Do you dream of being on a white sandy beach? Swimming in warm turquoise waters? That’s why you’ve decided to book your holiday and fly to Guadeloupe. Now you can relax on your sun lounger.
Today, however, we’d like to introduce you to a lesser-known side of Guadeloupe. You’re about to discover a side of the island that will remain engraved in your memory for its beauty: the Chutes du Carbet.
This is an excursion not to be missed during your stay on the island of beautiful waters.
You’ll soon see why this visit is an absolute must.
The Carbet Falls: in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus
Did you know that Christopher Columbus wrote about the Chutes du Carbet in his logbook in 1493? Here are his words: “A very large spring that poured water on all sides of the mountain”.
Legend has it that the explorer saw the first two falls from the shore of Capesterre-Belle-Eau, when he landed in Guadeloupe in November 1493.
The falls are located on the course of the Carbet River. They are among the most impressive in the West Indies. The river owes its name to the Amerindian village inhabited by carbets. Carbets are wooden huts used as shelters. They were placed very close to the river mouths.
The source of the Carbet River is on the side of La Soufrière, a volcano. That’s why its waters are sulphurous and clear. It flows into the sea 11 km below.
- You’ll see that the Chutes du Carbet is made up of three jumps.
- They are located in the Capesterre-Belle-Eau commune in Basse-Terre.
- They are a major tourist attraction in Guadeloupe, receiving 400,000 visitors a year. It is the most visited site on the island.
Depending on your taste for effort and adventure, and the time you have available, you can choose the fall that’s right for you. Some are more accessible than others… Let’s take a look at how to get there.
The first Chute du Carbet, the highest
To reach the first Chute du Carbet, go to the commune of Capesterre-Belle-Eau. You’ll find a parking lot at the “Aire d’accueil des chutes”. The park is supervised by staff from the Parc National de Guadeloupe (where the first two falls are located).
If you’re coming by car, enter the following in your GPS: “Centre d’accueil des chutes du Carbet”. You’ll find it very easily.
Access to Guadeloupe National Park is subject to a fee:
- 2.20 per adult
- 1 per child (aged 2 to 12)
- 4.40 € for a family of 2 adults and 2 children
- 1.50 € for groups (8 people or more)
Once you’ve parked at the parking lot, follow the path on foot. It’s very well signposted. It’s a beautiful 3-hour round-trip hike, in a colorful landscape of orange-red rocks where the sulfurous waters of La Soufrière trickle down.
Remember to take good walking shoes to feel comfortable on the steep path, which is often slippery. Crossing the ravine Longueteau can be difficult, especially if it has rained shortly beforehand.
The spectacle of the first Chute du Carbet is spectacular: the jump is 115 metres high! You’re sure to get some spectacular shots!
The second Chute du Carbet, easy to reach
It’s the most accessible waterfall, which means it’s also the most popular with tourists.
The starting point is the same as for the first Chute du Carbet.
Allow just 45 minutes round trip from the parking lot. The trail is fully surfaced with concrete. It is even accessible to people with reduced mobility.
You’ll be walking through the rainforest, to the song of the many birds.
The 110-metre-high second Chute du Carbet is sure to take your breath away.
The basin that receives the water from the waterfall has shrunk as a result of rockfalls. Access to it is now forbidden, as it is too dangerous. The water in this basin could reach 42°! It is under surveillance to assess the volcano’s activity.
The third and most powerful Chute du Carbet
The third Chute du Carbet is outside the Guadeloupe National Park. You can park in the parking lot just outside Capesterre, in the direction of Routhiers. Access to this waterfall is free!
Although the third Chute du Carbet is only 20 metres high, you’ll be impressed by its powerful flow. It’s the highest in Guadeloupe.
The icing on the cake: the waterfall flows into a sublime circular pool, where you can finally take a dip. It’s a well-deserved reward after the 2.5-hour walk to the waterfall. The hike is difficult and best suited to experienced walkers.
Be careful when bathing, however, not to get too close to the waterfall’s spray, which may surprise you with its force.
If you like peace and quiet, you’ll feel right at home here, which is less frequented by tourists.
Be sure to ask before you go, as access to this waterfall may be closed due to landslides.
Le Grand Étang, ideal for families
You can’t come to the Chutes du Carbet and not stop off at the Grand Étang! You can get there by parking in the hamlet of Habituée, on the D4.
The Chutes du Carbet are dotted with small ponds and mountain lakes. Here you’ll discover a wealth of flora and fauna, including exotic plants, endemic birds, fish and ouassous shrimp.
We recommend the easy 1.5-hour Grand-Étang walk. You’ll enjoy doing it with the whole family. The trail allows you to discover the characteristics of the dense tropical forest, in an accessible and scenic atmosphere that is unique on the island. There are even picnic areas available.
