Guadeloupe Overview

Guadeloupe blends modern infrastructure and outstanding cuisine with beautiful natural settings.

Two main islands form Guadeloupe. Grande-Terre lies to the east, boasting a number of shore-side towns with long, sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, a variety of watersports activities and exotic beach bars. Basse-Terre, to the west, is home to a national park and the 4,736-foot La Soufrière volcano. Hiking trails and an underwater preserve make this island a hit with adventure seekers. However, foodies and sun worshippers also will find plenty here to please the palette and warm the soul. A drawbridge over the Rivière Salée connects to the two islands.

Guadeloupe is one of the more developed destinations of the Caribbean, and has a large international airport. Its many marinas, which cater to yachts of all types, include Marina Bas du Fort, Dock Martin Marina, Great House Marina and Port Lonvilliers Marina. But there still are plenty of rural areas where yachtsmen can get away to enjoy the essence of island life, including the archipelago of Les Saintes to the south, which offers deserted, sun-washed beaches.