The Guadeloupe Islands: 7 Incredible Experiences in the Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret

For the traveler who thinks they’ve seen all the Caribbean has to offer, the Guadeloupe Islands present a refreshing alternative. A mix of adventure, secluded beaches, and rich French-Creole cuisine, the islands are ideal for travelers who have “been there and done that.” The French overseas territory is more under the radar compared to other French islands like St. Barts and St. Martin, which is one of its biggest advantages. During my recent trip to Guadeloupe, I discovered a secluded archipelago that was untouched by big crowds yet still offered a perfect balance of energy and tranquility. If you’re ready to see one of the Caribbean’s most intriguing destinations, here are seven essential things you should do: 

First, Guadeloupe is actually made up of a collection of islands. The two largest islands, Basse Terre and Grande Terre, resemble a butterfly and are connected by a bridge. These two main islands are surrounded by the smaller islands, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Desirade, which can be accessed by ferry. When you’re planning your accommodations, most of Guadeloupe’s hotels and resorts are on Grand-Terre. The larger Basse-Terre is much less crowded, wilder, and known for its hot springs, volcanic peak, rainforests, and waterfalls. 

Like most Caribbean islands, Guadeloupe’s rainy season runs from June to October. The best time to visit is from December to May. However, hotels and flights are usually more expensive during this period.

Since Guadeloupe is an overseas French department, the euro is the only currency in use. The official language is French, and most tourists also come from French-speaking countries. Street signs and menus are printed in French, so it helps to know a few basic phrases. You can also ask, “Parlez-vous Anglais?” (Do you speak English?).

Getting around the island is fairly straightforward. Taxis are available, but they can be pricey. Renting a car is often the best option. If you book an excursion, many tour companies will arrange hotel pickup.

The Guadeloupe islands offer a diverse range of accommodations, from boutique hotels to larger-scale resorts. I stayed at the Club Med La Caravelle on Grande Terre, an all-inclusive resort that first opened in 1971. Over forty years later, the resort still retains its local charm. Guests can enjoy the island’s music and culinary flavors woven into the experience.

The property is especially popular with families thanks to a robust kids’ program and nightly entertainment. At the same time, it caters to couples and solo travelers with adults-only accommodations and a separate infinity pool on the quieter end of the resort.

Set directly on La Caravelle Beach, the property enjoys a prime location along a golden stretch of sand lined with palm trees. Guests can also dive into a wide range of water activities, from sailing and jet skiing to kayaking and snorkeling.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of unspoiled black and white sand beaches, all of which are accessible to the public. While La Caravelle Beach is home to the Club Med resort, the beach itself is open to the public. Towards the western end, you’ll find independent vendors offering jet ski and kayak rentals. As one of Guadeloupe’s most popular beaches, La Caravelle can get busy.

For something more low-key on Grand Terre, head to Le Souffleur Beach on the northwestern coast, which has warm, clear water and is fringed by sea grape trees. And if you’d like to spend the day on the wild side, head to Plage de Malendure on Basse Terre, a black sand beach that’s a hub for diving and snorkeling. 

Off the beaches, Guadeloupe is an adventure lover’s playground. Basse-Terre is home to Guadeloupe National Park, which spans over 54,000 acres of pristine rainforests and mangroves, and features hiking trails of varying difficulty. Inside the park, you’ll also find La Grande Soufriere Volcano, an active volcano (it last erupted in 1976) that is open for hiking. The hike takes about three to four hours round-trip, and there’s also a hot spring pool (Bains-Jaunes) at the base of the volcano.

And if you want to chase waterfalls, Carbet Falls and Cascade Aux Ecrevisses are two essential spots inside the park. Consider booking a tour through a company like Vert Intense, which offers guided hikes inside the park. 

Guadeloupe’s capital is in Pointe-à-Pitre and is a popular cruise ship stop, so come early to avoid the rush. In Pointe-à-Pitre, Marché Saint-Antoine is a bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling a variety of goods, including spices, handmade crafts, and fresh fruits and vegetables. You can still see some remnants of 18th-century colonial architecture around the city, notably the bright yellow Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul.

While you’re in the city, this is a good time to try some of the island’s cuisine. Venture outside the marketplace and grab a table at one of the local restaurants (like Le Petit Jardin or Chez Doudou) for a taste of Guadeloupean cuisine, which is a blend of Creole, African, and Indian flavors. Seafood is a popular choice, and other sought-after dishes include accras (fried balls of seafood or vegetables) and bokit (deep-fried dough stuffed with meat and vegetables).

The Memorial ACTe Museum opened its doors in 2015, and it’s one of the most comprehensive historical museums in the Caribbean. The museum explores the history of global slavery from iniquity to the present day, drawing connections between the fight for independence in the Caribbean and how it served as an impetus for other fights for freedom around the world.

The museum also highlights how shared cultural traditions, such as Carnival, connect the diverse countries of the Caribbean. There are headphones with pre-recorded audio commentary in both French and English, and you should plan to spend a few hours here. 

Off the coast of Basse-Terre, there’s an underwater reserve that has attracted divers and snorkelers from all over the world. Named after the French naval officer and marine conservation pioneer, the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve is accessible from the Plage de Malendure beach. Cousteau filmed a documentary here, and there’s also a statue of him on the ocean floor. Divers can see coral reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish, and even a few shipwrecks. The area’s shallow waters are ideal for newbie snorkelers, and you can arrange a snorkeling trip through Les Heures Salines.

One of the largest botanical gardens in the Caribbean, Deshaies Botanical Garden, is a 12-acre display of flora and fauna. The park is located on the northwest corner of Basse-Terre, and you can expect to see hummingbirds, flamingos, parrots, as well as over 200 species of flowers. The garden features over 15 themed areas, a fishpond, and ample shade for warmer days. If you’re hungry, head over to the restaurant on site, The Panoramic, which overlooks the park’s waterfall. 

Among Guadeloupe’s smaller islands, Marie-Galante is the most popular for a day trip, and the island is accessible by a one-hour ferry from the mainland. The island has white sand beaches, rolling hills, and rustic beach bars. While you’re there, you can rent a car and drive the island’s coastal road (it takes about an hour to circumnavigate the island). Head to Petit Anse Beach and pull up a seat at The Touloulou Restaurant, which serves Creole cuisine like fricassée de lambi (stewed conch). The island is also home to three historic distilleries; the largest is Distillerie Bellevue, which offers tours and rum tastings.