Tropical Adventures: 15 Days of Exploration
The archipelago of the Guadeloupe Islands, with its heavenly beaches, lush rainforest and Creole traditions, is a dream destination for nature lovers and culture buffs alike. Here's a detailed itinerary for exploring the 6 islands of our archipelago in just 15 days.
✨Get ready for an unforgettable adventure !
Day 1 : Welcome to our islands! Arrival in Pointe-à-Pitre
- Afternoon : Landing at Pointe-à-Pitre airport. Rent a car to help you get around during your stay and make yourself comfortable in your accommodation.
Photo We Love Guadeloupe © Au Québ – Élisabeth Anctil-Martin
- Evening : Dinner in a typical Creole restaurant. Try the poulet boucané or the colombo de cabri and finish with a delicious sorbet.
Photo Diner entre amis Guadeloupe © Au Québ – Élisabeth Anctil-Martin
Day 2 : Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of Grande-Terre
- Morning : Head for Pointe des Châteaux, at the eastern tip of Grande-Terre, where an easy hike offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Désirade. If you're an early riser, arrive at dawn to watch the sunrise.
Photo Femme à la Pointe des châteaux © Poussine
- Afternoon : Now is the time to live intensely.
A multitude of activities are available in Saint-François! Take to the skies with a parachute, discover the pleasures of the ocean with a kitesurf or wander through the coral reefs.
- Evening : Enjoy seafood in one of Saint-François' tasty restaurants.
Day 3 : Sail to the Eden of Petite-Terre
Embark on a day trip by boat to the Petite-Terre nature reserve. Head for pristine beaches, iguana spotting and the discovery of colorful marine life.
✏️ To preserve this reserve in its most natural ecosystem, access is limited and regulated. Advance booking is essential to enjoy a timeless break in this Eden.
✏️ Did you know? Most sunscreens destroy corals by preventing them from accessing sunlight. It's important to choose a sunscreen that respects marine fauna - the "organic" label isn't enough.
Day 4 : Island escape: heading for the island of La Désirade
- Morning : On arrival, head for Grande-Anse for a tour of the historic village and an obligatory stop at the Jardin botanique du Désert to discover the different varieties of cactus and other succulents. For the more adventurous, a hike to the summit of Pointe Doublé awaits.
- Afternoon : Relax and enjoy the magnificent beaches, and snorkel to discover the colorful seabed. Before returning to the boat, don't leave without your olive punch, a Desiradian specialty you won't find anywhere else in the archipelago.
- Evening : Return to Saint-François for a quiet evening in one of the many restaurants.
Day 5 : Dive into Guadeloupe's past, Culture and History in Pointe-à-Pitre
- Morning : Off to Pointe-à-Pitre for a visit to the Mémorial ACTe, a cultural center dedicated to the memory of slavery.
- Afternoon : Explore the city of Pointe-à-Pitre on foot or by tuk-tuk and discover its cathedral and famous spice market.
- Evening : Dine in Le Gosier for the archipelago's signature fried sandwich, the famous Bokit!
Day 6 : Recharge your batteries on the Island of 100 Mills
- Morning : Set sail from the port of Pointe-à-Pitre for this little gem. Settle into your accommodation, a charming seaside gîte or hotel. Enjoy a relaxing morning on one of its magnificent beaches.
- Afternoon : Visit Château Murat and discover the Roussel-Trianon dwelling, an afternoon exploring the island's historic past.
- Evening : Enjoy a fine dinner in a traditional restaurant with your feet in the sand, and take an evening stroll along one of its beaches to admire the magnificent starry sky.
Day 7 : Nature adventure, explore the hidden wonders
- Morning : Hike to the Gueule Grand Gouffre to discover this spectacular geological formation. Immerse yourself in local rum-making by visiting one of the island's 3 distilleries.
- Afternoon : Take advantage of the fine weather to enjoy a picnic on the Feuillère beach, ideal for swimming or snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters.
- Evening : Enjoy a fine dinner in a traditional restaurant overlooking the sea, and dance the night away to traditional music.
Day 8 : Living heritage, a day meeting the Artisans
- Morning : Enjoy a relaxing morning on the beach at Anse Canot. Stop by to buy the famous Kaka bèf cake.
- Afternoon : Visit Grand-bourg's craft market for handmade souvenirs. It's already time to head for the pier.
- Evening : Back in Guadeloupe, dinner in Le Gosier with local specialties such as bokit and codfish accras.
Day 9 : Climb the mystical slopes of La Soufrière
- All day : Climb La Soufrière volcano, the highest point in the Lesser Antilles. The hike is demanding, but the views from the summit are well worth it.
✏️ Bring rain gear, good walking shoes and water to keep you hydrated. Once you've reached the summit, a particular smell may bother you, but it's the smell of sulphur, so now's the time to admire yourself, as it's a real ally for your skin.
✏️ If you wish to enter the crater, you'll need to be accompanied by a sworn guide, as the site is off-limits to the general public for safety reasons. The guide will fit you with an oxygen mask, protecting you from the danger of fumaroles.
- Evening : Head for another 3-hour hike... no, a break is in order ;-). Return to your accommodation or relax on one of our beaches and watch the sunset.
Day 10 : Dive into the world of the seabed at Bouillante
- Morning : On the way to Bouillante for a diving or snorkeling session at the Réserve Cousteau. Admire the coral reefs and marine fauna.
- Afternoon : Relax in the hot bath in the village of Bouillante.
- Evening : Dinner at a local seaside restaurant.
Day 11 : Succumb to the natural beauty of gardens and beaches
- Morning : Head to the cinema city, Deshaies. Known for being the filming location for hit series such as Murder in Paradise, the city of Deshaies will seduce you with its authentic charm.
Take the time to visit the Deshaies Botanical Garden, a haven of peace with magnificent tropical plants and a waterfall.
- Afternoon : Spend the afternoon on Grande Anse beach in Deshaies, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and witness the most beautiful sunset in our archipelago.
- Evening : After sunset, enjoy Deshaies a little longer, go to the fishing port to taste typical dishes and take a digestive stroll.
Day 12 : Enchantez-vous du charme insulaire à Terre-de-haut, Les Saintes
- Morning : Take a ferry to Terre-de-haut in Les Saintes. Explore this picturesque island on foot, by bike or by electric cart.
Start by discovering Fort Napoléon.
- Afternoon : Relax on the bay or at Sugarloaf Beach.
- Evening : Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy seafood specialties made with fresh local produce.
Day 13 : Island Escape: A Magical Day in Terre-de-bas
- Morning : Embark for Terre-de-bas. Take a hike through the lush forest.
- Afternoon : Relax and swim on the beautiful beach of Grande-Anse. Take the opportunity to visit the village of Petite-Anse. It is already time to go home.
- Evening : Return to your accommodation by ferry, boat or kayak, it's your choice ;-)
Day 14 : Venture into the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park
- Morning : Hiking in the Guadeloupe National Park. Explore the Chutes du Carbet, three impressive waterfalls in the heart of the rainforest.
- Late afternoon: Go back and relax in your accommodation or on a beach, you will be exhausted :-)
Day 15 : Savor Your Last Moments in Paradise
End of the trip in style
- Morning : Have a good breakfast and pack your bags with the last souvenirs you bought.
- Afternoon : Last photos and on the way to the airport.
- Evening : It's only a good bye ~ Adan on dot soley
Practical advice
- Car rental: Essential to explore the island in complete freedom.
- Luggage: Bring light clothing, hiking shoes, a swimsuit, and sunscreen.
- Language: French is the official language, but a smile and a few words in Creole will do wonders!
To experience this itinerary in the best conditions, it would be preferable to book several accommodations.
- Option 1:
- one in Grande-Terre
- one in Basse-Terre
- one in Marie-Galante
- one in Terre-de-Bas
- Option 2:
- one in Grande-Terre halfway with the island of Basse-Terre
- one in Marie-Galante
- one in Terre-de-Bas