Short Description

Guadeloupe plays host to thousands of tourists each year searching for sunshine, natural beauty and a uniquely French experience.

Destination Highlights

True French culture
Rainforest with amazing waterfalls
Excellent diving and snorkeling

Local Weather

Average yearly temperature is 79 F. From June thru mid-November expect frequent rainfall and humidity. Average rainfall per year is 70 inches.

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Description

Guadeloupe is a butterfly-shaped island in the French West Indies. Its 530 square miles encompass dramatic rain forests, towering waterfalls, magnificent beaches and picturesque villages. Guadeloupe is actually made up of two islands connected by a bridge over the Riviere Sale. To the east lies Grande-Terre, known for its white sand beaches, rolling hills, cane fields and resort areas. Located here is the economic capital of Guadeloupe, Pointe-a-Pitre. To the west lies Basse-Terre, the larger of the two islands. Basse-Terre has a very different topography with its renowned rain forest, waterfalls, mountains, and world-class diving.

This tiny member of the French territory, Guadeloupe plays host to thousands of tourists each year searching for sunshine, natural beauty and a uniquely French experience. Not as cosmopolitan as her sister, St. Barth's, Guadeloupe mixes French with Creole, Europe with the Caribbean and the east with the west in an unapologetic fashion.

This French-speaking island is amiable to tourists, although English is rarely heard outside of the hotels. Water sports abound on the isle originally named "Island of Beautiful Waters" by the Carib Indians. Jacques Cousteau named it one of the top ten dive sites in the world, while water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and parasailing are offered at most major hotels. "Dry sports" are almost as popular, including hiking, bicycling and horseback riding on the beach.

Local Information

The official currency of Guadeloupe is the Euro, and U.S. dollars are accepted at many places. The official languages of the island are French and Creole spoken widely and English sparingly. The electric current on the island is 220 volts. An adapter is needed for U.S. appliances. Taxis area readily available and rates are regulated by the government although rates increase in the evenings. Rental cars are about $60 a day and make for good island touring but do beware of the skillful, fast French drivers. A valid driver's license is sufficient for up to 20 days on the island. Bikes are also very popular here and rentals are available for around US$10 a day.

Airport Information

Air service into Pole Caraibes International (PTP) in Pointe a Pitre. It is served by Air Canada, Air France, Air Guadeloupe, Air St. Barts, American Airlines, LIAT. Ferries travel daily to Les Saintes. Please be advised that many destinations charge a departure fee. Generally, most airlines include this fee in the cost of your airline ticket. We recommend you contact the airline directly to review the details with the carrier.

Entry Requirements

Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.