Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a French Caribbean archipelago shaped like a butterfly, where French sophistication meets Caribbean soul. The volcanic Basse-Terre island offers rainforest hiking up La Soufrière volcano and world-class diving at the Jacques Cousteau Reserve, while Grande-Terre boasts white-sand beaches and vibrant towns. Add the idyllic islands of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, rum distilleries, and authentic Creole cuisine, and you have a Caribbean gem that feels both exotic and accessible.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay8 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$150/day
Luxury$325/day

Known For

guadeloupefrench_caribbeancaribbeanfrench_west_indiesgrande_terrebasse_terreles_saintesmarie_galantela_soufrierevolcanohikingdivingsnorkelingjacques_cousteaurum_distilleryrhum_agricolecreole_cuisinebeachestropicalrainforestnational_parkbutterfly_islandpointe_a_pitrecarbet_fallswaterfallsailingisland_hoppingfrench_culturecaribbean_culturecreoletropical_paradisecoral_reefscuba_divingnatureeco_tourismadventurebeach_vacationfamily_friendlyhoneymoonslavery_museumcultural_heritage

🇬🇵 Country Information: Guadeloupe

CapitalBasse-Terre
CurrencyEuro (€)
LanguageFrench , English (tourism areas), Creole
Phone Code+590
Electricity230V (Type C, D, E)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is not generally expected as service charges are often included, but rounding up or leaving a small tip for excellent service is appreciated
  • For tour guides or private drivers, a tip is appreciated

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
  • Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops
  • Bringing some cash is advisable for smaller establishments and markets
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
  • Politeness is highly valued; use "Bonjour" and "Merci" frequently
  • It's customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek (among friends/acquaintances)
  • Family and social gatherings are important

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France, so French laws apply, which are generally progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, consistent with French law, including for marijuana, and penalties can be severe

Special Laws

\* No specific special laws for travelers beyond general French law, but always be respectful of local customs and environment

Common Phrases

NoNon (nohn)
YesOui (wee)
HelloBonjour (bon-zhoor)
PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo pleh)
GoodbyeAu revoir (oh ruh-vwar)
Thank youMerci (mer-see)

Climate

Tropical climate with two main seasons: dry (December-May) and wet (June-November). Temperatures warm year-round (75-86°F/24-30°C) with trade wind cooling. Hurricane season June-November, peak August-October. Basse-Terre's rainforest receives more rainfall than Grande-Terre's drier coast.

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Accras de Morue must_try

Deep-fried salt cod fritters - crispy outside, fluffy inside. Classic Creole appetizer served with spicy sauce chien (lime, peppers, onions). Found ev

Colombo must_try

Fragrant Caribbean curry influenced by East Indian indentured laborers. Colombo powder (turmeric, coriander, fenugreek) cooked with chicken, goat, or

Bokit must_try

Guadeloupean street food sandwich - fluffy fried dough stuffed with chicken, fish, or vegetables. Topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and spicy sauce. Affo

Langouste Grillée must_try

Caribbean spiny lobster grilled with garlic, lime, and Creole spices. Sweet, succulent tail meat served with rice and plantains. Best at seaside resta

Rhum Agricole & Ti'Punch must_try

Rhum agricole made from fresh cane juice (not molasses) with AOC protection. Ti'Punch is the national cocktail: white rum, lime, cane syrup, stirred t

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Carnival Accommodation Accommodation
Book 2-6 months in advance

February/March carnival fills hotels across Guadeloupe. Major celebration with weeks of events.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Les Saintes Ferry Transport
Book 1-7 days in advance

Popular day trip. Morning ferries from Trois-Rivières fill up especially on weekends and high season.

Diving Tours (Jacques Cousteau Reserve) tour_or_activity
Book 2-7 days in advance

Popular dive operators fill up in high season. Morning dives with best visibility go first.

Fun Facts

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