Nudist Beaches (Anse Tarare (Saint-François), Grande Anse, Anse Tillet)
There’s no shortage of nudist beaches in Guadeloupe! Over ten seaside areas are reserved for those who like to let it all hang out. These places—clearly marked—are often sanctioned, officially or unofficially. The majority of starkers on these beaches are members of ARETNAG (the local club promoting nude tourism in the West Indies and Guyana) or of ANG (Guadeloupe’s nudist club), but tourists are always made to feel welcome, so don’t be shy!
One of the most spectacular nudist beaches in Guadeloupe is at the easternmost tip of the island between Anse à la Gourde and Anse à la Plume, not far from Anse des Colibris.
Le Québec at Pitt à Coqs (Grand-Bourg - Marie-Galante)
Every Sunday from December to June, locals gather for the traditional cock fights. The duels are more than a source of entertainment; the owners have huge amounts of money and honour at stake. Losing is not an option—everyone has their life on the line (which is more literal than figurative for the cocks)!
For 10 euro and up, experience the excitement for yourself! Die-hards can attend one of the training sessions, baths, or massages by booking ahead of time.
Guadeloupe from the Sky (Departing from Saint-François, Gosier or Pointe-à-Pitre)
From a bird’s-eye view, Guadeloupe will take your breath away. Check out the amazing colour palette formed by the land and sea as seen from above. Leaving from Saint-François, Pointe-à-Pitre, or Pointe de la Verdure in Gosier, several companies offer ten-minute joy flights, longer outings, and even pilot courses in seaplanes or other aircraft as you soar over lagoons and white sand islets for an unforgettable experience!
Skydiving (Saint-François)
Have you ever dreamed of flying like a bird? There’s no better place to spread your wings than amidst the blues and greens of Guadeloupe! A number of Saint-François-based companies specialize in skydiving and offer tandem jumps or courses for rookies and experienced divers alike. Jump at the island’s eastern point for a remarkable view of Pointe des Châteaux and the golden Désirade and Petite-Terre beaches; it’s the ultimate high!
Mangofil—A Walk on the Treetops ( Saint-Claude)
Walk through the treetops at an altitude of over 65 feet and discover an exciting new way to explore the rainforest. At Mangofil Adventure Park in Saint-Claude—the town that sleeps in the shadow of the Soufrière—you’ll find wobbly bridges, monkey lines, balance beams, and zip lines for over two hours of guaranteed aerial fun.
While in the area, be sure to visit the Bonifiérie, an immense coffee mill where you can learn the secrets behind the Bonifieur coffee. Sample a cup of their java with chocolate made from locally grown cocoa.
Château Murât (Grand-Bourg, Marie-Galante)
Located in Grand-Bourg on Marie-Galante Island, Château Murât was formerly the Bellevue-Laplaine sugar refinery. The estate—the only one of its kind in Guadeloupe—is made entirely of white limestone, a throwback to the châteaus of Bordeaux. At its peak, the 200-hectare plantation housed some 300 slaves. Today, the site is a vast park commemorating sugar refineries and is home to the Marie-Galante Ecomuseum.
Discover Les Saintes by Catamaran
Add some spice to your vacation with a catamaran day cruise through the Îles des Saintes, the jewels of the Caribbean. Fabulous memories guaranteed! To find out more, contact the following outfitters:
Paradoxe Croisières
Marina - 97118 Saint-François
www.im-caraibes.com/gsm
Privilège Croisières
35 résidence de la presqu’île - Marina Bas-du-Fort - 97110
Pointe-à-Pitre
www.tip-top-one.com
Pigeon Islands (Malendure)
Located between Pointe-Noire and Bouillante, Malendure is a surf hotspot. Many diving clubs have set up shop on its black sand beaches across from La réserve Cousteau, a protected natural underwater reserve surrounding Pigeon Islands where Commander Cousteau himself shot several scenes from his feature film The Silent World in 1955. The clubs offer an array of packages for seasoned divers and beginners alike or glass-bottom boat tours so you can admire the marine flora and fauna without so much as getting your feet wet!
Markets (Pointe-à-Pitre)
The economic and cultural backbone of Guadeloupe, Pointe-à-Pitre is the place to go for anyone wanting to get their finger on the pulse of Caribbean life. Colonial architecture reigns in the maze of bustling shopping streets and many public markets, including La Darse’s fish and farmer’s market, the flower market, and the covered spice market.
Botanical Gardens (Deshaies)
Not only does it boast the magnificent 2.4 km long Grande-Anse beach, Deshaies is home to the popular Botanical Gardens. Spread out over two and a half acres of property formerly owned by the famed French comedian Coluche, the incredible local flora sits against the backdrop of the stunning Caribbean Sea. While you’re there, treat yourself to one of Guadeloupe’s finest dining experiences at the Gardens’ scenic restaurant.
http://www.jardin-botanique.com/
FOR GREEDIES
Le Spot Restaurant (Le Moule)
This restaurant/bar/pizzeria offers a spectacular panoramic view on Damencourt's surf haven. Enjoy local or French cuisine at this friendly lunch spot, while you feast your eyes on the surfers at play—if you’re lucky, you may just happen on one of their weekend surf competitions. This is also the perfect opportunity to stock up on maps and leaflets or to work on your own surf technique—after all Le Moule's tourist bureau and surf club share the same address.
Tel.: +05 90 85 66 02
RUM'S ROAD
Pays de la Canne (Port-Louis)
The storied capital of Guadeloupe's sugar cane industry, Port-Louis is home to Pays de la Canne—a refurbished sugar cane plant where all the mysteries behind transforming cane into sugar are revealed. Take a fun and educational tour of the cultural and scientific centre, sample real sugar cane juice, and then hop on the train and explore the sugar cane fields.
Rum Museum + Insect Collection (Sainte-Rose)
When in Sainte-Rose, be sure to visit the Reimonenq Distillery and the Rum Museum to learn the secrets behind making this world-renowned, history-rich spirit and why not wet your whistle while you’re at it! The museum also features a spectacular exhibit of over 5,000 insects, as well as a collection of models of the world’s greatest sailboats.
SURF AND BEACHES
Surf’s Up in Guadeloupe
Surf season in Guadeloupe runs from October to May; rookies and expert surfers alike will be in paradise on Guadeloupe’s sundry beaches, from Saint-François for novices, to Sainte-Anne for the pros.
Surf Clubs and Schools in Guadeloupe:
Arawak Surf Club
www.arawak-surf.gp
Karukera Surf Club
Tel.: +590 (0) 5 90 23 66 15
Lame Surf
Tel.: +590 (0) 5 90 88 60 04
No Comply Surf School
Tel.: +590 (0) 6 90 57 97 47
Poyo Surf Club
Surf school and equipment rentals
www.poyosurfclub.com
To find out more about surfing in Guadeloupe and about the many annual competitions held in the archipelago, consult the Guadeloupean Surf Committee’s Web site:
Guadeloupean Surf Committee
Spot de Damencourt – BP 95- 97160 LE MOULE
Tel.: +590 (0) 5 90 23 60 68
Fax: +590(0) 5 90 23 75 89
www.surf-guadeloupe.com
Anse du souffleur Beach (Port-Louis)
One of Guadeloupe's most beautiful beaches is nestled in the authentic little village of Port-Louis. In addition to golden sand and azure waters, Anse du souffleur Beach offers a vast picnic area complete with public barbecues that is typically less crowded during the week. Lace up your hiking boots and head to the lookout tower in the northern marsh—there’s no better vantage point for taking in the stunning scenery.
Guadeloupe’s Creole Eco-museum
If there was ever a place where originality was rivalled only by a desire to preserve heritage, it’s in the Creole garden along Sainte-Rose’s Route de Sofaïa. Only a year old, Guadeloupe’s Creole eco-museum is a kaleidoscopic botanical garden that features a collection of tropical species, including medicinal plants, as well as a section dedicated to tracing Guadeloupe’s history.
Find out more by visiting the eco-museum’s site: http://www.ecomusee.gp
Le Domaine de la Grivelière
Le Domaine de la Grivelière—located in the heart of Guadeloupe’s national park among the lush tropical vegetation of the magnificent Grande Rivière des Vieux-Habitants Valley—is a Mecca for the archipelago’s history and culture.
Listed as a historical monument since 1987, the Maison du Café at Le Domaine de l’Habitation La Grivelière is one of the few buildings to have preserved its authentic structure from the late 17th-century plantation period.
Savour La Table d’Hôtes’ ever-changing daily menu made up of local, seasonal produce and discover the culinary traditions of the Antilles.
Enjoy Creole stories and legends, guessing games, music, and songs at nighttime gatherings under the starry skies every fifteen days at La Grivelière.
For more information, contact the Association Verte Vallée.
Tel.: 05.90.98.63.06 - Fax: 05.90.98.63.48
Pointe de la Grande Vigie (Anse-Bertrand)
Located at the northernmost tip of Grande-Terre, the magnificent Pointe de la Grande Vigie is oneß of the island’s greatest treasures. A waymarked footpath winds along breathtaking limestone cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This uneven rocky trail leads straight to the luxuriant Porte d’enfer lagoon—a prime spot for line fishing or skin diving.
