This Unesco Biosphere Reserve just off the coast of Basse-Terre makes for an enjoyable day trip. A chain of coral islets sitting atop a 25km-long coral wall, the reserve supports unique ecosystems, including mangrove forest, rich birdlife and reefs bursting with tropical fish. There are also some gorgeous white-sand beaches where you'll never have to worry about overcrowding. Book a boat trip through one of the many agencies in Ste-Rose.
Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin
Top choice in Basse-Terre Island
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
14.09 MILES
Jacques Cousteau brought Pigeon Island to international attention by declaring it to be one of the world’s top dive areas, and the waters surrounding the…
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12.79 MILES
Top billing in the French Antilles goes to this huge museum of slavery, opened by President Hollande in 2015. Housed in a spectacular silver-latticework…
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11.45 MILES
One of Basse-Terre's most enjoyable attractions, the Maison du Cacao is for anyone who loves their chocolate. Presentations in English take place at 10am,…
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12.24 MILES
One of Guadeloupe's must-sees, this excellent zoo, high in the mountains of Basse-Terre, combines animal enclosures with a jungle adventure. Follow the…
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21.26 MILES
This headland of white sand about 2km west of Ste-Anne's center is one of Guadeloupe's very finest beaches – it's the Caribbean you probably came to see…
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7.02 MILES
This superb golden-sand beach with no hotel development in sight is just 2km north of Deshaies. This is one of Basse-Terre's longest and prettiest…
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20.89 MILES
Active volcano La Soufrière (1467m) looms above Basse-Terre's southern half. For an adventurous 1¾-hour hike to the sulfurous, moonscape-like summit, a…
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11.59 MILES
This idyllic jungle waterfall drops from a Basse-Terre mountainside into a small riverside pool where you can swim. It's a wonderful and therefore popular…
Nearby Basse-Terre Island attractions
2.17 MILES
Those who want to understand how the ambrosia called rum starts in the sugarcane fields and ends on their palate should head to this museum, which has…
4.58 MILES
Between Grande Anse and Ste-Rose, at the northern tip of Basse-Terre, this dazzling stretch of golden sand is lapped by jade waters that just beg to be…
7.02 MILES
This superb golden-sand beach with no hotel development in sight is just 2km north of Deshaies. This is one of Basse-Terre's longest and prettiest…
4. Jardin Botanique de Deshaies
8.09 MILES
Away from the beach, Deshaies' top attraction is its botanical garden, which also has some interesting animal life to keep the kids entertained. Among the…
10.7 MILES
A short drive inland from the Maison du Cacao, this waterfall and deep pool are one of Basse-Terre's most accessible beauty spots. Cool off in the rushing…
11.44 MILES
This long, gently arching beach in northwestern Grande-Terre has soft, pale sand, lapis-lazuli waters and fabulous views of mountainous Basse-Terre in the…
11.45 MILES
One of Basse-Terre's most enjoyable attractions, the Maison du Cacao is for anyone who loves their chocolate. Presentations in English take place at 10am,…
11.59 MILES
This idyllic jungle waterfall drops from a Basse-Terre mountainside into a small riverside pool where you can swim. It's a wonderful and therefore popular…