Guadeloupe is more than just its beaches. From an active volcano to dizzying waterfalls, a world-renowned marine reserve, rugged headlands, and unspoiled islands, the archipelago is brimming with breathtaking sights. Here are Guadeloupe’s must-see attractions and places you absolutely must visit, organized by region to help you plan your trip.
Must-See Attractions in Basse-Terre: Volcano, Waterfalls, and Rainforest
Basse-Terre, a mountainous region covered in tropical forest, is home to the archipelago’s natural wonders, which are protected by Guadeloupe National Park.
- La Soufrière — the still-active volcano that towers over the island from a height of some 1,500 meters, the highest point in the Lesser Antilles. The hike up the volcano, amid fumaroles and sulfuric fumes, is one of the most iconic hikes in the Caribbean.
- Carbet Falls — one of the tallest waterfalls in the Lesser Antilles. The second waterfall, which is the most accessible, can be reached via a trail that winds through the heart of the tropical forest.
- The Cascade aux Écrevisses — the archipelago’s most famous “easy” waterfall, just a few minutes’ walk from the Route de la Traversée, perfect for families.
- The Cousteau Reserve and the Pigeon Islets — Guadeloupe’s underwater gem, ranked among the world’s most beautiful diving sites. Good news: you can visit the Cousteau Reserve even without diving, aboard a glass-bottom boat tour departing from Malendure Beach.
- The Deshaies Botanical Garden — a haven of tropical flowers, ponds, and exotic birds, one of the most popular attractions on the Leeward Coast.
Must-See Attractions in Grande-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre
Flatter and more urban, Grande-Terre combines spectacular headlands, idyllic beaches, and sites steeped in history.
- La Pointe des Châteaux — the eastern tip of the island, where the Atlantic crashes against jagged cliffs topped by a large cross. The view, stretching all the way to La Désirade, is breathtaking.
- Pointe de la Grande Vigie and Porte d’Enfer — to the north, vertiginous cliffs and a turquoise lagoon nestled between two walls, among the wildest landscapes in the archipelago.
- The ACTe Memorial — in Pointe-à-Pitre, this large museum dedicated to the memory of slavery and the slave trade is a major cultural site in the Caribbean, remarkable even for its architecture.
- The Morne-à-l’Eau Cemetery — unique and photogenic, with its black-and-white checkerboard-patterned graves terraced along the hillside.
- The beaches of Sainte-Anne and Saint-François — white sand and turquoise lagoons: discover them in our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Guadeloupe.
Must-See Islands: Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and Petite Terre
The Guadeloupe archipelago also includes satellite islands, just a short boat ride away, that are well worth a day trip.
- Les Saintes and Terre-de-Haut Bay — Often cited as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, dominated by Fort Napoléon. A picture-perfect village, coves, and a timeless atmosphere.
- Marie-Galante — “the island of a hundred mills,” renowned for its rum distilleries, deserted beaches, and laid-back pace of life.
- The islets of Petite Terre — a protected nature reserve where you can swim among turtles and stingrays in a crystal-clear lagoon. A chance to observe the turtles in their natural habitat.
What to See in Guadeloupe Depending on the Length of Your Stay?
- For a short stay (3 to 4 days): Focus on one wing of the butterfly—the Cousteau Reserve, La Soufrière, and a waterfall on the Basse-Terre side, or the headlands and beaches on the Grande-Terre side.
- In one week: combine both sides of the island and spend a day on a neighboring island, Les Saintes or Petite Terre.
- If you have more time: Take the time to explore the distilleries of Marie-Galante, hike through the national park, and discover the most secluded beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guadeloupe’s Must-See Attractions
What are the must-see attractions in Guadeloupe?
The most iconic sites are the Soufrière volcano, the Carbet Falls, the Cousteau Reserve, Pointe des Châteaux, the ACTe Memorial, and the Îles des Saintes. Feel free to add others based on your interests in nature, beaches, or culture.
What to See in Guadeloupe in a Week?
A week is enough to explore both parts of the island: the volcanic landscape of Basse-Terre (Soufrière, waterfalls, Cousteau Reserve) and the beaches and headlands of Grande-Terre, including a day trip to a neighboring island.
What is there to see in Guadeloupe if you don’t dive?
The Cousteau Reserve is still accessible to non-divers: aboard a glass-bottom boat, you can observe fish and coral without getting wet. On land, La Soufrière, the waterfalls, and the rugged headlands don’t require any diving.
What is the most famous natural site in Guadeloupe?
The Cousteau Reserve, surrounding the Pigeon Islets, is one of the most famous sites, along with the Soufrière volcano. Both are among the archipelago’s top must-see attractions.
From the volcanic peaks of Basse-Terre to the Bay of Les Saintes, Guadeloupe’s must-see attractions promise a truly unforgettable experience. And to experience the most famous of them all—even if you can’t swim—board the Nautilus for a glass-bottom boat tour in the Cousteau Reserve.