Guadeloupe National Park
Designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Guadeloupe National Park on Basse-Terre Island, often attracts greater than 1 million visitors annually. The park encompasses 300 kilometers of hiking trails and an array of flora and fauna, including 100 species of orchids and 11 species of bats. For you birdwatchers, come and enjoy the diversity here with resident species such as the black woodpecker, pearly-eyed thrasher, and lesser Antillean pewee. Take Route de la Traversée and see the scenic trans-coastal highway wind through the tropical forest of majestic mahogany trees, giant ferns, and bamboo.
Jacques Cousteau’s Underwater Reserve
Off the coast of Basse-Terre near Bouillante, the waters surrounding Pigeon Island comprise the popular Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve with some of Guadeloupe’s best sub-aquatic scenery. Come and snorkel, scuba dive or see these amazing shallow water reefs from a glass-bottom boat. Swim among turtles and large schools of fish, as well as parrotfish, trumpet fish, and barracuda that live around these beautiful coral gardens as well as visiting interesting shipwrecks.
La Soufriére
The highest peak in the Lesser Antilles, La Grande Soufriére is an active volcano, which has erupted eight times since 1660. Hot springs, mud pools, and fumaroles punctuate its barren black sides. Hikers can ascend the volcano along the Chemin des Dames trail. Even though the hike takes two hours, the panoramic views from the highest points of the massif, as long as the weather is clear, is definitely worth seeing! The triple waterfall of Chutes du Carbet cascades down the eastern face of the La Soufriére massif, from a height of 115 meters, with lookouts over each waterfall.
Marie-Galante Island
In need of some sunbathing, swimming, hiking, and local events? Called the Big Pancake by inhabitants, Marie-Galante is a round, Flat Island known for its stunning beaches. Sugar farming and tourism are the primary industries and visitors will see the ruins of many windmills around the island. At Habitation Murat, an eco-museum honors Marie-Galante’s arts and culture, including the history of its sugar industry.
Saint-Anne
Come and explore one of the finest beaches in all of Guadeloupe, where visitors will find a settlement dating way back to the 17th century. Sainte-Anne was the capital of Grande-Terre until 1759, and today the ruins of sugar mills surrounding town are a testament to its former status as an important sugar exporter. A seaside promenade invites travellers to stroll under the shady palms, walk along the white sand, and swim in the shallow waters in dreamy shades of blue. Near the beach visitors can also find a selection of restaurants and a market selling local crafts.
