The caribbean islands of Guadeloupe have just been selected as number 11 of the 52 places to go in 2016 compiled by the New York Times. Here are some pictures to show you why!
Navigate back to the complete Guadeloupe Travel Guide
1. Busy coral reefs
Protected coral reefs with lemon sharks and big turtles. There are several around the various islands. This was taken in Petite-Terre where we went in a catamaran.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Petite Terre islands
2. White sand, palm trees and turquoise water
So many people dream of that cliché. I was not one of them. But when my friend (the one in the photo) took me to Guadeloupe, and I must admit I enjoyed the peaceful feeling.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Petite Terre islands
2. And water which is even more turquoise...
La Caravelle is one of the most famous beaches on the Guadeloupe islands. It is just in front of the Club Med. You won't be alone, but who cares with this view?
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about La Caravelle Beach
3. Lizards are kings
The Guadeloupe islands are home to different types of lizards. Those, also the most common, were my favorites. They were really not bothered with humans. Guadeloupe is their home.
4. Dramatic cliffs
Pointe des chateaux is one of the most visited spots on the Guadeloupe islands. It is easy to understand why. Erosion has done a wonderful job creating the bay and those near-monoliths. Plus the waves are still crashing against them!
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Pointe des Châteaux
5. The Entrance to Hell
To reach this crazy place where waves crash full force not far from you, you actually walk along a very peaceful lagoon... very strange! You can understand why this is call the Hell's gate.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Porte d'enfer (Hell gate)
6. Active marine life
On top of the busy coral reefs, Guadeloupe is visited by whales and dolphins. On our tour, the sea was so quiet that we did not see any whales but we found a pod dolphins happy to play with our boat.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the whale watching tour from Basse-Terre
7 to 10. Beaches for everyone
- Calm or big waves...
- White, orange or black sand...
- Busy or isolated...
Your choice! Here is a sample:
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Souffleur beach
My friend had so much fun in those waves! (above)
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Grande Anse Beach
But I prefer the quiet ones...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Raisins Clairs beach
11. Not just beaches, rainforest too!
One of the main island is very flat, but the other one is covered by a volcano. So clouds are stops and it rains frequently, which creates a luch rainforest with great hikes.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about hiking in the rainforest
12. Dramatic skies
As I told you, one part of the Basse-Tere island has a volcano and clouds get stuck. So you can admire the sky while still being dry and warm on a beach on the Grande Terre island. Above is at Souffleur Beach.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Souffleur beach
Want to see MORE of GUADELOUPE?
Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Guadeloupe Travel Guide.
Inspired to discover the Guadeloupe islands?
Great pictures and nice stories. My wife and I 67 and 68 in good shape decided to travel here next March. We got great airline tickets from Norwegian Air out of Baltimore for about $500 total. Could not pass this up. The problem was finding a place to stay. Finally choose a place called Caraibes Bonheur which is not on the beach (BOO!). But after reading your article, we are happy that there are so many things to see in Guadeloupe, that we will not be just sitting at the hotel.
Can you recommend any places where we can obtain GOOD DRIVING MAPS? It is almost impossible to search through all those internet sites to find something. I tried a USGA topographical map, but it was not what we wanted. Would the French Embassy in DC have anything for us?
While we are there we do want to climb the volcano, see the falls, but your article did not talk about this. Also we want to visit the clothes optional beach and are trying to find out how to get there, etc.
Thanks again for being the first site that has been the most inspiring so far.
Hi John
Thanks for your comment.
I think you don’t really need a driving map. Outside of Pointe-à-Pitre there are not that many roads. Have a look at google maps and you see all the main roads between sights of interests for your planning.
And once at the airport or at your hotel they have free maps which are sufficient to get around.
I am sorry but have no ideas what French embassies have.
I would have loved to climbed the volcano. With my friends we stayed only 1 week and we chose not to do that one as the top is often in the clouds. I am sorry I can’t help more.
After looking on French websites, the main beach as you are seeking is called Tarare or Anse Tarare (anse Terare on Google maps). It is near Pointe des chateaux (South East point). There seems to be others less ‘touristy’ but harder to reach and I could not get names.
I hope that helps
Wishing you a great trip!