Guadeloupe Beaches

Photo by Pascal Fauchard
© All Rights Reserved

If you’ve been looking for something in a casual Caribbean turquoise to slip into, a Guadeloupe beach may be the slice of paradise that fits you perfectly. This small French enclave, nicknamed the ‘butterfly’ because of its shape, is an exotic blend of African and French cultures. The food is spicy, the locals friendly and the ocean refreshingly cool. What more could one ask?

"How much?"

I’m glad you asked. Because this is another one of those overlooked Caribbean bargains. You can enjoy most Guadeloupe beaches for less per day than you’d spend closer to home, including airfare. Now are you interested?

If you like to slather yourself with sunscreen for a traditional lizard-fry, there are plenty of quality resorts along the southern coast of Grand-Terre, the right wing of the island's butterfly shape. Plage des Raisons, Saint Anne and Caravelle all flutter in with top scores. If you'd like to put some spice into your diet, try the clothing optional Plage de Tarare where a convivial bunch of nature lovers sun their entire ediperms till everything is a tantalizing bronze.

For rustic fare, head to Basse-Terre, the left wing of the butterfly. Here you’ll find an eco-tourist's promised land. The entire mid-section of Basse-Terre has been set aside as a National Park. Guadeloupe's beaches here are less visited and the virgin forests of mid-island slip right down onto the coast. For a beach with a natural ambiance but still some amenities, try Grande Anse Deshaies. For something truly exotic, head for Trois-Rivières, a wide black sand beach backed with coconut palms.

For those seeking their explorer badges, strike out for l'Ilet de Caret just off the north coast of Basse-Terre. But you won’t be alone because such beauty draws a crowd. Look for other boats and explorers seeking a similar back to nature inspiration.

If you prefer something that falls midway between 'intrepid island explorer' and 'resort dandy', head over to the island of Marie-Galante, where the locals haven't quite yet figured out what a tourist is, but welcome every one with open arms and warm hospitable smiles.