The island archipelago of Guadeloupe offers an evocative blend of natural beauty and rich Creole and French culture. The archipelago is an overseas region of France, and its food, language and culture reflect this bond. Guadeloupe resembles a butterfly in shape with two large islands, Grande-Terre to the east and Basse-Terre to the west, separated by a narrow mangrove channel called the Rivière Salée. Palm-lined beaches line the coastline and the interior is lush and mountainous with waterfalls, hot springs and an active volcano. Most tourist facilities are located on the southern coast of Grande-Terre, which is also home to the largest city and cruise port, Pointe-a-Pitre.
The archipelago also includes the smaller islands of La Desirade, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, which offer many natural attractions of their own. All of Guadeloupe’s islands offer excellent birdwatching opportunities; photography; to walk; and water sports such as snorkeling, swimming and diving. Guadeloupe also hosts many colorful carnivals and festivals, including the five-day Mardi-Gras Carnival that ends on Ash Wednesday.
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1 Guadeloupe National Park, Basse-Terre
Designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Guadeloupe National Park (Parc National de la Guadeloupe) on the island of Basse-Terre, often attracts more than a million visitors each year. The park includes 300 kilometers of hiking trails; La Soufrière volcano at 1,467 meters; Col de la Matéliane at 1298 meters; and a wide range of flora and fauna, including 100 species of orchids and 11 species of bats. Birdwatchers can enjoy the diversity here with species such as the black woodpecker, the pearly white thrasher and the small Antillean pewee. A good way to explore the park is via Route de la Traversée (D23). This scenic coastal highway winds through the tropical forest of majestic mahogany trees and bamboo. Along this route there are lookouts, picnic areas, jungle waterfalls and a roadside verge at Maison de la Forêt. You can also stop for a cooling dip at Cascade aux Ecrevisses , a small waterfall that flows into a pond. Other popular things to do in the park include the hike up the volcano and another trail to a series of waterfalls on the lower slopes of the volcano, known as Les Chutes du Carbet (Carbet Falls) .
Address: Habitation Beausoleil Montéran, 97120 Saint Claude
Official site: https://www.guadeloupe-parcnational.fr
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Guadeloupe
2 La Soufrière-wandeling, Basse-Terre
The highest peak in the Lesser Antilles, La Grande Soufrière, is an active volcano, which has erupted eight times since 1660. Hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles underline its bare, black sides. Hikers can reach the volcano along the Chemin des Dames trail , a climb of about two hours with panoramic views from the highest points of the massif, as long as the weather is clear. The triple waterfall of Chutes du Carbet flows along the eastern face of the La Soufrière massif from a height of 115 metres, with viewpoints over each waterfall. Hikers who follow the trail to Etang As de Pique will find one of the largest of the mountain lakes formed in craters on the volcanic massif surrounded by lush hills.
Address: Habitation Beausoleil Montéran, 97120 Saint Claude
3 La Pointe des Châteaux, Grande-Terre
La Pointe des Châteaux is a scenic isthmus at the easternmost point of Grande Terre. The windswept, undulating point with castle-like rock formations exudes a rugged beauty reminiscent of Brittany. A botanical path leads from the village to a viewpoint between large black rocks, which gives a clear view of the islands of La Désirade, Petite-Terre and Marie-Galante.
4 Boat trip on the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin nature reserve
Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin nature reserve boat tour Michel Craig / photo modes
Cradled between the northern shores of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve (Réserve Naturelle du Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin) is a great place to explore the wild side of Guadeloupe on a boat trip to sniff. This 15,000 hectare reserve is a mosaic of mangrove forests, mudflats, coral reefs, seagrass beds, turquoise lagoons and small islands, as well as transition zones where sustainable human activity is permitted. Together with the Guadeloupe National Park on Basse-Terre, it forms the UNESCO-protected Guadeloupe Archipelago Biosphere Reserve . Among the prolific marine life that inhabits the reserve are turtles, sea urchins, giant sponges and an impressive variety of fish. Birders can spot species such as kingfishers, herons, pelicans and frigate birds. You can visit the reserve on a guided boat tour, usually the Blue Lagoon tour, which includes exploring the mangroves and the Moustique River; snorkeling on the coral reefs; and a stop at the small white sand island of Ilet Caret , surrounded by radiant turquoise water. If you do not speak French, you must request an English-speaking guide.
5 Grande Anse Beach, Basse Terre
Located on the northeast coast of Basse-Terre, near Deshaies, Plage de Grande Anse is a picturesque stretch of palm tree-covered sand and clear water. Flanked by lush headlands, the beach stretches for over a kilometer, with soft golden sand and plenty of shady trees. It’s a beautiful beach for walking, and the water is usually great for swimming, although on windy days the surf can be a bit can be a bit rough. It is not the best place for young children to swim as the seabed suddenly falls over the coastline. A bonus here is that you can rent kayaks to paddle around the mangrove-lined lagoon behind the beach. After a morning of sunbathing and swimming, head to the small cafes and food trucks near the parking lot, which sell delicious pancakes and other snacks.
Further north, Plage de la Perle is another popular beach at Deshaies, with cafes and toilets, and it tends to be a little quieter than Plage de Grande Anse
6 Jacques Cousteau’s Underwater Reserve
Off the coast of Basse-Terre near Bouillante, the waters around Pigeon Island include the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve (Réserve Cousteau) with some of Guadeloupe’s best sub-aquatic landscapes. You can snorkel along the shallow water reefs, dive or view the coral from a glass-bottom boat, and dive operators cater to all skill levels. Turtles and large schools of fish, as well as parrotfish, trumpetfish and barracuda, often visit the coral gardens here and the area offers good wall and wreck diving. You can also kayak to the reserve from the mainland.
Address: Bouillante, Guadeloupe, Malendure Beach 97125
7 Guadeloupe Zoo, Parc des Mamelles, Basse-Terre
Bordering the Guadeloupe National Park, Zoo de Guadeloupe is a popular hill garden and nature reserve on the banks of the Rivière aux Hérbes. About 85 species of animals are represented here, including many rare and endangered species. Hiking trails run through the tropical rainforest, where you can spot turtles, raccoons, monkeys, jaguars and parrots. Part of the park is linked with rope bridges that lead through the canopy with spectacular views over the mountainous terrain.
Address: Route de la traversee, D23
Official site: https://www.zoodeguadeloupe.com/
8 Deshaies Botanical Garden, Basse Terre
Jardin Botanique de Deshaies is located among beautiful tropical flora and many colorful bird species. It is a peaceful botanical garden on the northwest coast of Basse-Terre. Paths lined with bright splashes of bougainvillea wind through the grounds, where you can stroll among waterfalls, lily ponds and gazebos. Kids will love feeding the fish and watching the rainbow hurricanes descend on outstretched arms. A restaurant on the hill offers beautiful views of the gardens and sea.
Address: Deshaies 97126, Basse Terre
Official site: https://www.jardin-botanique.com/
9 Terre-de-Haut Island, Les Saintes
The island of Terre-de-Haut, the eastern island of Les Saintes, exudes a more European character than its western counterpart, Terre-de-Bas. The terrain and climate were not suitable for sugar production, so the settlers were mainly fishermen. The pastel-colored houses and brightly colored fishing boats (saintoises) provide excellent photo opportunities. In the island’s main village, Bourg des Saintes, the volcanic hill “Sugarloaf” overlooks a curving blue bay bordered by white sand. The houses here are European in character, with whitewashed walls, red tile roofs and flower gardens.
On a hill overlooking the bay, 17th-century Fort Napoléon , with its historical museum and Exotic Garden, is one of the island’s main tourist attractions. Another highlight, Morne du Chameau is the highest point on the island and takes about two hours to ascend from the village of Terre-de-Haut. Across the bay, Ilet à Cabrit is a small island where the ruins of the 19th century Fort Joséphine remain.
10 Eiland Terre-de-Bas, Les Saintes
Terre-de-Bas is the western island of Les Saintes and features small fishing villages, swimming beaches and hiking trails. Two hours is enough to cross the island, considered one of the most natural and wild in the Guadeloupe archipelago. Grande Anse on Terre-de-Bas you will find a small 17th century church, a pretty bay and beach with huts for swimming and snorkeling, and a hiking trail to the Grande Montagne promontory at 273 metres. Gros-Cap is the main village of Terre-de-Bas with a ferry port, a hotel, a restaurant and the starting points of roads and hiking trails.
11 Strand van Sainte-Anne, Grande-Terre
Palm-lined Sainte Anne is one of Guadeloupe’s most popular beaches. The beach promenade along the coast is a lovely place for a stroll and the beach is busy but beautiful, with white sand and shallow water in dreamy shades of blue. This is a great place for swimming, with typically calm waters. Close to the beach is a selection of restaurants and market stalls selling local crafts.
To the west, opposite Club Med La Caravelle, Plage Caravelle is another beautiful beach with an offshore reef. If you want a little more peace and quiet, Plage de Bois Jolan , to the east, is less busy than Sainte-Anne, but you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks as the beach lacks amenities.
12 Marie-Galante Island
Called the Big Pancake by its inhabitants, Marie-Galante is a round, flat island known for its beautiful beaches. The sugar industry and tourism are the main industries and you can see the ruins of many windmills around the island. Sunbathing, swimming, walking and local events are all popular activities. Built in 1839, Château Murat was Guadeloupe’s largest sugar plantation and the eco-museum honors the art and culture of Marie-Galante, including the history of the sugar industry. There is also a restored colonial mansion, a tower with windmills, the ruins of a sugar factory and a medicinal garden. Feuillere Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island.
13 Day trip to La Désirade
What does “The Desired One” mean in French, La Désirade certainly lives up to its name for travelers looking to escape the tourist crowds. This peaceful island is about 45 minutes by boat from Saint-Francois on the southeast coast of Grande-Terre. It is the oldest island in the Lesser Antilles and was once a leper colony, but is now a geological nature reserve. Alluring palm-lined beaches, such as Fifi and Souffleur, ring the island and coral reefs protect the coast. Snorkeling, swimming and diving are all popular activities here and a walking trail at Le Morne du Souffleur offers spectacular sea views. During your visit you will also see plenty of iguanas and goats.
Not far from La Désirade, Petite-Terre are two uninhabited nature reserves on the island known for their biodiversity.
14 Souffleur Beach, Grande-Terre
Plage du Souffleur is one of the most beautiful beaches of Grande-Terre and is located on the coast of Port-Louis, a small fishing village on the northwest coast of the island. Sea grape trees and coconut palms edge this picturesque stretch of white sand and sea from the sea, offering plenty of shady places to lay your towel. Depending on the conditions, you can find some decent waves here for body surfing and when the water is calm, snorkeling can be fun. Food trucks sell Creole food and drinks.
In nearby Port-Louis, brightly colored wooden houses and vintage iron lampposts give the city a cheerful feel. A 20-minute drive through an area of desert vegetation leads to Pointe de la Grande Vigie , the northernmost point of Guadeloupe, with sweeping views across the sea to the neighboring islands on clear days.
15 Pointe-à-Pitre Shopping
Shoppers will find Guadeloupe’s best buys in the archipelago’s largest city, Pointe-a-Pitre. French perfumes, jewelry, cosmetics, crystal and fashion tempt shoppers at the Center Saint-John Perse , as well as the shops along Frébault, Nozières and Schoelcher streets. The Saint-Antoine market offers a spicy sampling of Creole flavors, and the colorful outdoor markets are fun to visit as much for the atmosphere as their wares, with many market traders dressed in colors as bright as the tropical fruits they radiate. The harbor market sells spices, flowers, crafts and clothing, and fishing boats dock here to sell their catch.
More beautiful islands near Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is surrounded by other beautiful islands, where natural beauty is the top. To the south are Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia, with lush, mountainous terrain and fantastic hiking. To the north, a volcano still feasts on tiny Montserrat, and Antigua and Barbuda are home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
For other tropical travel ideas, check out our articles on the best luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and the best tropical vacations.
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