The Butterfly Island. Explore 63 attractions and 65 bookable experiences across the island.
Guadeloupe is really two islands joined by a bridge, and that duality defines everything about it. Basse-Terre, the western wing, is volcanic, mountainous, and draped in dense tropical rainforest - the kind of landscape where waterfalls appear around every bend and the air smells of wet earth and wild ginger. Grande-Terre, the eastern wing, is flat, dry, and ringed with white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons.
Together, they deliver a range of experiences that few single Caribbean destinations can match. On Basse-Terre, the centerpiece is La Soufrière, the 4,813-foot active volcano that is the highest point in the Lesser Antilles. The main trail from the Bains Jaunes parking area takes about two hours to the summit, climbing through cloud forest where bromeliads cling to every branch before emerging into a moonscape of sulfur vents and steam.
On a clear day, the view from the top spans Montserrat, Dominica, and the Saintes archipelago below. Check weather conditions before setting out - the summit is socked in by clouds more often than not, and the trail becomes slippery in rain. Nearby, the Chutes du Carbet are a series of three waterfalls on the eastern slope of the volcano - the second fall, at 360 feet, is the most accessible via a 45-minute forest hike.
The Route de la Traversée, the cross-island road through Guadeloupe National Park, passes through the heart of the rainforest with pulloffs for short walks to river pools and viewpoints, including the Cascade aux Écrevisses, a small waterfall with a swimming hole right off the road. On the coast, the Cousteau Reserve off Pigeon Island in Bouillante is one of the top dive sites in the French Caribbean, named for Jacques Cousteau who declared it one of the world's best dive sites in the 1950s. The coral gardens and volcanic underwater terrain shelter sea turtles, seahorses, and large barrel sponges, and the site is accessible to both divers and snorkelers.
Grande-Terre's appeal is more classically Caribbean. Sainte-Anne has the best public beaches, including Plage de la Caravelle, a calm, palm-fringed crescent of sand with a Club Med at one end and free public access at the other. Pointe des Châteaux at the island's eastern tip is a dramatic headland of wind-carved rock that feels more like Brittany than the tropics - a short hike to the cross at the summit offers views across to La Désirade and Petite-Terre. The off-islands are essential day trips. Les Saintes, a 20-minute ferry from Trois-Rivières on Basse-Terre, is a tiny archipelago dominated by Terre-de-Haut, a fishing village with red-roofed houses, fort ruins, and Pain de Sucre beach, one of the prettiest small beaches in the Caribbean. Marie-Galante, reachable by a 45-minute ferry from Pointe-à-Pitre, is rural, unhurried, and home to three rum distilleries - Distillerie Bellevue, Distillerie Bielle, and Père Labat - that produce some of the strongest and most characterful rhum agricole in the French Antilles.
The highest peak in the Lesser Antilles at 4,813 feet. The main trail from Bains Jaunes takes about two hours up through cloud forest to a sulfurous summit with panoramic views on clear days. Start early to beat the clouds. Bring rain gear, layers, and at least a liter of water. The trail is steep but non-technical.
Off Pigeon Island in Bouillante, this marine reserve named by Jacques Cousteau features volcanic underwater terrain, healthy coral gardens, sea turtles, and large sponge formations. Multiple dive operators in Bouillante offer guided dives from 45 euros. Snorkelers can access good reef from the beach at Malendure.
A 20-minute ferry from Trois-Rivières reaches this charming island with Fort Napoléon, red-roofed Creole houses, and Pain de Sucre beach. Rent a scooter to circle the island and stop at Baie de Pompierre for snorkeling. The local specialty is tourment d'amour, a coconut-filled pastry. Return ferries run until late afternoon.
Three waterfalls on the eastern flank of La Soufrière, with the second fall at 360 feet being the most visited. The trail takes about 45 minutes each way through dense rainforest. The path can be muddy and slippery after rain. The first fall requires a more strenuous hike but rewards with greater solitude.
The dramatic rocky headland at Grande-Terre's eastern tip feels like the edge of the world. A short hike to the cross at the summit delivers views across to La Désirade, Petite-Terre, and Marie-Galante. The wind-sculpted rock formations and crashing Atlantic waves make it one of the island's most photogenic spots.
A 45-minute ferry from Pointe-à-Pitre reaches this rural island known for producing some of the strongest rhum agricole in the Caribbean. Visit Distillerie Bellevue, Distillerie Bielle, and Père Labat in a single afternoon. The 59-degree blanc rhum from Bielle is legendary among rum enthusiasts.
This small waterfall and swimming hole is located directly off the Route de la Traversée through Guadeloupe National Park. A five-minute walk from the parking area leads to a pool surrounded by tropical forest. It gets crowded on weekends - visit on a weekday morning for near-solitude.
Sainte-Anne's premier beach is a calm, palm-lined crescent of white sand with shallow turquoise water perfect for families. The public section is free; Club Med occupies the far end. Beach restaurants and vendors sell accras, bokits, and fresh juice along the access road. Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends for a good spot.
An active stratovolcano and the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles at 1,467m. The challenging hike through tropical rainforest and volcanic landscape rewards with panoramic views of the archipelago on clear days.
Three spectacular waterfalls on the flanks of La Soufrière. The second fall, at 110m, is the most accessible and one of the tallest in the Caribbean. Set within lush tropical rainforest in the Guadeloupe National Park.
A marine reserve off the coast of Bouillante, named after Jacques Cousteau who declared it one of the world's top dive sites. Crystal-clear waters teeming with sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral formations.
A dramatic rocky headland at the eastern tip of Grande-Terre, shaped by Atlantic waves into castle-like formations. A short hike to the cross at the summit offers breathtaking 360° views over La Désirade and Petite Terre.
A stunning 7-hectare botanical garden on the northwest coast featuring over 1,000 tropical species, cascading ponds, flamingos, and parrots. Created in the former estate of comedian Coluche.
A 17th-century fortress overlooking the harbor of Basse-Terre, renamed in honor of Louis Delgrès who fought against the re-establishment of slavery in 1802. The fort offers powerful historical context and sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.
A crescent of white sand sheltered by a coral reef in Sainte-Anne, widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Guadeloupe. Calm turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
A narrow inlet carved into the northern cliffs of Grande-Terre where the Atlantic funnels into a natural pool. The dramatic limestone cliffs and crashing waves create an otherworldly atmosphere along the coastal trail.
Gardens Valombreuse MTL is a nature attraction on Guadeloupe. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Guadeloupe is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Aquarium of Guadeloupe is a marine attraction on Guadeloupe. The surrounding waters of Guadeloupe offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and observing diverse marine life in crystal-clear Caribbean seas.
Spice Market is a nature attraction on Guadeloupe. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Guadeloupe is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Saut De La Lézarde is a nature attraction on Guadeloupe. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Guadeloupe is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
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