Guadeloupe

What to do in Guadeloupe

Scuba Diving

Though there are many sites to explore, you should definitely head for Pigeon Island, the most fantastic dive site in Guadeloupe which was named by Jacques Cousteau as one of his Top 10 in the World! Visibility exceeds 100 feet and its natural surrounding reefs and rich depths suit all skill levels.

Beaches

Excellent black- and white-sand beaches for swimming and surfing can be found mostly between Gosier and St Francois on Grand-Terre. Petit Havre is popular with locals for its small coves, offshore reefs, and seafood hut. The best beach is probably at St Anne where the fine white sand and crystal clear water make idyllic bathing conditions. There are some good beaches on Basse-Terre as well, like Plage Caraïbe south of Pointe Noire on the west coast, which is clean, calm, and beautiful, with a restaurant, picnic facilities, and bath/shower rooms.

Hiking

The National Park of Guadeloupe provides 186 miles of marked trails in the mountains of Basse-Terre which lead you into a beautiful rain forest to explore the world of tropical animals and plants. There are also various excursions on Grande-Terre like hiking through the mangrove or along the cliffs of the Atlantic coast. Whichever direction you take, you'll encounter natural wonders like waterfalls, enormous trees, and volcanoes.

Golfing

The International Golf Course, created by award-winning designer Robert Trent Jones, has 18 holes spread out under coconut trees and royal palm trees, at no more than a 7 iron's distance from the white, sandy beach of the Saint-Francois lagoon and with walking distance of many hotels. The Clubhouse has a restaurant, snack bar, and Pro shop. Clubs, caddies, and electric carts are available for hire.

Day Trip to St Martin

The smallest territory in the world to be partitioned between two sovereign nations, St Martin has been shared by the French and the Dutch in neighborly friendship for almost 350 years. It's known for traditional European elegance combined with modern fun like scuba diving, an energetic nightlife, and just about the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean. The perfect beaches are secluded, the luxury resorts have lavish accommodations, and the restaurants serve some of the finest dining in the Caribbean.

Day Trip to Saint-Barthélémy

Known as the island that is posh enough to attract top celebrities and still accessible to the family traveler, its picturesque beaches, top of the line French cuisine, and European boutiques help give St Bart's its style and grace. Since there are few private areas on this island, celebrity spotting is common. In fact, all the beaches are public domain, so you may just find yourself sunbathing next to Ben Affleck! Gustavia, the capital, retains a hint of Swedish culture leftover from their occupancy over a hundred years ago.

Horseback Riding

Several stables and riding schools, like Le Criolo in St Felix and the Poney Club in Le Moule host tours through the backcountry and picnic excursions to accommodate young and old, expert and novice. A ride through the surf never fails to be remembered as a peak experience!.

Deep Sea Fishing

The water off Guadeloupe is teeming with large game fish perfect for a day of challenging sport. Winter is the season for kingfish, tuna, mahi mahi, barracuda, and bonito.

Windsurfing

This sport is so popular on this island that prestigious international windsurfing events are regularly held on the island, such as the Ronde du Rhum and Funboard World Cup. Lessons and rentals are available at most beachfront hotels.

Fort Fleur d'Epée

This 18th-century fortress, which once guarded the east approaches to Pointe-à-Pitre, now serves as a pleasant and restful place, with shady gardens within the ramparts and art exhibits in the officers' quarters and underground rooms. A hint of its original atmosphere can still be experience in the dungeons.

Flying

Aéro clubs like Les Ailes Guadeloupéennes at Raizet Airport and Air Loisirs in St Francois rent 2- and 4-seater Cessnas and offer instruction as well as sightseeing tours. Ultra-light seaplane tours are also available from Gosier and St Francois beaches.

Shopping

The open-air and covered marketplaces are among the most popular attractions in Pointe-à-Pitre, fun and interesting not only for their multi-colored and many scented-treasures, but also because of the animated exchanges of the tradeswomen garbed in festive madras. These animated bazaars contrast nicely with the chic boutiques that offer excellent buys on luxury items such as perfume, china, crystal, and more with "Made in France" labels.

Guadeloupe Aquarium

This newly refurbished aquarium on Grande-Terre is the grandest in the Caribbean and ranks as the third best in all of France. Excellent exhibits feature everything from tiny fish to giant sharks.