10 unforgettable experiences on the islands of Guadeloupe

Just name the islands that make up the Guadeloupe archipelago and you will feel an invitation to dream: Marie-Galante, La Désirade, Les Saintes… When it comes to escape, the islands of Guadeloupe deliver on every promise: spectacular beaches, turquoise waters, tropical nature and an unforgettable Creole flavour. A journey like no other is guaranteed. Here is a tour of the places not to miss on the islands of Guadeloupe.

1 - La Pointe des Châteaux: a must-see in Guadeloupe

It is hard to talk about the must-see places of Guadeloupe without mentioning the famous Pointe des Châteaux. The name can be misleading, but you will not find a castle here. Its origin goes back to a religious community that settled there and named the place the Parish of the Châteaux.

This wild peninsula lies at the far eastern tip of Grande-Terre, near Saint-François. It is a tourist attraction where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama. The rugged landscape, towering cliffs, crashing waves and cool, biting winds are breathtaking. The natural beauty of this place contrasts with the other landscapes usually seen on the islands of Guadeloupe.

The site looks remarkably like a little corner of Brittany in the heart of the Caribbean. From the top of the Pointe des Colibris, you will enjoy spectacular views of the coast and of the surrounding islands such as Marie-Galante and La Désirade. It is an exceptional site from which several trails set off to continue your walk.

2 - La Caravelle beach: paradise on earth

If you are looking for heavenly beaches, La Caravelle beach is the ideal spot. This beach in Sainte-Anne is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches on the islands of Guadeloupe. It has everything you could expect from a postcard beach: coconut palms, white sand, crystal-clear water and a spectacular underwater world.

Because of its reputation, La Caravelle beach is very popular, but you can still enjoy a moment of calm and relaxation in the morning or on a mild evening.

3 - La Soufrière volcano: unmissable in Guadeloupe

Located in the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park, the La Soufrière volcano is one of the must-see places in Basse-Terre, especially for hiking on the island. Rising to 1,467 metres, it is the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles. It towers over Basse-Terre and offers panoramic views over the whole region, and even over the islands of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante. With its fumaroles and hot springs, La Soufrière is still active and captivates with its landscapes.

It is one of the most impressive natural sites in Guadeloupe. During the climb, hikers cross a lunar landscape. Yet the flora is very rich, with strangely shaped roots, giant trees and even tree ferns.

4 - The Cousteau Reserve: an open-air aquarium

The Cousteau Reserve is one of the most beautiful destinations on the islands of Guadeloupe and particularly attracts diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. It is a marine nature reserve facing Malendure beach in Basse-Terre, made up of exceptionally rare seabeds.

In the heart of the Caribbean, where water temperatures reach 26 degrees, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles and sometimes the songs of whales will enchant you. The place takes its name from Commander Cousteau, who wanted it to be a protected area open to all.

You can put on your mask and snorkel and set off by kayak from the beach, take a glass-bottom boat to discover the beauty of the seabed, or go diving with one of the many experts at Malendure beach.

5 - The Deshaies botanical garden: wonder at every turn

When passing through Basse-Terre, be sure not to miss the Deshaies Botanical Garden, home to more than 1,000 species of tropical plants and flowers.

Inside, you will find many West Indian plants (bougainvillea, cacti, water lilies and hibiscus) to admire as you stroll, as well as pink flamingos, parrots and magnificent rainbow-coloured birds called blue-headed lorikeets, the true stars of the garden.

6 - The Carbet Falls: nature in the raw

With their tropical climate, the islands of Guadeloupe are full of breathtaking cascades and waterfalls. The most famous of them is the Carbet Falls in Capesterre on the island of Basse-Terre.

Three waterfalls line the Grand Carbet river, in the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park. The highest rises to 115 metres and offers a rare and stunning sight. The second, and the most visited, tumbles 110 metres through lush vegetation.

The third waterfall is hard to reach except for experienced hikers. Although it is lower than its neighbours, at 20 metres high, its powerful flow is impressive and plunges into a pool where swimming is permitted.

7 - Marie-Galante: an authentic land

The island of Marie-Galante is a true little paradise with postcard beaches. Also known as the island of a hundred windmills, Marie-Galante preserves its heritage with old windmills and an ancestral distillery.

A few cars, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, stunning beaches and an extraordinary underwater world. Far from the tourist crowds, the modest island of Marie-Galante offers an unforgettable journey, not only through space but also through time. Sometimes called “the quiet island”, it occasionally recalls the Guadeloupe of days gone by.

8 - Guadeloupe National Park: nature in all its splendour

The Guadeloupe National Park, in Basse-Terre, is one of the most beautiful parks in the West Indies. A place of rich and surprising biodiversity that delights nature lovers. At the foot of the La Soufrière volcano, the park shelters very varied fauna and flora. You can discover a lush, perfectly preserved tropical forest with a mix of hundreds of species of exotic plants and flowers. The fauna includes several species, among them bats, hummingbirds, pelicans and iguanas.

9 - Les Saintes: islands of wild charm

An essential stop during your stay on the islands of Guadeloupe, Les Saintes will not disappoint. The archipelago is made up of nine islands, only two of which are inhabited: Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas. A little paradise with a deep blue sea and fine sandy beaches that will make you dream.

Terre-de-Bas is wilder and more understated. You can enjoy a peaceful setting and explore the fishing village. Its authentic character will win you over. The island is rugged and ideal for hiking. A lovely walk awaits you, making the most of the serenity of the place.

Terre-de-Haut, the more touristy of the two, is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The museum at Fort Napoléon offers a breathtaking view over the whole archipelago.

10 - The Parc des Mamelles: a park of a thousand discoveries

The Parc des Mamelles is a must on any tour of the islands of Guadeloupe. Located in Bouillante, Basse-Terre, the park covers four hectares and is home to a variety of protected animals, some of them endangered.

The setting is truly exceptional and you will be surrounded by tropical forest throughout your visit of about 2 hours. Among the animals you may spot are leopards, monkeys, the famous raccoon and parrots.

During your walk, you will follow pleasant, well-marked trails, including a 30-metre-high suspension bridge. It is an excellent activity for children! Small attractions and playgrounds will enrich your visit. The park is home to 450 different species in all.

In some cases, you can also spend time with a centre keeper. It is a chance to learn a little more about the park’s animals and their work.