Nestled on the archipelago’s southern coast, Pointe-à-Pitre is the largest city and the capital of Guadeloupe, the French overseas territory located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea.
Guadeloupe archipelago consists of two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, which are separated by a narrow sea channel called the Rivière Salée. In addition to these two islands, Guadeloupe includes several smaller islands and islets, such as Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and the Îles des Saintes.
The diverse geography of these islands makes Guadeloupe unique, with a mix of beaches, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes.
Guadeloupe’s main cruise port is located on the Grande-Terre island, within a 15-minute walk from the historic center of Pointe-à-Pitre.
In this Guadeloupe cruise port guide, I share with you an overview of the Pointe-à-Pitre cruise terminal and the 9 best things to do in Guadeloupe.
Visit also our cruise port guides to Martinique, Barbados, St. Maarten, Tortola, St. Lucia, Antigua, San Juan
Guadeloupe Cruise Port (Port de Pointe-à-Pitre)
Cruise ships dock at the Pointe-à-Pitre cruise terminal, located within a 15 minute walk from the historic center of Pointe-à-Pitre. The cruise terminal can accommodate up to 4 cruise vessels at a time.
A big terminal building features basic facilities, including free Wi-Fi, a tourist information center, and duty-free shops. Outside, a local crafts village offers spices and authentic, handcrafted souvenirs.
Taxis are available outside and they take both US dollars and euros.
The official language in Guadeloupe is French, but English is widely spoken.
Getting Around Guadeloupe
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Guadeloupe, especially if you want to visit different parts of the island at your own pace. The roads are generally in good condition, and having a car allows you to reach more remote beaches, nature trails, and small towns.
Taxis are available but can be expensive, especially for longer trips. They’re a good option for short rides, from the cruise port to nearby attractions or the airport.
Public buses are a budget-friendly option, but they can be slow and less frequent, especially in rural areas. They mainly operate between larger towns and cities.
Point-à-Pitre is well-connected by ferry to other islands, such as Îles des Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade, which are known for their beautiful beaches. The ferry terminal is located right next to the cruise terminal and the ferries depart daily.
If you prefer not to drive, joining a guided tour can be a great way to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of navigating on your own. Many tours are available, covering everything from rainforest hikes to beach excursions. Explore Guadeloupe tours and activities
9 Best Things To Do In Guadeloupe Cruise Port
As an overseas territory of France, Guadeloupe blends French and Caribbean influences which are reflected in the island’s culture, architecture, cuisine, and customs.
The island has experienced its share of natural disasters, including hurricanes and volcanic activity, which have shaped the resilience and character of the island and its people.
From its rich history to stunning nature and beaches, this island has something for every traveler! Here’s the list of the best things to do:
1. Pointe-à-Pitre
Located within a 10-15 minute walk from the port, Pointe-à-Pitre is a vibrant and colorful city, alive with rich sights, scents, and sounds. These are the attractions not to be missed:
- La Darse: This is a vibrant waterfront area known for its bustling market and picturesque setting. Here, you can find a variety of fresh seafood, local produce, and crafts, as well as enjoy views of the marina and surrounding landscape. It’s a great spot to experience the local flavor and maritime atmosphere of Guadeloupe.
- Marché de la Darse: This waterfront market is located in front of Victory Square, the central square in the city. This colorful market offers fresh seafood and local produce. You can also find vendors selling crafts and clothing.
- Marché couvert: In this Spice market, you can find a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, spices, and handcrafted goods. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and experience the vibrant local atmosphere.
- Place de la Victoire (Victory Square): This historic square is the heart of Pointe-à-Pitre. Surrounded by colonial-era buildings, it’s a lovely place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy the city’s vibe.
- St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral: A stone’s throw from Victory Square, you can walk to this iconic iron-framed cathedral, designed to withstand the earthquakes and hurricanes that frequently affect the region. The church was built between 1807 and 1814 and is the main religious landmark in the city.
- Memorial ACTe: Within a 15-minute walk south of Victory Square, you can visit this state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the history of slavery and its impact on the Caribbean. The exhibits are powerful and educational, exhibiting documents, engravings, and artifacts that provide insight into this dark chapter in history.
- Schoelcher Museum: Dedicated to Victor Schoelcher, a key figure in the abolition of slavery in the French colonies, this museum showcases his work and Guadeloupe’s history during that era.
- Saint-John Perse Museum: Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century colonial building, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning poet and diplomat, Saint-John Perse, who was born in Guadeloupe.
Explore Pointe-à-Pitre tours and activities
2. Guadeloupe Beaches
The beaches in Guadeloupe are primarily located on the western and southern coasts of the islands, while the Atlantic side is generally less developed for tourism and features fewer beaches.
Guadeloupe boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and here’s the list of the most popular ones:
2.1. Grande Anse Beach (Plage de Grande Anse)
Located in Deshaies on the northwest coast of Basse-Terre, this beach is celebrated as one of Guadeloupe’s most stunning beaches.
Stretching over a mile, its golden sand and crystal-clear waters are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing.
The beach is surrounded by lush hills and the waters are calm, which is perfect for families. Facilities include shaded areas, restaurants, and shops. Distance from the port: a 50-minute drive
2.2. Plage de la Datcha
Located in Le Gosier, within a 15-minute drive southeast of Pointe-à-Pitre, this beach boasts soft white sand and clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families.
The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including restaurants, snack bars, and sunbed/umbrella rentals.
Plage de la Datcha also offers beautiful views of the nearby îlets (small islets), including Îlet du Gosier, which can be reached by a short boat trip.
2.3. Plage de la Caravelle
Situated in Sainte-Anne on Grande-Terre, this beach is renowned for its stunning white sand and calm, shallow turquoise waters great for swimming and snorkeling.
Surrounded by lush palm trees, the beach stretches along a curved bay, offering a broad expanse of soft, powdery sand that’s perfect for sunbathing and picnicking.
There are several amenities, including beachfront restaurants and kiosks where you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshing drinks. There are also shaded areas and lounge chairs available for rent. Distance from the port: a 30-minute drive
2.4. Plage du Souffleur
Situated in Port-Louis on Grande-Terre, within a 50-minute drive north of Guadeloupe cruise port, this beach features a wide stretch of fine, golden sand bordered by clear, gentle waters.
Because of its relatively remote location, it is less crowded and more peaceful, which makes it ideal if you want to escape touristy areas.
Amenities are limited, but there are a few nearby local eateries where you can sample traditional Creole cuisine.
2.5. Plage de Bois Jolan
Also located in Sainte-Anne on Grande-Terre, within a 45-minute drive from the port, this beach is one of the favorite destinations due to its shallow waters and relaxed atmosphere.
Its calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, making it a great spot for families and those new to these activities.
Amenities such as shaded areas, small local eateries, and restrooms are available.
2.6. Anse à la Gourde
Plage d’Anse à la Gourde is nestled on the southeastern shore of Guadeloupe and features soft white sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters. It has a colorful marine life perfect for snorkeling.
Surrounded by lush palm trees and local vegetation, this beach is less crowded and less developed compared to some of the more popular spots.
There are basic amenities like shaded areas and nearby eateries where you can enjoy local dishes.
Explore Guadeloupe beaches and water tours
3. Guadeloupe National Park
Located on the island of Basse-Terre, Parc National de la Guadeloupe is a diverse natural reserve that covers about 73,000 hectares (180,000 acres).
It is one of the largest protected areas in the Caribbean and features a range of landscapes, including lush rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic peaks, and diverse flora and fauna.
The park’s centerpiece is La Soufrière Volcano, an active volcano standing at 1,467 meters (4,813 feet) high. It is the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean from its summit.
The trek to the top takes several hours and the trail is well-marked but can be steep and challenging, so it’s important to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water.
The park is also home to the impressive Carbet Falls (Les Chutes du Carbet), a series of three stunning waterfalls accessible via scenic hiking trails through the forest. These falls are a major highlight, with the largest cascade dropping over 110 meters (360 feet).
Some of the activities you can do here include nature walks, birdwatching and hiking.
When exploring the park, make sure to wear appropriate hiking gear, bring plenty of water, and check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
The park has visitor centers where you can get maps and additional information about the trails and natural attractions.
Check out Guadeloupe nature and wildlife tours
4. Cousteau Reserve
The Cousteau Reserve, officially known as Réserve Cousteau, is a marine protected area located off the coast of Basse-Terre, a 45-minute west of Pointe-à-Pitre.
Named in honor of the famed underwater French explorer Jacques Cousteau, the reserve covers approximately 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) and is renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity and pristine coral reefs.
The reserve is home to an impressive array of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. The clear waters and diverse underwater ecosystems make it a prime location for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Popular dive sites within the reserve include the “Pigeon Island” and “Malendure Beach” areas, where divers can explore the coral gardens and encounter a variety of marine species.
The reserve is accessible by boat from various points around Basse-Terre, and the best way to visit it is on a guided tour.
Explore Cousteau Reserve tours and activities
5. Îles des Saintes
Îles des Saintes is a small archipelago off Guadeloupe’s coast featuring stunning beaches, charming villages, and historical sites.
The islands, especially Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, are known for their white sand beaches and clear waters. Notable spots include Plage de Pompierre on Terre-de-Haut and Plage de Grande Anse on Terre-de-Bas. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
You can explore the charming villages of Bourg des Saintes and Terre-de-Bas, and visit the historic Fort Napoléon on Terre-de-Haut which provides scenic panoramic views of the archipelago.
Ferries to the Îles des Saintes depart regularly from the port in Pointe-à-Pitre or nearby Le Gosier. The journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the departure point.
On the islands, you can rent scooters or bicycles to explore the various beaches and attractions. Taxis and local buses are also available.
Explore Îles des Saintes tours and activities
6. Marie-Galante
Nestled off the southern coast of Guadeloupe, this small round island is renowned for its traditional windmills, lush sugarcane fields, and pristine, uncrowded beaches.
Here, you can learn about Guadeloupe’s rural past, with its historic windmills and distilleries producing some of the island’s best rum.
Beaches like Plage de la Feuillère and Anse Canot are amazing spots for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
To reach Marie-Galante, take a ferry from Pointe-à-Pitre or Saint-François, with the journey lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. Once on the island, renting a car or scooter is the best way to explore its attractions at your own pace.
Check out Marie Galante tours and activities
7. La Désirade
La Désirade is a lesser-known island of Guadeloupe and a top pick for those seeking to escape from the bustling tourist spots.
Known for its unspoiled beaches, such as Plage à Fifi and Plage du Souffleur, the island offers tranquil spots for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the clear Caribbean waters.
Nature lovers will appreciate the island’s rugged beauty, with hiking trails that wind through its rocky terrain, offering panoramic views of the ocean.
The island is accessible by ferry from Saint-François, a coastal town located a 1-hour drive east of Pointe-à-Pitre. Due to the distance, La Désirade is best visited if you are staying overnight in Guadeloupe.
8. Tour the Distilleries
Touring the distilleries in Guadeloupe is a must for anyone interested in the island’s rich rum-making tradition. Guadeloupe is famous for its high-quality agricultural rum, made from locally grown sugarcane.
Visiting distilleries like Distillerie Damoiseau on Grande-Terre or Rhum Bologne in Basse-Terre offers an in-depth insight into the production process, from harvesting the sugarcane to distillation and aging.
During a tour, you’ll learn about the history and techniques that make Guadeloupean rum unique and enjoy tastings of various rum varieties, from the robust unaged “rhum blanc” to the more complex aged versions.
These tours provide both an educational experience and a chance to sample some of the island’s finest spirits. Most distilleries also have shops where you can purchase bottles to take home.
Explore the rum-tasting tours and activities
9. Enjoy Water Sports in Saint-François
Nestled on the southeastern coast of Grande-Terre, a 1-hour drive from Guadeloupe cruise port in Pointe-à-Pitre, is a coastal town and a hub for water sports enthusiasts.
Its steady trade winds and clear, warm waters make it an ideal spot for activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced water sports lover, Saint-François offers a range of options, with equipment rentals and lessons available at various spots along the coast.
The town’s marina is a focal point for boating excursions, including deep-sea fishing trips, catamaran tours to nearby islands like La Désirade and Marie-Galante, and sunset cruises.
Beyond the water activities, the marina area is lively with a variety of restaurants serving fresh seafood, Creole cuisine, and French delicacies.
You’ll also find boutique shops offering everything from local crafts to high-end fashion, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Explore watersports tours and activities in Guadeloupe
Wrapping Up
With its unique blend of French and Caribbean cultures and a rich array of experiences, Guadeloupe cruise port has something for every traveler!
From the vibrant markets of Pointe-à-Pitre and stunning beaches of Grande-Terre to the underwater wonders of the Cousteau Reserve and hiking up the majestic La Soufrière Volcano, the ultimate fun is guaranteed!
Thank you for reading!
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