First Time in Guadeloupe? Here’s 9 Things To Do

You’ll want to snorkel Réserve Cousteau’s coral reefs at Malendure Beach, hike to the stunning Chutes du Carbet waterfalls, and explore charming Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes archipelago. Drive the scenic Route de la Traversée through rainforest, relax at Plage de Grande Anse, and marvel at Pointe des Châteaux‘ dramatic cliffs. Don’t miss Marie-Galante’s rum distilleries, the accessible Cascade aux Écrevisses waterfall, and Fort Napoléon’s panoramic views. Each destination offers unique insights into Guadeloupe’s volcanic landscapes and French-Caribbean culture.

Snorkel the Réserve Cousteau at Malendure Beach

When you’re ready to explore Guadeloupe’s underwater world, head straight to Malendure Beach in Bouillante—your gateway to the renowned Réserve Cousteau. This protected marine reserve offers incredible snorkeling around Pigeon Islet, where you’ll encounter green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and vibrant coral gardens.

The dark volcanic sand beach provides easy water access, though the best snorkeling requires a short boat ride or kayak paddle to reach the prime spots.

Arrive before 8 a.m. to secure parking and avoid crowds that swarm the area by mid-morning.

You’ll find plenty of tour operators offering guided excursions, plus gear rentals right on the beach. The calm, clear waters make this perfect for beginners, with shallow reefs at just a few meters’ depth. The beach features a distinctive pebble shoreline that contrasts with typical sandy beaches found elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Hike to the Chutes Du Carbet Waterfalls

After exploring Guadeloupe’s underwater treasures, you’ll want to discover its spectacular waterfalls deep in the tropical rainforest. The Chutes du Carbet complex features three stunning waterfalls on the Grand Carbet River within Guadeloupe National Park, near Capesterre-Belle-Eau.

Start with the Second Waterfall—it’s perfect for families and casual hikers. This easy 1.4-kilometer round-trip hike takes about an hour, leading you across a wooden bridge to a viewing platform facing the impressive 110-meter cascade.

If you’re seeking adventure, tackle the challenging First Waterfall trail. At 115 meters, it’s the tallest and most spectacular. Expect a difficult 3-hour round-trip through dense jungle terrain, including steep sections, river crossings, and rope-assisted climbs. Don’t attempt this during heavy rain. You’ll need a rental car to reach the waterfalls, as no public buses service the access road leading to this remote location.

Spend a Day on Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes

From the lush rainforest waterfalls of Basse-Terre, you’ll discover a completely different side of Guadeloupe by taking a day trip to Terre-de-Haut, the main inhabited island of Les Saintes archipelago.

Start by exploring Bourg des Saintes, a compact fishing village you can walk end-to-end in 15 minutes. You’ll find colorful Creole houses with red-tile roofs lining narrow streets like Rue Jean Calot. Visit Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church and browse artisan boutiques near the waterfront.

Next, climb to Fort Napoléon for spectacular 360° views of Baie des Saintes, often ranked among the world’s most beautiful bays. The fort houses a maritime museum and features gardens with cacti and resident iguanas.

For a more challenging adventure, hike up Le Chameau for breathtaking panoramic views across the entire bay.

End your day beach-hopping between Plage de Pompierre and Pain de Sucre cove for swimming and snorkeling.

Drive the Route De La Traversée Through Rainforest

While Les Saintes offers breathtaking coastal views, you’ll experience Guadeloupe’s wild heart by driving the Route de la Traversée (RD23) through Basse-Terre’s dense rainforest. This 17-kilometer mountain road winds through Guadeloupe National Park, climbing to Col des Mamelles at 615 meters before descending toward the coast.

Plan 2-3 hours to explore key stops like Cascade aux Écrevisses, where you can swim in natural pools, and Maison de la Forêt’s interpretation center with forest trails. The Bras-David site features a suspended bridge over rushing waters, while Morne à Louis provides panoramic views.

Drive cautiously on this sinuous, often wet road. Wildlife spotting is most rewarding at dawn or dusk, when mangoustes frequently dart across the asphalt. Check conditions before departing, as heavy rain can cause temporary closures. Bring supplies since facilities are limited beyond Maison de la Forêt.

Relax at Plage De Grande Anse in Deshaies

Following your mountain adventure through the rainforest, you’ll want to unwind at one of Basse-Terre’s most stunning coastal spots. Plage de Grande Anse in Deshaies offers a perfect crescent of golden sand with a subtle pink hue, nestled in a lush green bay that creates natural seclusion.

You’ll find clear waters ideal for confident swimmers, though waves can be rough and there aren’t consistent lifeguards. The beach features basic amenities including showers, toilets, and several restaurants nearby. Don’t forget to pay for parking using the card or app-based system.

For activities beyond sunbathing, you can walk the long shoreline, rent canoes to explore the mangrove corridor, or simply photograph the spectacular sunset views over this wild yet accessible paradise. Many visitors choose to stay at accommodations located just 200 meters from the beach, allowing easy access to this tropical haven throughout their stay.

Explore the Dramatic Cliffs at Pointe Des Châteaux

Where else can you witness such raw Atlantic power meeting Caribbean coastline? Pointe des Châteaux delivers Guadeloupe’s most dramatic scenery at Grande-Terre’s eastern tip, just 11km from Saint-François via D118.

You’ll hike about an hour round-trip from free parking to reach the 10-meter cross marking the main viewpoint. The clifftop trail reveals 360° panoramas of crashing waves, jagged rock formations, and distant islands like La Désirade. On clear days, you’ll spot Petite Terre, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes.

Come at sunrise (5:30-6:30am) for spectacular first light over the Atlantic. Keep your eyes open for fossilized shells embedded in the rocky terrain throughout your exploration. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for rocky sections. Stay on marked trails—cliff edges are dangerous and swimming’s prohibited due to powerful currents and submerged rocks.

Take the Ferry to Marie-Galante for Rum Distilleries

After exploring Guadeloupe’s dramatic coastlines, you’ll discover the island’s rum heritage runs even deeper on nearby Marie-Galante. This smaller island hosts three renowned rhum agricole distilleries: Distillerie Bellevue, Distillerie Bielle, and Habitation Roussel-Trianon. Each offers tastings of white and aged rums alongside tours of historic mills and traditional equipment. Marie-Galante’s rhum agricole is made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice, creating earthier, more natural flavors than traditional molasses-based rums.

You can catch ferries from Pointe-à-Pitre to Grand-Bourg (45-60 minutes, around $90-95 return) with L’Express des Îles, typically departing at 8:15 AM and 5:15 PM. Alternatively, passenger-only ferries from Saint-François reach Saint-Louis on select days.

The crossing can get choppy, so arrive 30-45 minutes early and bring motion sickness remedies. Book ahead since schedules change seasonally and routes occasionally get cancelled.

Walk to Cascade Aux Écrevisses for an Easy Waterfall Experience

Looking for Guadeloupe’s most accessible waterfall adventure? Cascade Aux Écrevisses delivers an easy win for first-time visitors. Located in Petit-Bourg along Route de la Traversée, this popular spot requires just a 5-10 minute walk on paved trails through dense rainforest.

The 8-10 meter waterfall feeds a natural pool in the Corossol River, perfect for cooling off in the clear, invigorating water. You’ll find viewing platforms and benches for photos, plus interpretive panels explaining the local ecosystem within this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Visit early morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekends when parking fills quickly. The parking area was renovated in 2022 to accommodate more vehicles. Bring water shoes for slippery rocks, and remember there’s no lifeguard supervision.

The site’s free, open 24/7, and wheelchair accessible—making it ideal for families and travelers of all abilities.

Visit Fort Napoléon for History and Views

Perched 119 meters above Terre-de-Haut’s harbor, Fort Napoléon commands one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular viewpoints while telling the compelling story of French colonial defense.

Originally built as Fort Louis between 1777-1779, it was destroyed by British forces in 1809 and reconstructed after the Treaty of Paris in 1814.

You’ll explore 17 exhibition rooms showcasing naval battles, colonization history, and local traditions.

The fort’s ramparts offer panoramic views of Les Saintes archipelago, frequently called one of the world’s most beautiful bays.

Don’t miss the exotic botanical garden featuring Caribbean cacti and xerophytic plants integrated into the historic embankments.

Managed by local heritage preservationists since 1980, this historical monument provides an essential cultural experience combining military history with stunning Caribbean vistas. The fortress was completed as a bastioned structure in 1867 but never used in battle.

The Sum Up

You’ve got plenty to keep you busy on your first Guadeloupe adventure. From underwater exploration at Réserve Cousteau to chasing waterfalls at Chutes Du Carbet, there’s something for every type of traveler. Don’t try to cram everything into one trip – you’ll want to savor each experience. Start with two or three activities that match your interests, then build from there. You’ll be planning your return visit before you even leave.