Looking for a break from beaches and idleness? Then head for a green oasis in Basse-Terre, in the Parc Naturel de la Guadeloupe. Created in 1898, it was the very first French overseas national nature park.
Basse-Terre is the most mountainous part of Guadeloupe. That’s why its rugged terrain is home to some of the world’s finest waterfalls, the La Soufrière volcano and beautiful rivers.
Lose yourself in the lush, tropical nature of the 17,300 hectares of forest, not to mention the 3,700 hectares of wetlands and marine areas.
What to see in Guadeloupe National Park?
The Guadeloupe National Park was created to protect the island’s flora and fauna, both on land and at sea.
This vast territory is home to some of Guadeloupe’s most beautiful natural sites. In the heart of the Parc Naturel are a number of primary forests, whose warm, humid climate is ideal for the development of insectivores, frugivores and nectarivores.
Between waterfalls, volcanoes and marine sites, let’s take a closer look at what the Guadeloupe National Park has in store for you:
The Carbet Falls
It’s hard to imagine the majestic and imposing aspect of the Carbet Falls, of which there are 3.
Legend has it that Christopher Columbus spotted the falls when he landed in Guadeloupe in 1493, from the beach at Capesterre-Belle-Eau.
The 3 waterfalls are fed by water from the Grand Carbet river. The river’s name has its origins in the Amerindian name for the village, which was made up of huts used as shelters, known as “carbets”. The carbets were built very close to the mouth of the Grand Carbet River.
Although there are still 3 Carbet Falls, only 2 can be seen up close:
The 1st Carbet Falls
It consists of two levels with an impressive 115-metre-high jump. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, you’ll love this 3-hour round-trip forest walk, starting from the lookout at the Guadeloupe National Park reception.
La 2ᵉ chute du Carbet
This 110-metre-high waterfall is the most accessible of the three. A well-maintained trail takes you there quickly and easily. The gates and footbridges allow you to move easily through the rainforest.
The 3ᵉ fall of Carbet
Although this waterfall is only 20 metres high, its main attraction is its ultra-powerful flow. That said, access to the waterfall is currently closed due to dangerous rockfalls.
La Soufrière
Even if you don’t know much about Guadeloupe, you’re bound to have heard the name: La Soufrière. If you like hiking and mountain scenery, you’re in for a treat.
La Soufrière is the highest peak in Guadeloupe and the Lesser Antilles (1,467 metres). It is undoubtedly the best-known spot in the Guadeloupe National Park.
La Soufrière is an active volcano that spews fumaroles and sulfurous vapors, hence its name. There are even hot springs.
If you’re staying in Guadeloupe, take the time to hike to La Soufrière, and if possible, to its summit. In fine weather, you’ll have a magnificent view of the whole island and its surroundings.
Beware of gas fumes during your ascent, which can be dangerous (and don’t forget to bring a Kway).
Plan to leave early in the morning, as Soufrière is often covered in clouds in the afternoon.
Ilets Pigeon
Also in the Guadeloupe National Park, Îlets Pigeon are located in Bouillante, off Malendure beach, just one nautical mile from the coast.
The Îlets Pigeon are an ideal place to admire the underwater flora and fauna, either snorkeling or with diving equipment. They are in the Cousteau Reserve, where you can spot a wide variety of tropical fish, turtles and gorgonians.
You can dive between 0 and 60 meters at various spots: Le Jardin de Corail, L’Aquarium, Point Barracuda, La Piscine, etc.
If you’re looking for an introduction to scuba diving, you’ll feel safe in this underwater space, where the depth is gently accentuated.
Grand Cul-de-Sac-Marin Nature Reserve
The Grand Cul-de-Sac-Marin is another jewel in the crown of Guadeloupe’s National Park. It links Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, north of Rivière Salée.
The Grand Cul-de-Sac-Marin was created to preserve the mangrove coastline and marine areas of this gigantic lagoon. This means you’ll be able to observe protected plant and animal species.
The aim of this protected area is to preserve its ecosystem and its threatened biodiversity. The priority is to enable the animals, birds, fish and insects that live there to reproduce peacefully, undisturbed by human activity.
The lagoon is so large that it comprises 6 zones and includes the communes of Sainte-Rose, Morne à l’eau, Les Abymes and Le Lamentin.
The best way to discover the Grand Cul-de-Sac-Marin is by boat, with Le Flibustier from Gosier or Blue Lagoon Excursion from Sainte-Rose.
Admire the mangrove swamps of Rivière Salée. You’ll discover a whole eco-system that will delight young and old alike.
During your excursion, you’ll dive close to the coral reef, where you’ll see some magnificent fish.
Don’t forget to take an anti-UV T-shirt to avoid getting sunburned underwater!
