These five islands – Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, La Desirade, Les Saintes, and Marie-Galante – are a vacationers dream as each lures with its own exotic beauty, unique pleasures, and memorable flavor. The Guadeloupe experience includes endless activities, sights, and tours to enjoy and we have prepared a taster to whet to your appetite as you plan your exploration of these five French-Caribbean beauties.
Get Active on Basse-Terre
The two main islands of Guadeloupe are Basse-Terre and Grand-Terre, both making up the wings of a butterfly shaped silhouette when viewed from above. On Basse-Terre, nature is bountiful, creating an island paradise brimming with activities, including waterfalls to climb; a lush tropical forest and parks to explore; pebbled and black, brown, and pink sandy beaches to discover, as well as the Cousteau underwater reserve to dive amongst vibrant coral reefs. All these are in the shadow of the imposing volcano La Soufrière. For Basse-Terre we recommend:
- Guadeloupe National Park – the 7th National Park of France
- Fly above the trees with a canopy experience in the forest
- Climb the spectacular Carbet Falls
- Sink your feet in the golden sands of Grand-Anse beach
Unwind on Grande-Terre
On Grand-Terre, the other wing of the butterfly silhouette, culture, cuisine, stunning beaches, beautiful lagoons, and nightlife beckons. The white sand beaches along Grand-Terre’s coastline are perfect for lounging with the tempting turquoise sea calling for swimming as well as surfing and other watersport activities. With its wide selection of restaurants and hotels, you can delight your palate with Guadeloupe’s renowned Creole cuisine of French, African, and Indian flavors and spices. For Grand-Terre we recommend:
- Stroll, swim, and surf at L’Autre Bord in Moule
- Discover Grand-Terre’s most stunning stretch of white sand at Caravelle beach
- See the spectacular vistas from Pointe de la Grande Vigie and the Porte d’enfer
- Explore the Cathédrale de St-Pierre et St-Paul
Relax in Peaceful Solitude on La Désirade
East of Grand-Terre lies an unspoiled gem, La Désirade, a breathtaking natural beauty that gives the feeling of being unchanged since its formation. The tranquil ambiance welcomes you as you step onshore the stunningly beautiful, pristine white sand beaches fringed by protected coral reefs making it a haven for beach lovers and divers. For La Désirade we recommend:
- Scuba dive at Petite-Riviere beach
- Re-visit historical timelines at the ruins of old plantations and the ruins of the island’s old leprosarium
- Stroll along the many walking trails on La Désirade while admiring the awe-inspiring views
- Explore Les Ilets de Petite Terre, a coral paradise just off La Désirade
Be sure to explore Guadeloupe’s other two islands, the heavenly Les Saintes and the island of a hundred windmills, Marie-Galante.
