, volcanic, or white sand. It’s up to you to choose!
The Most Beautiful Beaches
At two kilometers long, Grande Anse Beach near Deshaies is the largest in the archipelago. Expect blond sand and splendid sunsets.
Prefer wild beaches? Opt for one of the volcanic black sand beaches, where crashing waves add to the authenticity.
Looking for white sand? Head to Saint-Anne Beach. It’s perfect for families and kite surfers alike.
However, locals say that the most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe are found on Marie-Galante. The island is dotted with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Anse de la Feuillère is said to be THE most beautiful beach in all of Guadeloupe.
Water Activities
Guadeloupe abounds with various water activities. There’s something for everyone:
- Scuba diving in the Cousteau Reserve, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, or on a coral reef in Marie-Galante;
- Snorkeling;
- Sea kayaking;
- Windsurfing and kite surfing;
- Boat excursions: to the islands of Désirade, Marie-Galante, or the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin lagoon.
3- Culture and Heritage of Guadeloupe
Beyond its abundant nature, Guadeloupe boasts a cultural heritage that will delight enthusiasts.
Cities and Villages
The cities and villages of Guadeloupe are full of charm. Here are three must-sees:
Pointe-à-Pitre, the cultural and historical capital, is also Guadeloupe’s largest city. Take the time to visit Victory Square, the Darse Market, and its museums (Mémorial ACTe, Victor Schoelcher Museum) to immerse yourself in the island's history and culture.
Saint-François is a coastal town with two distinct sides: a typical fishing village and a small tourist-friendly town with a marina, golf course, casino, and restaurants.
Finally, visit Basse-Terre, a designated city of art and history. Here you can explore Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the oldest in the archipelago, and admire Creole architecture.
Must-See Cultural Sites
Among the main cultural sites in Guadeloupe, don’t miss the Mémorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre, a museum and memorial dedicated to the history of slavery.
Visiting a rum distillery is a must! Marie-Galante is home to three still-active distilleries: Bellevue, Bielle, and Poisson. Taste the world’s best rum here. Bellevue Distillery’s rum, the oldest, has been winning awards since 1769!
Finally, don’t leave without experiencing the vibrant pulse of the island at its local markets. Pointe-à-Pitre is the market capital with five markets offering diverse specialties (fish, flowers, spices, etc.). For Guadeloupean street food, head to one of the island’s five night markets, which start in the late afternoon and continue into the evening.
Festivals and Traditions
One of the island’s highlights is the carnival, held over two months from Epiphany (the first Sunday in January) to Ash Wednesday. This colorful and festive event is filled with parades, dances, and exhibitions, immersing visitors in the carnival atmosphere. A true cultural institution.
Other events include the abolition of slavery celebration in May, the International Zouk Festival in July, and the Crab Festival in April.
Creole Gastronomy
After all these nature activities, beach days, and cultural visits, you must be hungry! Fortunately, Guadeloupe is a land of gastronomy. Don’t leave the archipelago without trying some Creole dishes, including:
- Bébélé, a soup of tripe, green bananas, and breadfruit found in Marie-Galante;
- Colombo: a spice mix similar to curry used to cook meat or fish;
- And, of course, the famous accras.
Every dish reflects the history and cultural influences of Guadeloupe. A true sensory journey!
4 – Excursions and Itineraries in Guadeloupe
With all its islands, Guadeloupe is vast. It’s challenging to visit everything in one trip. Identify must-sees based on your interests to create a tailored itinerary!
Excursions by Interest
For nature lovers, include the “Route de la Traversée” in the Guadeloupe National Park to immerse yourself in dense forest and discover notable natural sites. Plan a hike to La Soufrière and include some waterfalls in your itinerary.
For families, make a stop on Marie-Galante: water activities, snorkeling, and dream beaches for building sandcastles. Visit a botanical garden, try canyoning in the tropical forest, go kayaking on Pigeon Island, and visit the Zoo de la Traversée. The activities are endless for a memorable family vacation.
History and culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to do. Between the various museums, distilleries, and historical sites, there’s no chance of boredom.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip
The best time to visit Guadeloupe is during the dry season between January and April. However, the climate remains favorable from November to June.
For transportation, the most practical solution to explore the island is to rent a car. However, if you have time, don’t hesitate to travel by bus. Buses connect the main routes, and two lines serve Marie-Galante. Finally, ferry companies offer inter-island transfers.
As for accommodation, it depends on your travel style and the places you want to visit. Spend a few nights in Marie-Galante, which is less touristy but spectacular. The range of accommodations in Guadeloupe is extensive, but it’s recommended to book in advance during the high season to secure the best options at the best price.
Guadeloupe is a rich and varied destination.
It’s impossible not to find happiness during a stay in Guadeloupe. The archipelago caters to all types of trips: nature, sports activities, cultural outings, and gastronomy. Whether traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, Guadeloupe will satisfy all desires!
Book your tickets to travel from island to island with FRS EXPRESS DES ILES!
Guadeloupe is one of those unique places in the world that you can’t miss! Ready to pack your bags?
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