The 10 essential things to do in the Islands of Guadeloupe

If you are planning to visit the Islands of Guadeloupe on your next trip, you will love this piece of paradise! Paradisical beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes, waterfalls surrounded by lush forests and authentic villages, the Islands of Guadeloupe in the French Antilles is the ideal place for a dream stay. There are many activities and visits to plan. Here is for you, a small selection of the essentials to do in the Islands of Guadeloupe.

The island of Gosier: beach and relaxation

If there is a place in Guadeloupe that looks like a real small paradise, it is the island of Gosier. It's a small Robinson Crusoe island with palm trees, a small white sand beach, incredibly clear turquoise waters, and the second oldest lighthouse in Guadeloupe, built in 1929.

On a clear day, the colors of the island are spectacular. The red lighthouse on Gosier Island marks the entrance to Pointe-à-Pitre, a port rich in corals. With its coconut trees, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches, Gosier Island is visited by tourists during the week and Guadeloupe families at weekends.

Port Louis: a pretty fishing village

Far from the big seaside resorts, the fishing village of Port Louis enchants with its calm and authentic nature, wild beaches and mangroves in the background. Travelers looking for white sand are close to Souffleur Beach, which is lined with coconut trees and overlooking crystal-clear waters.

Port Louis is also the starting point for discovering mangroves, an amazing ecosystem where mangroves inhabit the brackish waters of wetlands. There are trails with wooden boardwalks to take you in the middle of this incredible jungle. Finally, don't miss the Port Louis Marine Cemetery, its tombs decorated with shells and the colorful huts of the city of Port Louis.

Morne-à-l'Eau: a cemetery unique in the world

Discover in the Islands of Guadeloupe one of the most famous and most unusual cemeteries in the world, in the town of Morne-à-l'Eau, west of Grande Terre and 15 km from Pointe-à-Pitre. Built like an amphitheater, the Morne-à-l'Eau cemetery is home to superb checkerboard tombs covered with black and white tiles.

A small village with streets, cellars in the shape of houses, stairs and balconies, Morne-à-l'Eau is also very photogenic. If you are in Guadeloupe on All Saints' Day, be sure to visit the Morne-à-l'Eau cemetery. During this period, candles are lit on the tombs and families come to pay their last respects in a festive atmosphere.

Guadeloupe carnival: a colorful tradition

For all the islands of Guadeloupe, it is the highlight of the year. An authentic institution in the Antilles, this festive, fun and colorful moment will brighten up your vacation. The carnival in Guadeloupe lasts for two months, from the first Sunday in January until Ash Wednesday, when the Carnival king is cremated.

With extravagant costumes, music and lively dances, the Guadeloupe Carnival is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Guadeloupe culture and to party day and night. To the sound of drums, maracas or synthesizers, various groups and parades stroll through the streets of Basse-Terre, Pointe-à-Pitre, Bouillante and Saint-François.

Large parades with magnificent floats are organized there. Parades and competitions take place every weekend, and the Mardi Gras carnival reaches its peak when the Queen and King Vaval participate in the various parades.

The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin: an exceptional natural heritage

The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve is one of the most important places to visit during your stay in the Islands of Guadeloupe. On one side are very large mangroves and a series of uninhabited islands, surrounded by a long coral reef. Imagine diving into a paradisiacal lagoon on a shallow sandbank that is home to thousands of marine species.

Designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, this magical place can be visited by boat or catamaran. The program will take you through the mangroves along the Rivière Salée which separates the two islands of Guadeloupe, discover the island of Caret and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin.

Route de la Traversée: discover all the richness of Basse-Terre

The Route de la Traversée is a 17 km long mountain road that crosses Basse-Terre from East to West. It winds through a tropical forest and crosses several important sites, including the zoological park, the botanical park, the crayfish waterfall, the Forest House and its discovery trail. This lush forest setting is dotted with 2,700 species of flowering plants, including 300 species of trees, 250 species of ferns, and around 100 species of orchids.

Scuba diving: the most beautiful aquarium in the world

Your first scuba dive in the Guadeloupe Islands is an unforgettable experience, as the waters of Guadeloupe are full of incredible biodiversity, with an impressive variety of tropical fish, colorful corals, sea turtles, rays, sharks, etc. You will also find a wide range of dive sites suitable for all levels, including shallow reefs, shipwrecks or even underwater caves.

The underwater clarity of the islands of Guadeloupe, which is generally excellent, allows you to enjoy the beauty of the seabed. Even for beginners, know that the diving conditions in the Islands of Guadeloupe are ideal, with mild temperatures all year round and few strong currents.

The Beauport factory: everything you need to know about sugar

The factory was once a huge sugar complex, but it closed in 1990. Since then, the site has found a new vocation by hosting the Guadeloupe Sugar Cane Museum. It provides an educational overview of the long sugar production process. A small railway line then crosses the factory's former agricultural land. Not far away are beautiful beaches such as Souffleur Beach and Anse-Bertrand Beach.

Helicopter flight: wonders, seen from the sky

During your stay in the Islands of Guadeloupe, you can explore the islands by helicopter. A great way to discover the beauty of Guadeloupe's landscapes. You'll see waterfalls, rainforest, white sand beaches, and snow-capped mountains.

You can also fly over the shallow waters and coral reefs that surround the islands. Helicopter flying allows you to see, in its entirety, all the beauty of the archipelago and discover it from a different perspective. An experience that is absolutely worth living!

Guadeloupean gastronomy: the delight of the taste buds

Like the other islands of the Antilles, Guadeloupe gastronomy is excellent. No trip to the Islands of Guadeloupe is complete without trying the famous cod acras, a spicy cod doughnut often enjoyed as an aperitif. Another specialty, smoked chicken, a chicken covered in sugar cane and grilled, is found everywhere in the villages along the road and is eaten with rice and dog sauce.

If you like seafood, try mussels and crabs. For sweet specialties, don't miss the Torment of Love, a small tart with coconut jam and custard.
As for drinks, rum is a must, of course, but in all its forms: cocktails, planters, homemade fruit punch, tea punch, etc.

Discovering the gastronomy of the Islands of Guadeloupe is an essential taste experience. A thousand colors and scents await you to know how to appreciate real local cuisine rich in flavors.