Guadeloupe Islands Travel Information – Adventures & Things to Do
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Located south of Antigua, the Guadeloupe archipelago consists of more than a dozen islands/Islets, the two largest, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, are only separated by a small channel, making the two islands appear as the wings of a butterfly. Together, these islands are roughly 25 miles (40km) wide by 25 miles (40km) long, making the combination the largest land mass in the Leeward Islands. Connected by regular ferry service, the less busy and relatively uninhabited islands of Marie-Galante, Les Saintes Bay and La Désirade are the other major islands in the archipelago.
As an “overseas region” of France, and perhaps the most affordable in the French Caribbean, the Guadeloupe Islands offer a European vibe, along with a healthy dose of Caribbean culture and natural beauty. The Butterly Islands are recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting over three-quarters of its territory with Nature Reserves on land and sea. This provides an authentic natural setting for all sorts of Caribbean adventures on trails, rivers and oceans. Grande-Terre is home to a beautiful assortment of beach towns with white sand beaches and turquoise bays. The Grand-Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve, nestled on the north side between the two main islands, is home to a rich ecosystem of coral reefs, sea-grass beds and mangrove forests – Ideal for kayaking and snorkeling.
Basse-Terre is a mountainous lush green paradise that is home to the healthy forests and animals of the Parc National de la Guadeloupe. The parc is home to stunning waterfalls and La Grande Soufrière volcano, which at 4,813 feet (1,467m) above sea level is the highest point in the Lesser Antilles and the eighth highest of all the Caribbean Islands! Not only a hiker’s wonderland, the island is also a great place for snorkeling and diving, especially at the Jacques Cousteau Reserve. Other activities in the Guadeloupe Islands include exploring the plantation ruins on Marie-Galante, the impressive Fort Napoleon on Iles des Saintes, and hiking and cycling on the rarely visited La Désirade. Of course, the Guadeloupe Islands also have a large selection of rhum distilleries to visit as well!
Check out the island’s activities below – follow their links for more specifics, including Tour Operators who can help you get the most out of your day:
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Active and adventurous ‘things to do’ in Guadeloupe include:
- You’ll enjoy Guadeloupe Snorkeling and Guadeloupe Diving around the islands (Coming Soon…)
- Gorgeous beaches provide easy access to shallow reefs close to shore…
- Guadeloupe Hiking and Guadeloupe Canyoning is a great way to appreciate the islands’ diverse geography (Coming Soon…)
- Enjoy challenging volcano / mountain trails as well as easier coastal hikes and more…
- There are plenty of Guadeloupe Water Sports to enjoy (Coming Soon…)
- Enjoy kayaking pristine mangroves, surfing decent waves and having fun with boat operators…
- Enjoy Guadeloupe Sailing and Guadeloupe Boating along the coastlines of the islands (Coming Soon…)
- Coming Soon…
- Experience Guadeloupe Fishing excursions close to shore (Coming Soon…)
- Coming Soon…
- Guadeloupe Cycling & Mountain Biking is a great way to explore the Islands (Coming Soon…)
- Coming Soon…
Other activities and ‘things to do’ in Guadeloupe
There are various attractions, including many historical sites, plantations & beautiful botanical gardens to visit in Guadeloupe as well as horseback riding… There are plenty of sea-faring options as well! Check out “Other things to do in Guadeloupe” for more info, including local tour operators who can show you around. (coming soon)
In the mood for a party?
The island hosts a number of festivals throughout the year… Check out the Guadeloupe Festivals and Events calendar for dates, locations and more information. (coming soon)
Make your stay more enjoyable
Check out our local Guadeloupe Travel Info (language, power, currency, weather etc…) that will help you plan your trip.
Looking to enjoy good rum in Guadeloupe?
No visit to a Caribbean island would be complete without sampling their local rums, and with over 10 distilleries, Guadeloupe just maybe the rhum capital of the Caribbean! Click here to find more information on the Rhums of Guadeloupe.
Guadeloupe cares about the environment
Like you, we’re interested in supporting sustainable eco-tourism, and it’s good to know that the twin islands have initiated a number of clean energy initiatives on the island, and offer a number of “green” hotels and tour operators. Check out our Guadeloupe Sustainability page (coming soon) for more info.
With direct flights from the USA, Canada, France, and Belgium, Guadeloupe is easily within reach, so pack your hiking shoes and snorkel mask and be active in the Caribbean!
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