Guadeloupe - A Little-Known Caribbean Escape
Beaches
Petit Havre - The fine, white sand beach offers small coves, offshore reefs, and small food and drink shacks.
Ste-Anne - In addition to fabulous sand, Ste-Anne's draw is its shallow shoreline offering clear water and a 1.5 meter depth several yards out.
Plage Tarare - Both adventurers and food-enthusiasts enjoy this nude beach complete with a well-known restaurant.
Plage de l'Anse a la Gourde - In addition to pristine sand and water, this beach also offers camping.
Basse Terre Offerings:
Basse Terre is the home to Guadeloupe's administrative capital. Here, travelers find old, colonial buildings, a 17th century cathedral, Fort Louis Delgres (1667), and bustling markets.
National Park -
Basse Terre's National Park is home to some of Guadeloupe's most impressive flora, fauna, and natural terrain. Consisting of mountainous rainforests, the National Park is filled with banana, sugar, coffee, and vanilla crops. However, its most noted site is Soufriere, a dormant volcano complete with fumaroles, cauldrons, and sulfur fields.
Another natural wonder is the Cascade aux Ecrevisses, a breathtaking waterfall and pool just perfect for a day's outing. Hiking trails leading to Soufriere and deep within the rainforest can be arranged through the Organisation des Guides de Montagne de la Caraibe (OGMC) at 80 05 79. The National Park is a gate-free, 24-hour, free-admission park.
Underwater Reserve -
Located on the Leeward side of the island, the Underwater Reserve was created by Jacques Cousteau, who declared Guadeloupe as one of the ten best dives in the world. The area's abundant sea life can be viewed via diving, snorkeling, or one of several glass bottom boat tours.
Matouba -
This East Indian village is a wonderful excursion offering unique cultural opportunities, hiking, and nearby waterfalls and hot springs.
La Citerne -
This volcano is strictly for the adventurer. Ropes, quality gear, and knowledgeable guides are a must.
Capesterre-Belle-Eau -
The third largest city on the island offers unique shops and restaurants as well as a wonderful local market.
Other Islands:
La Desirade -
This small arid island offers a unique economy specializing in fishing, sheep, cotton, maize, and cactus. Souffleur and Baie-Mahault are excellent beaches offering everything from wonderful restaurants to small food shacks.
Les Saintes -
This island is a cultural oasis housing the exclusive and reclusive descendents of Breton fishermen.
Terre-de-Haut -
This island is a must-see for beach enthusiasts. Beaches include Marigot, L'Anse du Figuier (know for diving), L'Anse Crawen (nude sunbathing), Grand 'Anse (excellent sand - no swimming).
Marie-Galante -
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