Guadeloupe

If you‘re looking for crystal clear blue water, a diverse wildlife and breathtaking rainforests, Guadeloupe is the place for you.

The island is not only geographically divided into two „butterfly wings“. Even the landscapes can hardly be more different.

On Basse Terre there are impressive waterfalls, rainforest as far as the eye can see and an exotic wildlife waiting for you. If you drive on the main road by car, you will always discover exciting destinations. Highly recommended is the Parc des Mamelles, a zoo with a high ropes course. Here you can walk over wobbly wooden bridges through the jungle and watch the animals from above.

Or you visit one of the waterfalls, for example the Cascade des Ecrivisses. Although it is a smaller waterfall, the way there is short, easy and right through the rainforest with fascinating flora. If you are looking for beautiful beaches, you should go to Grande Terre. A hike to the volcano, which is located in the middle of the island is also possible. However, we stayed mainly on Grande Terre.

Since Guadeloupe belongs to France, the French entry regulations apply here as well. As a German, you can therefore enter with a valid passport and a valid identity card. In order to avoid any problems, I would recommend to always travel with the passport.

If you travel to Guadeloupe, you must definitely be vaccinated against measles. WHO has declared that omitting the vaccine as a „threat to global health“. However, no vaccinations are required when entering from Germany. The standard vaccinations are definitely always recommended. It is also recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid. Guadeloupe is warning about the Zika virus and dengue fever.

If you are legally insured in Germany, there is a right to urgently required treatment in France. You should always have at least a copy of your health insurance and a copy of your health card. It is also recommended to close a foreign travel health insurance during your trip.

You should wear mostly light colored clothing to protect you from mosquitoes. At night you should sleep under a mosquito net. If you need medication, bring it with you from your hometown, as they are usually very expensive abroad. Watch out for water from the faucet. You should also be careful with food.

On Grande Terre, the eastern side of Guadeloupe, you will find clear water and white sandy beaches. Just a few centimeters from the beach, the first small fish swim in the sea and with snorkeling equipment you will definitely get their money‘s worth. If you want to see more of the underwater world, you should go to the small island of Petite Terre. But for information about this head to the blog post about Petite Terre.

At the easternmost point you will find the Pointe de blabla. Here you should come just before sunset. However, allow some time for the climb and do not put on flip-flops (I have made these two mistakes). The ascent is neither difficult nor steep, but very rocky. But once you have done that you will be rewarded with a gigantic view over the island.

Since Guadeloupe is not yet well-known among tourists, it has beaches and places almost to themselves, especially in the off-season. However, you should understand some French, because the inhabitants do not like to speak English.

The food in Guadeloupe is influenced by France, India and Africa. So you get Creole, Caribbean and French food. There are some typical dishes like accras, creole chicken, seafood, fresh fruit juices and flan coco.You also get some alcoholic drinks like Ti Punch or Planteur.

On Guadeloupe it is very difficult to travel by public transport. I would definitely recommend to rent a vehicle. But you have to be careful here, as there are many traffic stopper on the whole island. There are small hurdles you have to drive over.

The temperature in Guadeloupe is relatively constant throughout the year. In July and August it is a bit warmer at about 31 degrees, in January and February it is a bit cooler at 28 degrees. The temperatures therefore fluctuate only slightly.

There is a dry season from December to June and a rainy season from July to November. But this is different along the island. The best time to visit Guadeloupe is between December and April. There may be hurricanes in October. However, it is a pleasant destination throughout the year.

On Guadeloupe you pay with Euro. You can change money and withdraw at vending machines. In more rural areas, paying with a credit card is not so common, but often possible. However, it is always good to have some cash with you.

You always wanted to swim with turtles or experience a shark up close? Then you are exactly right on Petite Terre. With a catamaran from Saint Francois you reach the small uninhabited island within a few hours. But beware: in wind or bad weather, the trip to the island is not for a weak stomach. You have to hold on tight because the waves are strong and big.

But already on arrival on the island you forgot everything. Crystal clear turquoise waters, untouched nature and a gigantic wildlife are waiting for you. While you can watch iguanas ashore, in the sea you can expect to see a variety of fish, turtles, lemon sharks and rays. The day on Petite Terre was an experience we will not forget soon. The excursion is connected with snorkeling, a short hike across the island and a BBQ on the beach and can be booked at the port of Saint Francois.