Looking for the best in Guadeloupe vacations? Now it can be yours! In this guide, we’ll tell you how you can make the best of your time in this overseas Caribbean French territory. Guadeloupe has long been one of the most popular sites in the Caribbean, with tons of cool stuff to do and see. Keep reading to find out how you can make your trip there the best one yet!
Guadeloupe vs Martinique
Before you go, it’s important to understand the difference between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Though the two islands are nearby, they are not one-in-the-same, representing two independent nations in the Caribbean. Of import, Guadeloupe is notably larger and has more urban infrastructure than Martinique, making it a more popular destination, particularly for families.
There are also other things you should keep in mind about the island. For starters, you’ll want to know that the Guadeloupe currency is the Euro, which currently exchanges for around $1.10. Additionally, the Guadeloupe language is French, due to the heavy French influence in settling the island.
How to Get to Guadeloupe
Getting to Guadeloupe is simple: all you need to do is fly in from New York (JFK) using JetBlue or from Miami using American Airlines or Air France. The Guadeloupe airport code is PTP, which stands for Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe. You may also choose to sail in from another Caribbean island.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsIs Guadeloupe Safe
Guadeloupe is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean and also makes it on our list of top safest 25 Caribbean islands to visit. It’s unique as because it consists of thirty-two islands which adds to its beauty. Just like with every other destination you travel to, if aware of your surroundings, avoid sketchy part of town especially at night, and be on the look out for petty crimes. So if you take normal safety precautions while visiting this top island destination, you should be fine.
Things to Do in Guadeloupe:
Keeping all this in mind, let’s take a look at ten of the best and most amazing things to do in Guadeloupe:
1) Visit Baie Mahault, Guadeloupe
Start with a visit to the largest industrial center of the nation. Bai Mahault is home to the country’s biggest shopping center in Carrefour, which averages up to 10,000 shoppers every day.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsA massive sport arena also exists in the area, hosting some of the most famous names to ever visit the island. There’s a ton to do in this fast-paced area of the island, so be sure to check it out!
2) Shop Gudadeloupe Pointe a Pitre
Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe is the largest city in the nation, with a population exceeding 300,000. As you might expect, there are tons of tourist-themed markets and other areas in the city that are the perfect way to spend the day.
Credits: WikipediaDine at local bistros that are famous for their cuisine and pick up several souvenirs that you friends will want to see back home.
3) Visit Pointe des Chateaux
This peninsula is home to some of the best beaches in Guadeloupe. A visit here treats you to crystal-clear waters, interesting rock formations, and breath-taking fauna.
The location is the perfect selfie destination and a great spot to spend an afternoon with a loved one during your next Guadeloupe island vacation!
4) Interact with the Parrots at Le Jardin Botanique de Dashaies
Who doesn’t love parrots? Native to the island, these birds inhabit the famous Botanical Garden of Deshaies (Le Jardin Botanique de Sashaies). There, you can feed the parents and even take a look at over 1,000 species of
tropical foliage and plants and get an intimate view of a wide variety of species in the fifteen different gardens that make up the site.
5) Visit Guadeloupe National Park
Guadeloupe National Park (Parc National de la Guadeloupe) is one of the most stunning sites in all of the Caribbean. At its core, this is a 74,100-acre rainforest that truly has it all. It all starts with the hiking trails, which range from easy to difficult and take tourists through winding paths through the forest.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsSee incredible waterfalls, unbelievable canopies, and even the world-renowned La Soufriere volcano (more on that later). The perfect destination for nature lovers, Guadeloupe National Park is a great place to take advantage of the picturesque Guadeloupe weather and experience a once-in-a-lifetime retreat.
6) Climb La Soufriere
Already in the park? You’ll want to pay special attention to La Soufriere. This majestic volcano rises 4,812 feet (1,467 meters) and is, surprisingly, still active. That doesn’t stop the destination from being one of the most-visited in Guadeloupe, as it remains the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles and offers travelers a great view of the surrounding park.
Yellow baths nearby provide the perfect hot spring experience for weary travelers. With all this going for it, La Soufriere is well worth a trip if you plan on visiting Guadeloupe.
7) Dive into Impossibly Blue Waters
Like other Caribbean islands, Guadeloupe is famous for its diving locations. Locations such as Cousteau Reserve, Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin, and Les-Saintes offer one-of-a-kind diving that brings thousands of tourists to the area every year.
If you’re looking to truly experience the best in marine activities, you’ll want to check out these incredible diving spots while you’re in the area.
8) Visit Legendary La Desirade
Le Desirade (“The Desirable One” in French) is truly the stuff of lore. As the story goes, the famed explorer once caught site of the beach after spending days on the ocean without seeing land or having freshwater. In his exuberance, he named the beach “Le Desirade”—and what a fitting name it is.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsMiles of beautiful gold-sand coastline make this one of the most stunning spots in the nation, and natural sites such as cacti, coconut trees, and other foliage complete the picture-perfect look.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or want to spend some quality time with the kids, Le Desirade makes the perfect backdrop! Make sure to stop by on your next Guadeloupe vacation!
9) Tour Les Saintes
Just off the shores of the main island are eight islands that offer tourists something different. These islands are known collectively as Les Saintes, and they are a great place to spend an afternoon. With tons of Guadeloupe beaches, shops, and world-class restaurants, Les Saintes offers everything you could want in more in the way of Caribbean fun.
The islands are easy to find on a Guadeloupe map, resting quietly just off the southern coast of the mainland. If you’re looking for something a bit different, make sure to check them out next time you’re in the area.
10) Spend Your Days at a Luxury Resort
What better way to spend your time in the nation than at a luxury resort? Guadeloupe all inclusive resorts offer the best in comforting amenities while providing you with ultimate access to the Caribbean coastline.
Soak up the gorgeous weather on the beach of a five-star hotel and take advantage of the high-speed Internet access the resorts provide. Whether you’re going with a partner or your family, you’ll love the comfort and security that these resorts provide.
