This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products that I have personally used!
Want to have the best guide for your Guadeloupe Travel? Here are the 23 major things to do in Guadeloupe that you need to know about.
Traveling to the Caribbean can be exceptionally exhilarating, and if you’re a daredevil like me, you’ll be doing all the research to be well-prepared for your next big adventure. As a traveler, I’m giving you the most insanely beautiful things to add to your Guadeloupe travel guide these holidays.
You’re going to cover everything. From the best time to go to Guadeloupe, the best hotels in Guadeloupe, to the traditional Guadeloupe food, and whether or not is Guadeloupe safe.
After learning all about the things to do in Guadeloupe, you’ll become an expert tourist, before venturing into your Guadeloupe holidays.
This post is all about all the insanely beautiful things you need to add to your Guadeloupe travel guide for your upcoming holidays.
Best Guide to Your Guadeloupe Travel
1. Is Gaudeloupe Safe?
When asked the question–is Guadeloupe safe? The answer is Yes. But even though this island is believed to be one of the safest spots in the Caribbean (as safe as that might be), you will want to take common precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. And since we tend to forget the basics in our busy lives, I’m giving you the below reminders/ tips to guarantee your Guadeloupe holidays will be safe and smooth.
- Use your common sense: You will want to take simple safety measures. Guarding your possessions, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding dimly lit or abandoned locations at night can save you a bunch of drama and help avoid messy situations.
- Stay on top of things: When you’re in a vacation mood, it’s easy to let go and forget to check the occasional news. In this case, to certify your safety you will want to keep updated with the local news and alerts–especially when it comes to potential hazards and or natural disasters.
- Health measures: Sunscreen + hydration is the happy equation! While this is true for every place on the face of the globe, on your Guadeloupe travel checklist you might want to add the mosquito repellent–to avoid those bug-born diseases like dengue fever!
Things To Do In Guadeloupe
2. Les Saintes Guadeloupe
One of the main reasons I take a Caribbean vacation is for its turquoise beaches. Coasting crystal-clear waters, Les Saintes Guadeloupe is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. You can easily get ferry tickets online that will get you to the island from a designated port. Terre-de-Haut is exceptionally charming, offering picturesque streets and panoramic views from Fort Napoléon.
3. Immerse Yourself in the Gosier Islet
Take a boat trip to the Gosier Islet, a small island off Grande Terre. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, and you might even spot colorful iguanas basking in the sun.
4. Explore La Désirade and Marie-Galante
To soak up the sun and get that beach aesthetic vibes going, take a boat trip to the nearby islands of La Désirade and Marie-Galante. Explore their unspoiled beauty, visit historic sites, and relax on pristine beaches.
5. Relax at a Thermal Spa
Enjoy a peaceful day at one of Guadeloupe’s thermal spas, such as Les Bains Jaunes in Basse-Terre. Enjoy therapeutic moments, immerse in natural thermal pools, and relax your mind and body in peaceful settings.
For Beach lovers
6. Anse à la Barque
For your Instagram stories and beach aesthetic photos, Guadeloupe has got you covered. If you want a tranquil beach experience, head to Anse à la Barque. It’s a secluded cove with calm waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation.
7. Relax on Grande-Anse Beach
This Caribbean island is renowned for its stunning beaches, and Grande-Anse is a standout. Soft, golden sand and clear waters make it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water activities.
8. Spend a Day at Malendure Beach
You will want to spend a full day at this beach located in the Basse-Terre. This beach not only offers breathtaking views, clear waters, and black sands but also an amazing maritime experience at its Natural reserve. Make sure to book the Nautilus to get a magical experience with a glass-bottom ship that will let you peek into the depth of the ocean and spot the aquatic life in its natural state without even having to dip into the waters.
For Nature Enthusiasts, Divers, and Normies
9. Explore the Soufrière Volcano
I am a huge advocate for kickstarting my vacations on a high note–pun intended. Whether or not you’re a nature enthusiast I strongly insist on not missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience of hiking an active volcano! YES, the volcano is still active, and it is the highest point in the West Indies 1,467m. When you reach the summit, you will be soaked in breathtaking views of the sulfuric springs, and the surrounding landscapes. If you’re a nature lover, you might also want to pay a visit to the botanical gardens on the way back.
10. Explore The Guadeloupe National Park
This place is an absolute treat for nature lovers. The park is located on Basse-Terre and offers a plethora of hiking trails through lush rainforests, and waterfalls like Carbet Falls, and it’s also nearby La Soufrière volcano.
11. Take a Hike in La Désirade
I guarantee this will be one of your Guadeloupe travel highlights. Take the ferry to La Désirade and enjoy the hiking paths. The island has stunning views of the Atlantic and is a sanctuary for birdwatchers.
12. Check Out The Deshaies Botanical Garden
Soak up nature and creativity in this little paradise created by French comedian–Coluche. This botanical garden in Deshaies showcases an impressive collection of tropical plants and flowers in a beautifully landscaped setting.
13. Dive into The Archipelago of Les Saintes
Insane beauty and a magical underwater experience await, as you dive to discover the aquatic treasures of the Les Saintes Archipelago. Bask in the tropical marine life and the beauty of the coral structures.
14. Cascade aux Ecrevisses
This breathtaking waterfall is nestled in the thick tropical greenery of Basse-Terre. I recommend taking a dip in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls since it’s ideal for cooling down after a walk through the rainforest.
15. Snorkel or dive at Pigeon Island.
Pigeon Island, known as the Jacques Cousteau Reserve, is a HAVEN for snorkelers and divers. Discover colorful coral reefs and rich marine life in this protected underwater paradise.
Guadeloupe Tourist Sites For Culture Buffs
16. Enjoy the Carnival Celebrations
If you visit during the funfair season, don’t miss the colorful parades, vibrant music, and spectacular costumes. Guadeloupe’s funfair is a lively celebration of culture and tradition.
17. Marie-Galante Rum Distilleries
Take a boat to Marie-Galante, often known as the “Island of the Hundred Windmills.” Visit a traditional rum distillery and sample the island’s well-known agricultural rhum.
18. Check out Zoo de Guadeloupe au Parc des Mamelles
One of my tactics to get to know a culture is by looking at its approach to preserving its wildlife. In Bouillante, boasting 4 acres of lush green tropical grounds, you’ll find Guadeloupe wildlife in their happy habitats. There’s an array of species from the Caribbean and Guyana, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and anthropoids.
19. Visit the Memorial ACTe
This museum in Pointe-à-Pitre commemorates the slave trade and slavery. It offers a complete and emotional experience that sheds light on Guadeloupe’s history and culture.
20. Fort Fleur d’Épée
The panoramic vistas this historic fort has to offer are all you’re looking for if you’re traveling with your camera. The fort is situated in Gosier and is a glimpse into Guadeloupe’s past.
21. Indulge in Local Cuisine
When I go somewhere new, one of the most important things to do is to savor the local cuisine. Here you’ll find a unique blend of rich flavors of France and the Caribbean. Try local dishes like Bokit (a deep-fried sandwich), Accras de Morue (cod fritters), and Cand Colombo (a traditional ragout), and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many seaside restaurants.
22. La Pointe des Châteaux
This majestic point on Grande-Terre suggests panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an excellent location for a picturesque walk, and you can even visit the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Anges near the tip.
23. Stroll through the Local Artisan Markets
Discover the bustling marketplaces of Pointe-à-Pitre and Sainte-Anne. Here you’ll see a day in the life of Guadeloupe where local craftsmen come to sell handcrafted goods, spices, and souvenirs.
This post was all about having the best Guadeloupe travel guide in 2024.