Guadeloupe Top Things To Do
Guadeloupe's beaches are good for swimming, and the sand varies depending on the area: Grande-Terre has white sand, the sand on the Leeward coast is brown, while black-sand beaches can be found on the western end of Basse-Terre. Topless bathing is acceptable on all beaches.
Underwater world
The best places to dive or snorkel are around the preserved underwater sanctuary of the Pigeon Isles in the crystal-clear Cousteau Reserve, which is filled with multicoloured fauna. Glass-bottomed boats operate at several marine nature reserves on Petite-Terre and Basse-Terre.
Waterfall walks
The National Park of Guadeloupe provides around 300km (188 miles) of marked trails leading into the rainforest, where visitors can observe many tropical animals and plants. The scenery on these walks often includes waterfalls (such as the Cascade aux Ecrevisses) or lakes (such as the Grand Etang).
Walks in Grande-Terre
There are 263 hectares (650 acres) of mangrove swamp and a marine park where you can see birds such as pelicans and doves - and along the cliffs of the Atlantic coast. You can also take a kayak or pedal boat into the mangroves from the village of Port Louis.
Food festival
The Festival of Women Cooks (Fête des Cuisinières) is one of Guadeloupe's most spectacular events. The festival features a banquet of Creole and French foods that open to all and that lasts for hours. Many of those attending come in traditional Creole costume. Dancing and parades proceed the event.
Rum tastings
Learn how sugar cane is made into the Caribbean's favourite drink at the Rum Museum at Bellevue, near St Rose, Basse-Terre. The visit ends, of course, with a chance to sample some of the rum.
Active volcano hike
Take a hike to the top of La Soufrière, a still-active volcano that it hasn't shown signs of erupting since 1976 (it didn't erupt then, but there was widespread panic in the capital when it looked like it was about to go off). It's a strenuous one-and-a-half-hour climb to the top, but it's worth it for the views.
See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.
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