Guadeloupe Islands
The Guadeloupe Islands offer an unforgettable Caribbean escape where natural beauty meets vibrant Creole culture. Shaped like a butterfly, the twin islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre invite you to explore two distinct worlds — from lush rainforests, waterfalls, and the active La Soufrière volcano in Basse-Terre to sun-drenched beaches, coral reefs, and lively towns in Grande-Terre.
Dive into marine life at the Pigeon Islets Reserve, hike tropical trails, or unwind on idyllic shores like Plage de la Caravelle. Beyond the mainland, island-hop to Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, or La Désirade for snorkeling, serenity, and authentic island charm.
Experience the heartbeat of Guadeloupe Islands through its Creole cuisine, colorful markets, music, and dance—all infused with a touch of French flair in the language, architecture, and food. Whether you’re chasing adventure or craving relaxation, the Guadeloupe Islands welcome you with warmth, culture, and Caribbean soul. Visit our website
Dining
Dining in the Guadeloupe Islands is a vibrant fusion of French elegance and Caribbean soul, with influences from African, Indian, and Creole traditions.
Creole cuisine takes center stage, offering bold, aromatic dishes like colombo (a fragrant curry stew), accras (crispy cod fritters), and bokits (fried sandwiches filled with meat or fish). Fresh seafood is a staple—lobster, snapper, and conch are grilled or simmered in flavorful sauces. Street food stalls serve up tasty bites and refreshing tropical juices across the islands.
French culinary touches shine in the bakeries, cafés, and bistros, especially in larger towns. Whether you’re enjoying a casual beachside meal or fine dining with a view, meals are festive, social events often paired with locally distilled rum. Dining in Guadeloupe is a delicious blend of laid-back island charm and French sophistication.
Quick Facts
Banking & Banking Hours: Most major French banks have branches on the island including BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole and La Banque Postale. ATMs are widely available in urban areas and tourist zones. Banks are generally open at 8 or 8:30am to 4 or 4:30pm with a two hour break for lunch usually between noon and 2pm. Some branches are open on Saturday mornings; all banks are closed on Sundays.
Currency: Euro. American dollars can be exchanged locally, however it is suggested to arrive with some euros for shopping at local markets, etc. where cash is preferred. Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger stores.
Climate: Typically 86°F year-round with slight variations: the dry season is December through May, and the rainy season is June to November.
Dress Code: The Guadeloupe Islands form a French Caribbean archipelago with a relaxed but stylish dress culture. It blends tropical practicality with French influence, so think comfortable, climate-appropriate, and smart casual—especially in towns or finer establishments. Modest clothing is recommended when visiting churches, historical site and rural village during local events.
Driving: You drive on the right-hand side of the road (like in North America); seat belts are mandatory and mobile phone use is prohibited. American driver’s licenses are valid though for longer stays, an international license may be required. Roundabouts are common; renting a car to visit beaches and rural areas is encouraged.
Electricity: Adapters are required (Type A/B to C/E) Voltage is 230V; 50 Hz (plugs are Type C and Type E)
Languages spoken: French is the official language; Créole is widely spoken. English is spoken in tourist areas and by hotel staff and tour guides.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time; the archipelago does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Photo Gallery
The beautiful turquoise waters of Grand Cul-de-Sac, a nature reserve
Habitation Roussel-Trianon, a historic former sugar plantation located in Grand-Bourg, on the island of Marie-Galante
Vieux Fort Saint-Louis Beach, on Marie-Galante
Divers and snorkerlers will delight in the waters surrounding Guadeloupe
La Désirade, the Desert Botanical Garden offers a surprising stroll between mineral and vegetal, poetry and science
Discover Canyon de la Moustique, a natural gem nestled in the heart of the rainforest of Petit-Bourg
Activities
The Guadeloupe Islands deliver the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Trek through Basse-Terre’s lush rainforests, hike to the summit of La Soufrière volcano, or cool off beneath the stunning Carbet Falls. Dive or snorkel at the Pigeon Islets Marine Reserve—a world-renowned site once dubbed the Cousteau Reserve.
Unwind on Grande-Terre’s white-sand beaches like Sainte-Anne and Plage de la Datcha, then wander through lively markets and savour authentic Creole cuisine. Learn about local heritage at the powerful Memorial ACTe, or hop a boat to Les Saintes or Marie-Galante for peaceful island getaways.
From surfing in Le Moule to kayaking mangroves and rum tasting at historic distilleries, Guadeloupe offers a rich mix of nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Travel Essentials
- Flight Info
- Entry Requirements
- Getting Married
- Local Events
- Medical
- Accessibility
- Brochures
- Sustainability
Flight Information
Weekly, direct, non-stop flights are available to Pointe-à-Pitre Airport, Guadeloupe Islands from Miami through Air France and American Airlines.
The flight duration from Miami is approximately 3 hours.
Entry Requirements for Americans
American citizens may enter without a visa for stays of up to three months, however a valid passport is required (The traveler’s passport must be valid for six months after the return date).
Entry Requirements for LongStays
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, a visa for a longer stay would be required. Learn More.
Entry or exit taxes: There are no entry or exit taxes for visitors arriving and departing by air or cruise.
For more information, follow this link: US State Department/GuadeloupeIslands
Getting Married
To get married in the Guadeloupe Islands, at least one partner (or a parent) must have lived in the chosen town for at least 1 month before the ceremony. You’ll need a valid passport, a recent full birth certificate (with apostille and sworn translation if foreign), proof of residence, witness information, and for foreigners, a certificate of no impediment (or certificate of custom). The marriage banns are published for 10 days, and both partners must attend an interview if requested.
Beyond the paperwork, the Guadeloupe Islands provide an idyllic backdrop for your wedding, with reception venues available through event agencies or hotels to create a truly unforgettable celebration.
Cultural/Annual Events
The Guadeloupe Islands have many wonderful events such as carnivals, music festivals, and food festivals throughout the year.
*We have added a list of all government holidays (please note the days when restaurants and stores would be closed – ie Christmas Day (stores & independent restaurants will be closed)
Public and Government Holidays observed throughout the year:
(Please note that on holidays, most stores remain open at least until midday however, restaurants are open. Government-run establishments are closed on all of the holidays listed below.)
Please note: Supermarkets, banks and pharmacies are closed each Sunday afternoon. Restaurants remain open.
2026 Annual Public Holidays
New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1)
Carnival days (includes Carnival Monday, Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday) (Monday through Wednesday, February 16 to 18)
Mid-Lent (Thursday, March 12)
Good Friday (Friday, April 3)
Easter Monday (Monday, April 6)
Labour Day (Friday, May 1)
Victory Day (Friday, May 8) (this holiday commemorates the end of WWII in Europe)
Ascension Day (Thursday, May 14)
Whit Monday (Monday, May 25)
Abolition Day (Wednesday, May 27)
National Day/Bastille Day (Tuesday, July 14)
Assumption Day (Saturday, August 15)
All Saints’ Day (Sunday, November 1)
Armistice Day (Wednesday, November 11)
Christmas Day (Friday, December 25)
Medical & Dental Information
General healthcare facilities in Guadeloupe are very good. The standard of health service hospitals and GP practices is equivalent to mainland France. Specialist treatment is also available. Most medical professionals speak French only, with limited English support. Bring a translator app if you are not fluent in French.
Hospitals:
Université Hospital Centre (CHU), Les Abymes
Phone: +590 590 89 10 10
Services include: 24-hour emergency room; a wide range of specialities and a hyperbaric chamber for decompression sickness
Hôpital Général Joseph-Ricou
Centre Hospitalier de Basse‑Terre (CHR)
Other hospitals are located in Capesterre-Belle-Eau, Pointe-Noire, Bouillante, Sant-Cluade and Grand-Bourg.
Private Clinics & Polyclinics :
Les Eaux Claires Clinic in Baie‑Mahault
Polyclinics located in places like Le Gosier, Le Moule, Trois‑Rivières, Gourbeyre, Saint‑Claude, and Grand‑Bourg
Polyclinic of Guadeloupe at Morne Jolivière
Emergency Dental Care Services:
On Sundays and holidays, a rotating “dentist on duty” system is in place throughout Guadeloupe. To find the available dentist, call 118 418 and say “SOIGNER.” Be aware this is a paid service (~0.80 €/min + call cost).
Additionally, the departmental dental council coordinates duty dentists and services via hospital clinics and private practitioners on rotation
Cabinet Dentaire Le Papillon, Baie-Mahault
PH : +590 590 91 20 86
Cabinet Dentaire du Dr. Cane, Petit-Bourg
PH : +590 590 26 29 90
Cabinet Floral Dental, Les Abymes
PH : +33 6 30 02 30 65
Hygident Colin, Petit-Bourg
PH : +590 590 54 03 30
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is a hyperbaric chamber. It is available at the main hospital of Université Hospital Centre (CHU) of Pointe‑à‑Pitre / Les Abymes.
Accessibility
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from the United States.
Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (Guadeloupe Maryse Condé International Airport) (PTP): Learn More
Airport Services:
The following services are available:
- Accessible toilets located in the check-in, boarding, and arrivals areas.
- Elevators: Includes an elevator in the baggage claim area and both central and panoramic lifts outside the terminals—all wheelchair accessible.
- Public telephones are at lower height for accessibility.
- Parking: designated spaces with direct access to the terminal; additional short-stay (“dépose-minute”) spots:
Pointe-à-Pitre Port
Wheelchair Accessibility (Accès PMR): The port infrastructure is designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility. This includes ramps, level access, and other PMR-friendly facilities.
Modern Infrastructure: The cruise terminal is equipped with:
- Clear signage and information desks
- Elevators and escalators for seamless movement between levels
- The terminal is walking distance to the city center of Pointe -à-Pitre
Connectivity & Amenities:
- Free Wi‑Fi available at the terminals
- Proximity to the town center and available transfers—useful for accessible onward travel
Transportation
Antilles Transports Handicapés (ATHS)
Grière Transport (taxi service) authorized to carry passengers in wheelchairs and has drivers certified in emergency first aid.
Activities
Guadeloupe Explor:
- Phone: +590 690 268 111
- Email: info@guadeloupe-explor.com
- Website: guadeloupe-explor.com
- Note: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles available upon request.
Rental of Equipment:
If visitors prefer not to travel with their own wheelchair or mobility aids, several companies in Guadeloupe offer rentals of wheelchairs, electric scooters, and other equipment, with delivery available in most areas. For accessibility details at hotels, please check each hotel’s website directly.
Equipment Rental – Contacts
Santé Hygiène Médical – Les Abymes
- Phone: 09 74 56 90 16
- Email: contact@sante-hygiene-medical.com
- Website: sante-hygiene-medical.com
Distri Club Médical – Les Abymes
- Phone: +590 590 83 45 96
- Email: contact@districlubmedical.com
- Website: districlubmedical.com
Grippon Médical Services – Morne-à-l’Eau
- Email: contact@grippon-medical-services.fr
- Website: grippon-medical-services.fr
Antigua Medical Caraïbes – Baie-Mahault
- Phone: 05 90 86 59 10 / 06 90 58 88 30
- Email: contact@antiguamedicalcaraibes.com
- Website: antiguamedicalcaraibes.com
Sustainability
Sustainability Commitment
Guadeloupe’s extraordinary natural environment has earned it one of the world’s most prestigious environmental distinctions: designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1992. With an exceptional concentration of plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth, the archipelago represents one of the Caribbean’s most compelling destinations for nature lovers, eco-travelers, and anyone who wants their vacation to mean something beyond the beach.
The Guadeloupe National Park — the first ever established in France’s overseas territories — was founded in 1989 and protects a sweeping combination of rainforest, volcanic landscapes, and pristine marine environments. Think of it as the Caribbean’s answer to a world-class national park experience, where the biodiversity rivals anything you’d find in the Americas. The island takes conservation seriously: over 2,150 acres are protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, more than 94,000 acres are managed by the National Forestry Office, and sea turtle protection programs have been running for over 40 years. Add to that regular coastal clean-up initiatives, environmental education campaigns, and the 2021 launch of the Regional Biodiversity Observatory of the Islands of Guadeloupe (ORB-IG) — a dedicated scientific body created to track and celebrate the archipelago’s living natural heritage — and you have an island that walks the walk when it comes to sustainability.
Two of Guadeloupe’s outer islands offer bucket-list experiences for visitors willing to venture a little further. On La Désirade, the Desert Botanical Garden is unlike anything else in the Caribbean. Spanning more than 53,000 square feet, it is the largest garden of its kind in the entire region, showcasing over 800 species of cacti and succulents sourced from every corner of the globe. It is also home to a passionate local conservation effort to rescue and restore the “Tête à l’anglais” cactus, a species endemic to the island that is currently endangered. Guided educational tours make this a fascinating stop for curious travelers of all ages.
Then there is Petite-Terre — and if you haven’t heard of it, that’s exactly the point. Just an hour’s boat ride from Saint-François, this pristine nature reserve is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets: a protected biodiversity hotspot where access is strictly limited to permitted vessels, keeping visitor numbers low and the experience genuinely wild. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to feel like an explorer rather than a tourist, Petite-Terre delivers.
