The 20 Best Excursions to Experience in Guadeloupe

Aug 23

4 min read

Guadeloupe is an invitation to explore: rainforest trails, volcanic landscapes, protected lagoons, colorful villages, and islands where time seems to slow down. This guide brings together 20 memorable excursions, inspired by official destination information and responsible-travel ideas. Conditions, opening hours, boat schedules, and trail access can change, so check locally before setting out.

1. Hike La Soufrière Volcano

Climb Guadeloupe’s active volcano through the lush National Park. The ascent rewards prepared hikers with dramatic volcanic scenery and, when visibility allows, sweeping views. Follow marked routes, respect closures, and never approach restricted areas.

2. Discover the Carbet Falls

The Chutes du Carbet are among the island’s most spectacular waterfalls. Viewpoints and trails reveal powerful cascades surrounded by rainforest. Wear shoes with good grip and check trail conditions after heavy rain.

Looking for more eco travel essentials?

Explore guides, eco travel essentials, and curated picks in our Eco Travel Hub.

Explore the Eco Travel Hub

3. Swim at Cascade aux Écrevisses

This easily accessible waterfall is a gentle introduction to Basse-Terre’s tropical forest. Combine the stop with a drive along the Route de la Traversée and leave the site exactly as you found it.

4. Explore the Route de la Traversée

Cross Basse-Terre through the National Park on a scenic road lined with giant trees, ferns, and viewpoints. Add short walks, forest interpretation stops, or a visit to the Parc des Mamelles for a full day in nature.

Explore our travel edit

Discover curated travel essentials for more comfortable, eco-conscious trips.

Shop on Expedia

5. Snorkel in the Cousteau Reserve

Around Îlet Pigeon, clear water and protected reefs create one of Guadeloupe’s best marine excursions. Choose a licensed operator, avoid touching coral, keep your distance from wildlife, and use reef-conscious sunscreen.

6. Relax at Grande Anse Beach

Grande Anse, near Deshaies, is a beautiful place for a slow afternoon, especially around sunset. The beach is also associated with sea-turtle nesting, so avoid disturbing marked areas and keep lights away from the shore at night.

7. Kayak through the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin

Paddle across calm waters, mangrove channels, and lagoon landscapes in this protected marine area. A local guide can explain the role of mangroves and help you explore without damaging roots or wildlife habitat.

8. Visit Pointe des Châteaux

At the eastern tip of Grande-Terre, cliffs and Atlantic waves create one of the archipelago’s most striking panoramas. Go early or late in the day, bring water, and stay well back from the edge.

9. Sail to Îlet du Gosier

A short boat trip or organized excursion leads to this small island near Le Gosier. Enjoy the turquoise water responsibly: take your rubbish back, avoid standing on coral, and follow local swimming guidance.

10. Wander through Pointe-à-Pitre’s Markets

Explore the city’s colorful markets for spices, tropical fruit, crafts, and local flavors. This is an ideal cultural excursion to pair with heritage streets and a visit to the Mémorial ACTe museum.

11. Discover Saint-François and Its Lagoon

Saint-François combines a marina, fishing traditions, beaches, and access to coastal excursions. It is a practical starting point for boat trips toward Petite-Terre or nearby offshore sites.

12. Take a Boat Trip to Petite-Terre

The Petite-Terre nature reserve is known for clear lagoons and protected wildlife, including Antillean iguanas. Visit only with authorized operators, follow landing rules, and never feed animals.

13. Explore the Islands of Les Saintes

Spend a day or more around Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, where colorful villages, bays, and walking routes offer a different rhythm. Check ferry times carefully and consider staying overnight to reduce a rushed itinerary.

14. Climb to Fort Napoléon

On Terre-de-Haut, Fort Napoléon combines history, gardens, and panoramic views over one of the world’s beautiful bays. Allow time to explore the exhibits and walk back through the village.

15. Swim at Pain de Sucre

This sheltered cove near Terre-de-Haut is famous for its clear water and dramatic rock setting. Arrive early, bring essentials with you, and use a mask and fins only where swimming conditions are safe.

16. Experience Marie-Galante’s Sugar Heritage

Known as the island of a hundred mills, Marie-Galante offers windmills, sugar-cane landscapes, historic sites, and rum distilleries. Choose a guided visit to understand the island’s agricultural heritage rather than simply passing through.

17. Enjoy Marie-Galante’s Beaches

Anse Canot, La Feuillère, and other coastal spots invite a relaxed beach day. Bring reusable water bottles and shade, and check sea conditions before swimming, particularly on exposed Atlantic shores.

18. Tour La Désirade

La Désirade feels wilder and more mineral, with cliffs, quiet beaches, and rewarding coastal viewpoints. A local guide or rental vehicle makes it easier to connect its villages, trails, and protected areas.

19. Soak in the Bains Jaunes

Near La Soufrière, these warm pools provide a memorable rainforest stop. Temperatures and access can vary, so follow posted instructions, avoid overcrowding, and combine the visit with a properly planned volcano hike.

20. Visit the Zoo at Parc des Mamelles

Set in the rainforest, this conservation-focused park offers an accessible way to learn about Caribbean wildlife and ecosystems. Treat the visit as an educational complement to wild encounters, never as a substitute for respecting animals in nature.

Plan a More Responsible Guadeloupe Excursion

Travel with refillable water bottles, choose local guides and small operators, stay on marked trails, respect protected areas, and buy locally made products. Guadeloupe’s beauty depends on careful visitors who protect beaches, forests, reefs, and communities.

Which excursion will you add to your Guadeloupe itinerary? Save this guide, check local conditions before each outing, and allow your plans to remain flexible—the islands are best discovered at a respectful pace.