Things to do in Guadeloupe

25 things to do in Guadeloupe

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Hike to the summit of La Soufrière volcano

  Trek through lush rainforest and sulfurous vents to the top of this active volcano, where you can peer into the steaming crater and take in sweeping views over Basse-Terre.

  Saint-Claude, Basse-Terre

• Explore the three tiers of Carbet Falls

  Walk well-maintained trails through tropical forest to witness a series of towering waterfalls, with the second fall plunging 110 metres into a deep pool.

  Capesterre-Belle-Eau, Basse-Terre

• Relax on golden Grande Anse beach in Deshaies

  A long palm-fringed crescent of soft sand with calm turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching fishermen bring in the day's catch.

  Deshaies, Basse-Terre

• Snorkel in the Cousteau Reserve around Pigeon Islands

  Float above coral gardens teeming with colourful fish and sea turtles in this protected marine area, made famous by Jacques Cousteau.

  Malendure, Bouillante

• Confront the past at the Memorial ACTe museum

  A powerful, modern museum on slavery and the slave trade, housed in a striking black building on the Pointe-à-Pitre waterfront, with interactive exhibits and a memorial garden.

  Pointe-à-Pitre, Grande-Terre

• Browse spices and fresh fish at Marché de la Darse

  The lively covered fish market in Pointe-à-Pitre buzzes at dawn as vendors sell glistening tuna, snapper, and Creole spices in a vibrant, aromatic setting.

  Pointe-à-Pitre, Grande-Terre

• Tour Domaine de Séverin rum distillery and watermill

  Watch sugar cane crushed by a restored waterwheel and sample aged rums at a traditional distillery set amid banana plantations and landscaped gardens.

  Sainte-Rose, Basse-Terre

• Wander the Botanical Garden of Deshaies

  Stroll through seven hectares of tropical plants, flamingo ponds, and a cascading waterfall, with scenic views over the Caribbean Sea.

  Deshaies, Basse-Terre

• Stroll the colourful streets of Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes

  Discover a tiny island village of pastel cottages, bougainvillea, and scooters, with a relaxed French-Caribbean charm unlike anywhere else.

  Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes

• Climb to Fort Napoléon on Les Saintes

  This 19th-century fort houses a museum on the island's history and a cactus garden, with panoramic views over the bay and neighbouring islets.

  Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes

• Swim in the calm waters of Plage de la Caravelle

  A postcard-perfect beach near Club Med with powdery white sand and sheltered shallows, ideal for families and a long afternoon of floating.

  Sainte-Anne, Grande-Terre

• Hike to the dramatic cliffs of Pointe des Châteaux

  A wind-whipped peninsula where crashing Atlantic waves meet the Caribbean, topped by a monumental cross and extensive views over La Désirade.

  Saint-François, Grande-Terre

• Learn chocolate secrets at the Maison du Cacao

  Follow the cacao journey from tree to bar in a charming plantation setting, with tastings of ganache, cocoa nibs, and locally made chocolates.

  Pointe-Noire, Basse-Terre

• Take a boat to the iguana-filled Petite Terre Islands

  A protected nature reserve of two small islets where you can snorkel with rays and lemon sharks, and encounter wild iguanas on white sand beaches.

  Off La Désirade

• Uncover pre-Columbian past at Musée Edgar Clerc

  A small but fascinating museum displaying Arawak and Carib artifacts, including pottery, tools, and petroglyphs, in a park near the sea.

  Le Moule, Grande-Terre

• Watch sunset at Malendure's black sand beach

  Sit on dark volcanic sand as the sun sinks behind the Pigeon Islands, painting the sky orange and pink while kayakers glide across calm water.

  Malendure, Bouillante

• Taste a classic bokit sandwich at Marché Saint-Antoine

  Crispy deep-fried bread stuffed with salted cod, chicken, or conch, served at the covered market in Pointe-à-Pitre for an authentic street food experience.

  Pointe-à-Pitre, Grande-Terre

• Hike the Trace des Alizés trail in the national park

  A well-marked rainforest trail winding under giant tree ferns and mahogany, crossing streams and offering cool shade on the slopes of the volcano.

  Guadeloupe National Park, Basse-Terre

• Admire the iron cathedral of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul

  A Gothic-style church in Pointe-à-Pitre whose metal framework was built in the workshops of Gustave Eiffel, featuring intricate stained glass and a tranquil interior.

  Pointe-à-Pitre, Grande-Terre

• Sample small-batch rum at Distillerie Bielle on Marie-Galante

  Cycle or drive to an artisanal distillery where rum is still produced using a traditional Creole column still, and enjoy a tasting under the mango trees.

  Grand-Bourg, Marie-Galante

• Swim in the emerald pools of Bassin Bleu

  A short hike leads to a hidden cascade of cool, clear water pooled in a natural stone basin, surrounded by giant ferns and heliconia flowers.

  Gourbeyre, Basse-Terre

• Visit the Musée Schœlcher for Creole history

  Dedicated to the abolitionist Victor Schœlcher, this museum displays period furniture, documents, and local art that tell the story of emancipation and Creole identity.

  Pointe-à-Pitre, Grande-Terre

• Gallop along the shore on a beach horseback ride

  Trotting through the surf at sunset on a local ranch's horse, feeling the sea spray and warm trade winds is an unforgettable way to experience Saint-François.

  Saint-François, Grande-Terre

• Dance to zouk and biguine at Le Gosier nightclubs

  After dark, the seaside resort of Le Gosier comes alive with open-air bars and clubs where you can move to local rhythms until dawn.

  Le Gosier, Grande-Terre

• Walk through the rainforest at Maison de la Forêt

  An interpretation centre and trail that immerses you in the biodiversity of the Guadeloupe National Park, with labelled trees, bird calls, and a canopy walkway.

  Route de la Traversée, Basse-Terre