Things to do & places to visit in Basse-Terre Island, Guadeloupe

Basse-Terre Island #1 destination in Guadeloupe 2023. The average rating score is 4.40 based on 22.5k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: America/Guadeloupe, current date and time: Monday, May 13, 2024, 7:32.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Ranch de Moreau (130 reviews)
- Great experience
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Equestrian Trails

I really enjoyed the horseride with Claude and two super cool locals. We were a small group and it was so nice to explore the beautiful landscape on horseback. The Highlight of our ride was swimming with the horses. I rode horses my whole life but swimming with them was the first time for me, that was very special. Claude explained the plants and the environment very well. Delphine was organizing the bookings and was very friendly and helpful. Thank you a lot. I would love to go again on a horseride there!! If you like horses, nature and a good time, you should go!!! See more..
5.0 La Cascade Paradis (86 reviews)
- A little piece of heaven!
Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls

If you go visit "chutes du Carbet" you must take the time to find cascade Paradis. It is absolutely gorgeous and you can swim there. it is cold but you feel surprisingly great afterwards. The hike down is not easy and good shoes are a must. Rocks can be slippery and it is helpful to pay attention where you put your feet. Such a beautiful place. See more..
5.0 Ranch de Moreau (130 reviews)
- Great experience
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Equestrian Trails

I really enjoyed the horseride with Claude and two super cool locals. We were a small group and it was so nice to explore the beautiful landscape on horseback. The Highlight of our ride was swimming with the horses. I rode horses my whole life but swimming with them was the first time for me, that was very special. Claude explained the plants and the environment very well. Delphine was organizing the bookings and was very friendly and helpful. Thank you a lot. I would love to go again on a horseride there!! If you like horses, nature and a good time, you should go!!! See more..
5.0 La Cascade Paradis (86 reviews)
- A little piece of heaven!
Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls

If you go visit "chutes du Carbet" you must take the time to find cascade Paradis. It is absolutely gorgeous and you can swim there. it is cold but you feel surprisingly great afterwards. The hike down is not easy and good shoes are a must. Rocks can be slippery and it is helpful to pay attention where you put your feet. Such a beautiful place. See more..
4.5 Jardin Botanique de Deshaies (5.374 reviews)
- Worth a visit with some issues
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

A Spectacular Botanical Garden and Wildlife Park Open to the public since the 1st April 2001, the Botanical Gardens at Deshaies are a recent creation. This park, whose youth is imperceptible, has very quickly imposed itself as the place to be for nature enthusiasts and lovers of tropical plants. Situated on the windward coast of Basse-Terre, 100m in altitude up above the town of Deshaies, the garden stretches out over 5 hectares of sloping mountainside. Its favourable location guarantees beautiful views over the coast and an unrivalled vantage-point overlooking the bay of Deshaies. The site was already home to a nursery created by Guy Blandin, a plant-lover who brought rare and unknown plant species from his travels around the world back to Guadeloupe. Many of them unfortunately disappeared when Cyclone Hugo hit and severely damaged the island in 1989. The humorist Michel Colluci, also known as Coluche, acquired the property in 1979. A few years later, in 1985, he invited his friend Michel Gaillard, an interior landscaper in mainland France, to set up his nursery there in exchange for taking care of the property's garden. A year later, the death of Coluche brought the future of the property back into question. Michel Gaillard bought back the property in 1991 to honour the memory of his friend, with the idea in mind of creating a botanical garden. This risky and ambitious project required several years of planning, of research into its feasibility and then of execution. The garden was finally brought about in accordance with Michel Gaillard's and the landscaper Samuel Craquelin's plans. Over the course of the path which snakes its way through the gardens, visitors today discover a world of real abundance: a world with 800 species of plant all brought together, with several animal species, which were introduced much to the delight of children, and with the most spectacular and unexpected landscapes following one after the other. Tourists are invited on an unforget... See more..
4.5 Zoo De Guadeloupe Au Parc Des Mamelles (2.636 reviews)
- Lovely parc
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Zoos

Le zoo de Guadeloupe se situe sur la Route de la Traversée. Au cœur d’une véritable forêt tropicale, le parc est entièrement dédié à la conservation d'espèces animales rares et menacées. Il abrite plus de 85 espèces animales endémiques des Antilles et d'Amérique du Sud. Vous pouvez ainsi observer des pandas roux, lémuriens, iguanes, pumas, racoons, aras, etc. Si les animaux de Guadeloupe sont nombreux au sein du parc, le couple de jaguars et l'ocelot, fascinent petits et grands, tout comme les toucans, les tamarins empereurs et bien d’autres. Ce luxuriant écrin de verdure composé de plus de mille espèces végétales est en tout point identique aux zones néo-tropicales d’où sont originaires les espèces qui vivent au zoo. Le zoo propose également une belle balade dans la Canopée, à la cime des arbres, sur 350 mètres de ponts suspendus. Prenez de la hauteur et découvrez un point de vue unique et inoubliable sur la forêt ! Chaque visiteur contribue à la préservation de la biodiversité. See more..
4.5 Plage de Grande Anse (1.916 reviews)
- My Favourite Beach in Guadeloupe
Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

Loved this beach, beautiful sand built up quite high. We went 5 times as a couple and also brought our adult children. All agreed they loved this beach. Since the sand goes from deep in the water to shallow quickly, the waves at the beach from can be quite large. Once you go past these breaking waves, it is actually quite calm for swimming or floating. We also found to the right of the beach a Beach Club and Spa where you can rent a lounger for 10€, plus food and drinks available. We liked the smoked salmon plate and the chicken wraps. Cold beer also available! You get access to the washrooms and even better, free parking as customers. This avoids the crowded street parking. There is also an overflow parking just outside the beach area when the street is too crowded. Restaurants on site too for lunch. See more..
4.5 Carbet Falls (Les Chutes du Carbet) (1.043 reviews)
- A Truly Adventurous Experience
Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls

You know you need lots of vacation photos, so why not take them here? These three waterfalls showcase the natural beauty of the tropical landscape. See more..
4.5 La Soufriere Volcano (1.019 reviews)
- Amazing trek, but heavy downpors and the red route was closed
Volcanos

The highest mountain in the lesser Antilles is also a volcano and an important landmark of Guadeloupe's landscape. See more..
4.5 Plage de la Perle (979 reviews)
- A True " Pearl " of a beach!
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

On our wonderful adventures touring the northern tip of basse terre we stopped off at plage de Grand Anse for the morning for mostly lounging, taking pictures and eating and drinking...but most of the swimming that day happened just down the road here. Nobody at the beach on a Monday morning and we. Went to the end were the rocks were and had our day. Its a safe beach with calmer water than Grand Anse due to little breaks and tows so it's wonderful for little ones, great snorkeling and also has a natural pool over at the end where we were. Amazing and one of my favs 4 sure. See more..
4.5 Ilet Caret (688 reviews)
- Paradise in the middle of the sea
Monday: 7:45 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Islands

Here is the program of the day: Departure 8h from the fishing port of Sainte-Rose, direction Ilet Caret where you will enjoy a little take off. Then the captain will bring Diving on the wreck and the Great Barrier Reef (mask and snorkel lent). After the dive a return on Ilet Caret for a small aperitif before the West Indian meal concocted on site at the BBQ. Starter dish dessert! Drinks includes (sweet or alcoholic) Around 15H30 you start a quiet start to the cultural festival of the day! Guided tour of the mangrove always with the comments of your captain emeritus. After a little quiz and have learned how the mangrove a little surprise, you can admire the different varieties of birds that populate this exceptional vegetation. Your return to port is scheduled around 17:00. Half day is possible. it's the same program without the meal See more..
4.5 Domaine de l'Habitation la Grivelière (520 reviews)
- Don't be put off by the road up, well worth it!
Historic Sites

This place is temporarily closed - Closed for renovations until January 2020 See more..
4.5 Cascade Le Saut de L'Acomat (496 reviews)
- Short climb up and down but great swimming
Waterfalls

We went for a hike after visiting La Maison du Cacao. It was very steep up and down for about 10 minutes. We saw lots of people in flip-flops but I wish that I had worn my tennis shoes. It's rocky and your feet will be happy if you have water shoes - if you don't, you'll still be fine. After hiking down you cross the creek to make your way toward the pool. We swam in the pool and watched people jump in from the rocky heights. It was one of my 12-year old's favorite spots. Would only go here during the drier seasons. See more..
4.5 Plage Leroux (427 reviews)
- Less crowded beach with good snorkeling.
Beaches

This beach was recommended in Jambo's Essential Travel Guide to Northern Basse Terre, Guadaloupe. I had not seen it recommended anywhere else and it was wonderful! The water is fairly calm, the beach is not crowded and there is excellent snorkeling if you go around the rocks to the left. There is also some shade trees but unfortunately no showers or restrooms and parking is limited so get there early! See more..
4.5 Vanibel (424 reviews)
- Really interesting tour! Don’t miss it!
Monday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Farms

Farm producing coffee, vanilla, cocoa and bananas. Guided tour only; Monday to Friday at 2.30 p.m. and 3 p.m. by reservation. Closed weekends and public holidays. See more..
4.5 Les Bieres de la Lezarde (417 reviews)
- Good Beer and Beautiful Hilltop Location
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Brewery on the banks of the River Lézarde, Vernou, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe. You will discover the artisanal manufacturing site of the famous beer Lézarde, only craft beer of the island. Here you will find beers, ofcourse, but also snacks, soft drinks ... to enjoy on the terrace in the heart of the rainforest. Free WIFI. See more..
4.5 Saut de la Lézarde (284 reviews)
- Jumping from the top of the waterfall
Waterfalls

Amazing experience! I was in Guadeloupe for a tennis tournament in March 2014 and decided to make a trip on a free day with 3 colleagues. The jungle trail to get to the waterfall was quite muddy and i had to dispose of my sneakers afterwards. Once we got to the bottom of the waterfall we figured there should be a way to climb up and jump from the top which was about 25 feet level difference, scary but worth it! . The hike to and from the waterfall was not easy but by far as physical demanding as some people here suggest. I have to admit we were a bunch of professional athletes but with 46 years of age i was clearly on my way back from superfit LOL. See more..
4.5 Plage de Petite Anse (228 reviews)
- Best snorkeling on the island!
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

We headed towards Deshaies as we had heard it was a hot spot for snorkeling on Basse-Terre. We started at Plage de la Perle and were disappointed; possibly the sea was too rough. As we came down the coast we almost missed the sign for Petite Anse, but came back around to give the area one more chance. WHAT A SPOT. It's a quiet little cove, not packed like Grand Anse or the other beaches attracting those who just want to lay in the sun. As we entered the water, we stayed left along the southern edge of the cove and were so enthralled we ended up far beyond the edge of the cove. Best diversity of sea life my husband says he's seen in all the Caribbean! We chased two young sea turtles for a bit, and we were determined to find a sea horse out there (no such luck, let us know if you find one though-it seems ideal!), but overall just mesmerized with the beauty and diversity. Check it out, worth the drive from anywhere. See more..
4.5 Jardin De Valombreuse (171 reviews)
- Lovely gardens
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

It's a little bit out of the way but well worth the trip. These tropical gardens are bright, interesting, well-stocked, smart and well-mantained with helpful and knowledgeable staff. Worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Plage Cluny (153 reviews)
- A beautiful beach
Beaches

We were staying in Deshaies and weren't particularly keen on the Plage de Grande Anse as there were too many people there for our liking. We got into the car and drove towards Sainte Rose. En route there are several almost deserted beaches which are incredibly beautiful. The Plage du Riflet and Plage de Cluny are very accessible and you feel like you could almost be on a desert island. We walked the length of these beaches, entirely alone. Romantic, scenic and pristine, they were a highlight of our stay. See more..
4.5 Distillerie du Rhum Montebello (138 reviews)
- Amazing Guide tour
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries

We just stopped to buy few bottles of the local agricole rhum, but we were offered a guide tour aroud the distillery. The factory is working the whole year, that is why we were enabled to see all the traditional machinery at work. It was loud, sprinkled aroud the sugar cane juice, steam was comming out and it smelled just great! We were provided interesting information about the process and than we tasted several rhums. Thank you! See more..
4.5 Guadeloupe National Park (126 reviews)
- Nature at its best
National Parks

The park has a wide choice of activities from easy strolls to picnic areas to waterfalls to challenging hikes. Most trails and destinations are well marked and well maintained. Some have a small fee ( Cascades de Carbet). Well worth spending time. Note that the road is narrow, winding and slippery in heavy rains. See more..
4.5 Anse Tillet - Interdit Aux Nudistes (108 reviews)
- Nice and silent beach
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

If you are tired of all well organised sun beds in long rows. But no food and drinks available so bring it .... See more..
4.5 La Vanilleraie Fety (103 reviews)
- Small and informative
This location was reported permanently closed Farms

We spent an hour here with this boutique sized vanilla garden. Our kids love vanilla so it was great to learn about its cultivation from someone who really grows it. Unfortunately there was none available to buy but that didn’t take much away from the interesting time we spent there. We all know what sticks of vanilla smell and taste like, but had never seen them growing from their orchid plants. See more..
4.5 Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin (93 reviews)
- Formidable
Reefs • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Journée détente et farniente à bord du bateau Id'Ile avec notre formidable guide Simon.
Nous avons passe une agréable journée au sein de ce bateau, visite de la mangrove.
Ensuite départ vers la barrière de corail afin de faire palmes, masque et tuba.
Fond marin très agréable.
Ensuite nous allons amarré le bateau sur un ilets de mangrove dans un magnifique Lagoon pour une durée de 3h.
Prise de l'apéritif dans l'eau avec bar flottant (plutôt sympathique et original).
Repas à bord du bateau, baignade etc ..
Retour en bateau afin d'aller faire encore Palme masque et tuba sur une épave.
Habitation des poissons, nous pouvons en voir de magnifiques.
Ensuite petite pause sur l'îlet caret, malheureusement en voie de disparition.
Et pour finir petite passage vers l'île au oiseaux.

En bref, nous avons passé une agréable journée avec un super guide.
Merci à toi Simon pour cette journée et ta bonne humeur.
Les parisiens See more..
4.5 Bassin Bleu (69 reviews)
- Beautiful Pool
Bodies of Water

Go up D10 from Gourbeyre until you see the sign on the left and the parking places for Bassin Bleu. Walk down the road to the left and take the first right which starts as a narrow road and turns into a path. There is no sign here. Follow the trail until you come to a steep bank and a pool formed by a concrete dam. You can go further by using the rope to scale the bank. There are natural pools below the trail on the right. Go much further and there is a waterfall. There aren't many people so you can wear a swimsuit or not. See more..
4.5 Domaine de l'Habitation la Grivelière (520 reviews)
- Don't be put off by the road up, well worth it!
Historic Sites

This place is temporarily closed - Closed for renovations until January 2020 See more..
4.5 Saut de la Lézarde (284 reviews)
- Jumping from the top of the waterfall
Waterfalls

Amazing experience! I was in Guadeloupe for a tennis tournament in March 2014 and decided to make a trip on a free day with 3 colleagues. The jungle trail to get to the waterfall was quite muddy and i had to dispose of my sneakers afterwards. Once we got to the bottom of the waterfall we figured there should be a way to climb up and jump from the top which was about 25 feet level difference, scary but worth it! . The hike to and from the waterfall was not easy but by far as physical demanding as some people here suggest. I have to admit we were a bunch of professional athletes but with 46 years of age i was clearly on my way back from superfit LOL. See more..
4.5 Plage de Petite Anse (228 reviews)
- Best snorkeling on the island!
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

We headed towards Deshaies as we had heard it was a hot spot for snorkeling on Basse-Terre. We started at Plage de la Perle and were disappointed; possibly the sea was too rough. As we came down the coast we almost missed the sign for Petite Anse, but came back around to give the area one more chance. WHAT A SPOT. It's a quiet little cove, not packed like Grand Anse or the other beaches attracting those who just want to lay in the sun. As we entered the water, we stayed left along the southern edge of the cove and were so enthralled we ended up far beyond the edge of the cove. Best diversity of sea life my husband says he's seen in all the Caribbean! We chased two young sea turtles for a bit, and we were determined to find a sea horse out there (no such luck, let us know if you find one though-it seems ideal!), but overall just mesmerized with the beauty and diversity. Check it out, worth the drive from anywhere. See more..
4.5 Plage Cluny (153 reviews)
- A beautiful beach
Beaches

We were staying in Deshaies and weren't particularly keen on the Plage de Grande Anse as there were too many people there for our liking. We got into the car and drove towards Sainte Rose. En route there are several almost deserted beaches which are incredibly beautiful. The Plage du Riflet and Plage de Cluny are very accessible and you feel like you could almost be on a desert island. We walked the length of these beaches, entirely alone. Romantic, scenic and pristine, they were a highlight of our stay. See more..