Best And Worst Times For Tourism
About 73,000 cruise passengers visit Guadeloupe each year, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.The majority of cruise ship visitors travel to Guadeloupe during the winter and early spring months. The most popular month to visit Guadeloupe is March followed closely by February.
Because of its location, southern and eastern Caribbean cruise ships usually stop at Guadeloupe on their way south to St. Lucia and Barbados after visiting either St. Kitts, Antigua or both.Cruise line travel to Guadeloupe is limited during the summer months of June, July and August.Because of bad weather, the least popular month to visit Guadeloupe is September, followed closely by October.
Guadeloupe is most popular with visitors from France, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.After France, Guadeloupe is most visited by other European countries, followed by the United States and Canada.
Costa Cruises Things To Do
- Cruise travel by Costa is designed for anyone who wishes to add a continental feel to their cruise journey. The cruise line caters to older people, solo travelers, couples, and families. Costa Cruises is ideal for adults and families who are seeking a larger cruise ship that features a variety of onboard entertainment whose travelers come from varying backgrounds internationally. Therefore, Costa attracts families and adults who want to experience fun at-sea. The demographic can vary, depending on the itinerary. For example, cruise ships sailing to New England and Canada and the Caribbean mainly carry North Americans. However, ships sailing to other destinations transport mostly Europeans. Costa Cruises is a popular choice among college kids or honeymooners from Italy. To sail on a Costa cruise, children must be at least 6 months old at the time of departure. For trans-ocean crossings over the Indian, Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans, children must be at least 12 months of age. Check with your travel representative before scheduling a cruise to ensure you meet the proper criteria in this regard.
Guadeloupe Entertainment And Activities
Guadeloupe is a paradise of rainforests, waterfalls and beaches. Only 15 miles from Pointe-à-Pitre, across the bridge on Basse-Terre, is the Domaine de Valombreuse botanical garden, one of the islands most extensive collections of trees, plants and flowers. Orchids, ferns and palms cover the landscape while woodpeckers and other birds fly above.
Guadeloupe National Park preserves island beauty on a much grander scale. One of Frances seven nationally protected wilderness areas, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The park includes enormous swaths of rainforest, coastal forest and mangroves throughout its biodiverse terrain. Numerous birds, bats, mammals and a diverse range of insects call the park home. On the lower slopes of La Soufrière volcano, the three powerful cascades of Carbet Falls tumble down a towering hillside.
On the west coast of Basse-Terre, tastings of award-winning rums await at Domaine de Bellevue, a worthwhile visit for liquor connoisseurs. On Grande-Terre, you might relax and take in the beautiful coast on the beaches between Le Gosier and Saint-François. While beaches dot both islands, the ones here are regarded as some of the best.
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Things To See & Do On Guadeloupe
Pointe-à-Pitre
As the largest city and economic center of Guadeloupe, Pointe-à-Pitre is located on the island of Grand-Terre. Here, visitors can sip some rum punch and learn to dance to the joyful rhythms of biguine, zouk and mazurka, or in January see the elaborate Carnival procession.
Many visitors start with a walk along La Darse, the inner harbor road. You’ll see the charming market, full of fruits, flowers, fish, spices and crafts. Be sure to head to Place de la Victoire, the town center. The park’s history is more vibrant than its current condition. After defeating the British in 1794, Victor Hugues established a dictatorship, and the guillotine he used stood here for years. Now, you find a pretty park framed by palm trees. Explore Guadeloupe’s past at Museum Schoelcher, dedicated to the activist Victor Schoelcher, who worked to abolish slavery in Guadeloupe. Get a glimpse of colonial creole life at the Museum Saint John Perse, memorializing the poet-laureate’s life and times.
There are many little islands off of the main coast to visit in Guadeloupe via ferry, but one of the prettiest is the circular island of . Named for Christopher Columbus’ boat, the island is only sixty square miles, but it is full of surprises. Visit the local beaches, including Anse Canot and Petite Anse, the 19th century windmills and the sugar plantations.
Parc National de la Guadeloupe
Beaches
Shopping
Best Months For Temperatures
Daily high temperatures stay in a tight range between the mid and upper 80s Fahrenheit throughout the year, according to 30 years of historical data from Meteo France.
They are another reason why visitors will find January through March a good time to go to the island. Although winter temperatures are comfortable for walking around, they are not always comfortable in the water at the beaches.The average nighttime temperatures hover in the upper 60s Fahrenheit during the winter and low to mid 70s Fahrenheit during the rest of the year.The low temperatures in the winter will often bring down seawater temperature to the point where it is chilly for swimming. So the best time to go for beach lovers is late spring to early summer.Temperatures increase to the upper 80s Fahrenheit during the summer. They reach a peak of 89 Fahrenheit or about 32 Celsius from July through September. Again, June is the best time to visit Guadeloupe for beach lovers because of warmer temperatures and lower risk of rain compared to later in the summer.
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Guadeloupe Sights And Landmarks
Most of Guadeloupes sights can be found on Grande-Terre. In Pointe-à-Pitre, the impressive Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul is nicknamed the Iron Cathedral for its sturdy support system. Built in 1807, the church boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and Creole-style balconies. The art deco Palais de Justice , a civil courthouse, is next door.
Two museums in Pointe-à-Pitre pay tribute to iconic figures in Guadeloupes history, and both are housed in attractive colonial buildings. The Musée Saint-John Perse celebrates the Nobel laureate with displays of his life and work, while the Musée Schoelcher honors abolitionist Victor Schoelcher, an island hero who fought against slavery in the French West Indies.
About 10 miles from Pointe-à-Pitre is the town of Morne-à-lEau, where youll find a most unusual cemeterythe most visited on the islands. Black-and-white checkerboard graves adorn this French historic monument. Farther afield in the former capital of Le Moule on the Atlantic coast, the citys main square features a 19th-century neoclassical church and town hall.
Guadeloupe Islands Caribbean Vacation Destination
North of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles are some of the Caribbeans better kept secrets the islands of Guadeloupe. Called Karukera by the original inhabitants meaning the land of beautiful water, it is currently an overseas region of France and has been under its control since 1635. The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus and started out under the thumb of Spain. Official currency is the Euro and the official language is French, though Creole is widely spoken.
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Guadeloupe Cruise Port Map
Stretching 629 square miles, Guadeloupe is packed with things to do and see. The cruise port at Pointe-à-Pitre offers the usual port shopping plus some interesting historical attractions for anyone who simply wants to walk around.
Visitors can see colonial buildings such as Marché Saint-Antoine or Place de la Victoire. Other noteworthy historical sites include St-Paul Church and the brightly colored district of La Darse, which has Creole houses in the style of New Orleans.
Musée St-John Perse near Place de la Victoire is a three-level museum dedicated to Alexis Leger , a French poet, diplomat and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Leger, who went by the name of Saint-John Perse, was born in Guadeloupe and spent his first 12 years there. The 19th century building is an example of a period Creole home and has displays of Legers life and work.
Visitors wanting to stay on foot may enjoy the outdoor markets in Pointe-à-Pitre, which sell food, spices, and potpourri. The local food in Guadeloupe is a mix of French and creole influences and can be purchased at the outdoor markets.
Guided tours of Pointe-à-Pitre will usually cost about $40 to $50.
Natural attractions and adventures are common outside of Pointe-à-Pitre.
Cruisers wanting to see as much of Guadeloupe as possible without exhausting themselves may want to go on a land tour to see a large part of the island.
| Plage Pointe Des Chateaux. Credit: Copyright Guadeloupe Tourism Board |
Guadeloupe Restaurants And Shopping
Guadeloupe is one of the true culinary capitals of the Caribbean. Combining French, African and Indian flavors, its Creole cooking is not short on flavor . Seafood is often the centerpiece, with crab, conch, smoked fish and other shellfish gracing most menus. Chicken, fresh fruit and local vegetables make an appearance, too, in recipes that have often been handed down through generations. Regional specialties include stuffed crab,matété and accras .
In Pointe-à-Pitre, restaurants are plentiful. La Canne à Sucre combines French and Créole cuisine with breathtaking ocean views. Dont pass up dessert. Fresh seafood is the focus at Chez Dolmare, a quaint and breezy local establishment right next to a fishing harbor. For a break from the standard fare, Fairouz serves up spectacular Lebanese food.
Another worthwhile dining destination lies just south of Pointe-à-Pitre in Le Gosier. Le Zawag in the La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa is perched just above the sea. Dine on simply grilled seafood while listening to the crashing waves.
When its time to shop, feast your eyes at Marché Couvert, a covered market selling a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts, including straw dolls and African woodcarvings. Women vendors wearing brightly colored madras headdresses add to the experience. If you dont find what youre looking for, try Le Marché de la Darse right nearby. Many French imports are easy to find on the islands, so treat yourself to a perfume from the continent.
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Travel On Cruise Ships Outside Of Canada
You should continue to avoid all cruise ship travel outside of Canada. If you decide to take a cruise outside of Canada despite this advisory, there are some important facts you should consider.
If an outbreak of COVID-19 or another contagious illness were to occur:
- you could be subject to quarantine procedures onboard the ship or in a foreign country
- the range of consular services available on cruise ships may be significantly restricted by local authorities, especially in situations of quarantine
- the cost of medical care could be very expensive if required, and you may need to pay for your medical bills immediately in cash
The Government of Canada wont pay your medical bills, including COVID-related expenses or medical evacuation.
If youre infected with COVID-19, you wont be able to return to Canada on a public flight until 14 days have passed. You shouldnt depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.
The Government of Canada will continue to evaluate the situation and make changes as necessary to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians.
Do Cruise Ships Go To Guadeloupe
From the regions Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to the Holland America Cruise Line, cruising to Guadeloupe is not hard, in fact, with fleets of cruise ships coming each year, you always have plenty of options to go. With a huge number of cruise lines and ships, you can have every kind of cruise experience for such a prime destination.
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Guadeloupe Lifestyle And Culture
This group of islands in the Lesser Antilles is just as French as it is Caribbean, evidenced by the mix of French and Antillean Creole youll hear spoken. Folk culture plays a significant role here colorful native costumes are worn for various celebrations and events. Some women can still be seen wearing the Indian-inspired madras, a colorful headdress made of scarves tied in a number of symbolic styles.
Events and energetic festivals play a major role in Guadeloupe life there is a celebration on the calendar every month of the year. Many incorporate music and dance, combining African, French and Indian influences. The annual pre-Lenten Carnival features Creole music and folk dancing. The Terre de Blues Festival celebrates the islands, and the regions, top musical performers. Creole Week commemorates the islands heritage. Several crab and conch festivals throughout the year pay tribute to these seafood delicacies.
Guadeloupes heritage extends beyond music, food and a rich past. Literary roots are also strong here: the 1960 Nobel Prizewinning poet Saint-John Perse hailed from Guadeloupe. Many award-winning writers, poets and journalists have followed in his footsteps.
Best And Worst Times To Visit Guadeloupe
| La Soufrière volcano on a dry day. Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons license |
The best time to visit Guadeloupe is during the peak months of the dry season from January through March. The worst times are August through November during the rainy season.
The French territory of Guadeloupe in the eastern Caribbean is in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. It lies about midway between Antigua to the north and Dominica to the south. The island covers a land area of 1,628 square kilometers and has a population of 400,000.The island follows the typical Caribbean weather pattern of dry months during the winter and spring and rainy months in the summer and fall.
But what is not typical about Guadeloupe is the amount of heavy rain that falls on the island each year. The high rainfall is one reason why the island doesnt attract as many hotel and cruise visitors as other islands. But it does appeal to frequent Caribbean vacationers and eco tourists who want to visit somewhere new.
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Which Cruise Lines Go To Guadeloupe
Guadeloupes reputation in tourism, a plethora of cruise lines actually includes Guadeloupe in their Caribbean Cruise Itinerary. These cruise lines include Cost Cruise, MSC Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Crystal Cruises, TradeWinds, Star Clippers, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruise Lines, Seabourn, Azamara Club Cruises, Seadream, Club MEd, Marella Cruises, Viking Cruises, Ponant, Sea Cloud Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, and the regions best, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
Where Is The Cruise Port In Guadeloupe
There are five operational cruise ports in Guadeloupe, but the main one is Point-a-Pitres, in Saint-John Perse Cruise Terminal, just five minutes away from central Point-a-Pitre. Other ones being the Port of Jarry at Baie-Mahault, the Port of Basse-Terre, the Port of Folle Anse at Marie-Galante, and the port of Bas-du-Fort. While these ports do receive ships, only the one in Point-a-Pitre receives cruise ships.
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What Is There To Do
Explore Our List Of 2 Cruises
The port of Deshaies has a magnificent setting on the north-west coast of Basse-Terre Island, the western half of Guadeloupe. Nestling in the crook of a pretty bay on the Caribbean Sea, the village of wooden Creole-style houses extends along the foot of hillsides covered in tropical rainforest. Beyond the bay, the former property of famous French comedian Coluche is now a magnificent botanical garden where you can wander among West Indian trees and flowering plants and spot exotic birds. A little farther to the north is Grande Anse beach, one of most beautiful on the island.
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Guadeloupe Cruise Port: Tips Attractions And Weather
The Guadeloupe cruise ports in the Leeward Islands are getting more and more traffic from cruise ships in recent years.
This eastern Caribbean island chain, technically a part of France as an overseas department, is rich with French influence from the language to the currency.
Some English is spoken, especially in the major tourist areas. But having a French dictionary on hand is helpful in some locations.
Guadeloupe is unusual in that it has an archipelago of two distinct islands side by side in the shape of a butterfly. Separated by only a narrow sea channel, they are Grande-Terre in the east and Basse-Terre in the west. For this reason, Guadeloupe has the nickname of The Butterfly Island.
Guadeloupe also is unique in the Caribbean for having five harbors that can welcome cruise ships. The main cruise port is at the Centre Saint-John Perse terminal at the city of Pointe-à-Pitre.
Pointe-à-Pitre with a population of about 16,000 people is on Grande Terre near the narrow sea channel that separates it from Basse-Terre. The central location makes it easier for visitors to explore both halves of The Butterfly Island.