Seven days is the perfect amount of time to explore both wings of the Guadeloupean butterfly without rushing. Here’s a day-by-day itinerary that balances the beaches and headlands of Grande-Terre, the volcanic landscapes of Basse-Terre, and a day on a neighboring island. It’s easy to adapt for a 10-day trip.
Before You Go: How to Plan Your Itinerary
Two tips will make everything easier. First, rent a car: it’s essential for exploring the archipelago freely. Next, consider two base camps—a few nights on the Grande-Terre side for the beaches, a few nights on the Basse-Terre side for nature—to minimize travel time. The two islands are separated only by a strait, the Rivière Salée.
Day 1 — Arrival and the first beaches on Grande-Terre
After landing in Pointe-à-Pitre, head to the Grande-Terre side and get into the Caribbean rhythm. Head to Sainte-Anne and Caravelle Beach for your first swim in the lagoon. Finish off with a sunset in Le Gosier. Check out our selection of The most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe to help you choose your spot on the sand.
Day 2 — Wild Coves and Lagoons of Grande-Terre
Heading east: Pointe des Châteaux and its spectacular views, then the calm waters of Bois Jolan or Saint-François. Nature lovers will want to continue on to Pointe de la Grande Vigie, to the north. These sites are among the Must-See Attractions in Guadeloupe.
Day 3 — Heading to Basse-Terre and the Cousteau Reserve
Head to the leeward coast and Malendure Beach, the gateway to the Cousteau Reserve. Embark on a glass-bottom boat tour To the Pigeon Islets: fish, coral, and turtles swim right before your eyes—without you even getting wet—perfect for families. Be sure to set aside some time to enjoy the beach and explore Things to Do in Malendure.
Day 4 — Volcano, Waterfalls, and Rainforest
Now it’s time to explore the wild side of Basse-Terre. Depending on your fitness level, try climbing La Soufrière or visiting the second Carbet waterfall, and stop by the Cascade aux Écrevisses on the Route de la Traversée. End your day on a relaxing note at the Deshaies Botanical Garden.
Day 5 — A Day on an Island: Les Saintes or Marie-Galante
Treat yourself to a ferry getaway. Les Saintes charms visitors with its bay—one of the most beautiful in the world—and Fort Napoléon. Marie-Galante, a more peaceful destination, boasts deserted beaches and rum distilleries. A day out of time.
Day 6 — Snorkeling and Secret Beaches on the Leeward Coast
Back to the sea: snorkeling over the seabed off the west coast, followed by some relaxation on the spectacular Grande Anse Beach in Deshaies. The best Snorkeling spots are concentrated around Malendure and the Cousteau Reserve.
Day 7 — Culture, Market, and Souvenirs
Finally, we headed to Pointe-à-Pitre: the spice market, the ACTe Memorial dedicated to the memory of slavery, and a bit of shopping (rum, spices, vanilla) before catching our flight back, our heads filled with memories.
What about a 10-day trip to Guadeloupe?
If you have three more days, add a trip to the Petite Terre Nature Reserve to swim with the turtles, a day visiting the distilleries on Marie-Galante, an extra hike in the National Park, and—why not?—a visit to the unspoiled island of La Désirade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does it take to visit Guadeloupe?
A week is enough to see the highlights of both islands. Ten days allow for a more leisurely pace and give you time to explore neighboring islands such as Marie-Galante or Petite Terre.
What’s a good itinerary for a week in Guadeloupe?
Three to four days on the Grande-Terre side (beaches, headlands, lagoons), three to four days on the Basse-Terre side (Cousteau Reserve, volcano, waterfalls), and one day on a neighboring island: that’s the perfect balance.
Should you rent a car in Guadeloupe?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Public transportation is limited, and having a car allows you to easily reach beaches, waterfalls, and starting points for excursions.
What is there to do in Guadeloupe if you don’t dive?
The Cousteau Reserve remains accessible to everyone thanks to the glass-bottom boat, which lets you explore the seabed without getting wet. The rest of the itinerary—beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, and islands—doesn’t require any diving.
You can take your time enjoying Guadeloupe over the course of a week. And to make the most of your stay, book your glass-bottom boat tour in the Cousteau Reserve, departing from Malendure.