Natural places
What if Guadeloupe was much more than just a vacation destination? Behind its picture-perfect beaches, the archipelago reveals breathtaking natural beauty, where every landscape tells a unique story. From tiny islands lost in a turquoise lagoon to hidden waterfalls deep in the jungle, and black sand beaches lined with coral reefs, the Butterfly Island is brimming with wonders to explore.
Do you dream of hiking to the summit of La Soufrière, diving with turtles in the Cousteau Reserve, or discovering hidden natural sites far from the tourist crowds? This guide takes you on a journey to discover Guadeloupe's must-see attractions and well-kept secrets. You'll find practical advice, anecdotes, and exceptional spots for an unforgettable experience.
Islets and lagoons : jewels of the Caribbean Sea
What if you could sail on crystal clear, shallow waters, where every stroke of your fins brings you closer to a breathtaking underwater spectacle? Welcome to the lagoons of Guadeloupe, these unspoiled havens where nature reigns supreme. The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, is a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity : turtles, rays, and multicolored fish swim among coral reefs and mangroves.
Caret Islet, a t…
…iny sandbank surrounded by turquoise waters, looks like something straight out of a postcard. But hurry : erosion and rising sea levels are slowly eating away at it every year. A few nautical miles away, Petite Terre is home to endemic iguanas and baby lemon sharks swimming peacefully among the seagrass beds.
A word of advice : leave early to avoid the crowds and don't forget your mask and snorkel. Here, the greatest show takes place underwater!
Dream beaches : between white and black sand
Each beach in Guadeloupe has its own unique identity, shaped by its geological history and location. Malendure Beach, located in Bouillante, intrigues visitors with its black sand, the result of ancient eruptions of the Soufrière volcano. This contrast with the turquoise waters makes for a unique setting. But what draws visitors here is much more than the landscape: the seabed of the Cousteau Reserve is teeming with sea turtles, corals, and tropical fish, making it one of the most beautiful diving spots in the Caribbean.
On the other side of the island, Grande-Anse beach stretches for nearly 2 kilometers in Deshaies. With its golden sand and lush vegetation, it is the perfect picture-postcard setting. Be careful of the waves, however: the sea can sometimes be rough, which may surprise unwary swimmers.
In Saint-François, Pointe des Châteaux offers a completely different spectacle. Here, the wind and the Atlantic Ocean have sculpted majestic rock formations, while fine sand stretches as far as the eye can see. It is the ideal place to admire the sunrise, when the sky and sea are bathed in shades of gold and pink.
Between calm waters and wild landscapes, each beach in Guadeloupe promises a unique experience, marked by the diversity of natural elements that shape these exceptional panoramas.
Waterfalls, rivers, and natural pools : tropical immersion
The rugged terrain of Basse-Terre provides the perfect setting for spectacular waterfalls, fed by rivers flowing down from the slopes of the Soufrière volcano. Among them, the Carbet Falls stand out for their height and impressive flow. The first waterfall, reaching a height of 125 meters, overlooks a lush green landscape, while the second, accessible after a hike, offers visitors a natural hot spring pool.
More accessible, the Cascade aux Écrevisses waterfall, located on Route de la Traversée, offers a refreshing break in an enchanting setting. Its well-maintained trail ensures easy access, making it ideal for families. On the other hand, adventure seekers will prefer the Saut de la Lézarde, whose more challenging access leads to a deep blue pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
Each site has its own charm and deserves careful exploration. Swimming in these gentle waters, in the shade of the tropical forest, allows you to immediately reconnect with unspoiled, invigorating nature.
Parks and gardens : unique biodiversity
Exploring Guadeloupe without immersing yourself in its protected areas would mean missing out on the very essence of the island. Guadeloupe National Park, covering nearly 22,000 hectares, is home to an exceptionally rich variety of flora and fauna. It is home to many endemic species, including the racoon, this small iconic raccoon, and a multitude of tropical birds. The Maison de la Forêt, located on Route de la Traversée, offers direct access to the canopy via marked trails, ideal for a gentle immersion in the heart of the jungle.
Botanical enthusiasts will also enjoy the Jardin de Valombreuse in Petit-Bourg, where more than 1,000 species of tropical plants flourish in lush surroundings. This site is also a refuge for hummingbirds, which flit between orchids and tree ferns. Further south, the Parc des Mamelles, a true animal sanctuary, allows visitors to observe jaguars, monkeys, and giant tortoises in enclosures adapted to their natural environment. These places are much more than just attractions : they bear witness to the need to preserve an exceptional natural heritage and offer an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
What is the most beautiful place in Guadeloupe ?
It's difficult to single out just one place, as Guadeloupe is brimming with spectacular landscapes. However, Pointe des Châteaux, in Saint-François, offers a breathtaking panorama. Located at the eastern tip of Grande-Terre, this rocky peninsula, battered by the winds and waves of the Atlantic, reveals a wild landscape where the sea and sky seem to merge. From the lookout point, 45 meters above sea level, on a clear day you can see La Désirade, the Petite-Terre islands, and even Marie-Galante.
If you are looking for a more lush setting, the Carbet Falls, nestled in the tropical forest of Basse-Terre, are an impressive natural spectacle. The first waterfall, 125 meters high, is one of the highest in the Lesser Antilles. The environment is exceptional: tree ferns, wild orchids, and exotic birdsong create a scene worthy of an unspoiled tropical jungle.
Whether you are drawn to the immensity of the ocean or the coolness of waterfalls, each site offers a unique beauty, shaped by the elements and time.
What are some secret and unusual places to discover in Guadeloupe ?
Guadeloupe is full of little-known sites, far from the tourist crowds, where nature expresses itself in all its authenticity. Anse à la Barque, between Bouillante and Vieux-Habitants, is an ancient natural harbor protected by steep cliffs. Its history, marked by sunken shipwrecks and the remains of military batteries, gives the place a unique atmosphere, blending colonial past and exceptional marine biodiversity. Further north, the Saut d'Acomat waterfall in Pointe-Noire is a little-known cascade that plunges into a deep blue pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Although the access is slightly steep, it is well worth the effort to enjoy this almost secret spot, ideal for a refreshing swim.
On Petite-Terre, this unspoiled island accessible only by boat, the experience is breathtaking. As you stroll along its white sandy beaches, you will encounter endemic iguanas, while in its shallow waters, lemon sharks swim peacefully. These places, still untouched by mass tourism, offer a total immersion in a more secret Guadeloupe, where every corner holds an unexpected discovery.