Travel budget

How do you get around in Guadeloupe ?

Transport Round-trip flights: Ticket prices from Paris Orly to Maryse Condé airport in Guadeloupe typically range from €600 to €1,100, depending on the season and when you book. To reduce costs, it is recommended to book several months in advance and avoid the high tourist season, which runs from December to April.

Public transportation The local buses are an economical option, with fares from €2 to €3 per trip, but their service can sometimes be limited. The bus network, notably Karu’lis, mainly serves Grande-Terre, connecting key towns like Pointe-à-Pitre, Le Gosier, and Saint-François. This network also offers special lines to the airport and shuttles for hotels in Gosier. However, schedules may be reduced on weekends and public holidays, so planning ahead is necessary.

Car rental To explore the island freely, car rental is often essential, especially if you plan a tour. Rates typically range from €25 to €40 per day for a small car, plus fuel and insurance. Good deals are available if you book early. Note that some agencies may require a credit card for the deposit, and cleaning fees may apply if the vehicle is not returned clean.

Ferries Maritime connections are essential to reach neighboring islands such as Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade. Ferries between these islands cost between €20 and €50 per trip. These crossings provide a scenic and practical alternative to land travel.

Additionally, collective taxis, though less organized, are available and can be an economical option for certain routes.

Does traveling in Guadeloupe cost a lot ?

How much does a night in Guadeloupe cost ?

Accommodation options are numerous, with prices to suit all budgets:

• Budget : Guesthouses, inns, or B\&Bs starting at €50 per night.

• Mid-range : Mid-range hotels or vacation rentals (Airbnb) between €80 and €120 per night.

• High-end : Luxury hotels, resorts, or private villas starting at €200 per night.

For luxury lovers, Grande-Terre offers prestigious hotels like La Toubana Hôtel & Spa, with bungalows overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Nature lovers will be charmed by the unique ecolodges in Basse-Terre, such as Tendacayou Ecolodge & Spa, where treehouses offer total immersion in the tropical forest. Families or groups often prefer Airbnb rentals or spacious villas equipped with kitchens, ideal for a friendly stay. For an authentic getaway, Marie-Galante and Les Saintes stand out with charming Creole guesthouses and seaside bungalows, like La Rose du Brésil in Capesterre or Hôtel Bois Joli in Terre-de-Haut. Finally, travelers seeking tranquility will find comfort in La Désirade, where places like Le Paradis des Sables offer cozy accommodations in a preserved setting.

How much does eating out cost?

Is eating in Guadeloupe expensive ? The Guadeloupean cuisine is much more than a blend of flavors: it’s a true invitation to travel into the heart of the archipelago’s traditions, cultures, and history. A real melting pot of African, European, Indian, and Amerindian influences, the local gastronomy is a living representation of the diversity and resilience of the peoples who shaped Guadeloupe.

Products with typical island flavors: Guadeloupean cuisine highlights local products from a generous nature. Key ingredients include:

• Tropical fruits such as banana, mango, passion fruit (maracuja), pineapple, and papaya add sweet and tangy notes to dishes.
• Fish and seafood are highly prized: freshly caught fish like snapper, tuna, or sea bream, and seafood such as crabs, lobsters, and freshwater prawns.
• Signature dishes are flavored with colombo, a spice mix of Indian origin. The Caribbean chili pepper adds a distinctive touch to many recipes.
• Nutritious and hearty sides like yam, sweet potato, cassava, and breadfruit are rich in local tubers and vegetables.
• Meats and poultry are generally cooked in colombo, grilled, or stewed.

Once you’ve discovered the authentic flavors of Guadeloupean cuisine, let’s look at the budget needed to enjoy these delights, whether dining out or cooking your own meals with local products. Visiting local markets to discover these essential ingredients is also recommended.

Dining costs

Eating out at a local restaurant typically costs between €10 and €15 per dish. For a full meal at a higher-end restaurant, expect to spend between €25 and €50. If you stay somewhere with a kitchen, you can reduce expenses by preparing your own meals. The average grocery bill for a week is around €50 to €70 per person.

What budget for activities and leisure ?

Activities and leisure

To fully enjoy your stay while managing your budget, favor free or affordable activities. Go on a hike to La Soufrière to admire stunning landscapes, explore the beautiful beaches of Grande Anse or Sainte-Anne, and stroll through local markets to soak up Antillean culture.

If you want paid activities, several options are available : Scuba diving costs about €50 per session, boat excursions range from €30 to €95, and museum visits cost between €0 and €10.

Also plan a budget of €100 to €200 for souvenirs, tips, or small unforeseen expenses, depending on the length of your stay.

Budget depending on the duration of your stay in Guadeloupe

Budget according to type of stay Discovery tour For a discovery tour, rent a car to ease your travel and include ferry trips between islands, costing between €20 and €50 per crossing. For accommodation, choose guesthouses or B\&Bs, generally between €50 and €70 per night. For activities, focus on cultural excursions and free or low-cost hikes to enrich your stay.

Relaxing stay For a relaxing stay, choose accommodation in a hotel or villa with a pool, costing between €100 and €200 per night. Plan activities such as boat trips, massages, or dinners in gourmet restaurants. The estimated budget is between €1,500 and €2,000 per week.

Family club vacation For family vacations in a club, choose all-inclusive accommodation, with rates ranging from €150 to €250 per night for a family. Enjoy entertainment for children and family outings like discovering a water park. The planned budget for a week with family is between €2,000 and €3,000.

Our tips to save money

• Book early : Flights and accommodations are cheaper when booked several months ahead.
• Choose the low season : Travel between September and November for reduced rates.
• Cook yourself : Rent accommodation with a kitchen to cut food costs.
• Compare activities : Look for package deals on excursions.