Category: Pointe a Pitre (Guadeloupe)

A GLIMPSE OF GUADELOUPE

This classical visit will give you the opportunity to discover our butterfly shaped island! You will start with the lush volcanic island of Basse-Terre where you will be taken on picturesque roads bordered by luxuriant vegetation and nature tropical landscapes. First you will cross the national park of Guadeloupe with its dense tropical forest,and enjoy the refreshing Cascade aux Écrevisses.

Afterwards the Domaine de Valombreuse botanical garden which will captivate you with its exceptional richness: here you will enjoy the primary forest, nearby orchids and cacao trees, the palm grove and spectacular exotic plants. Then on Grande Terre, you will visit the historical landmark the Fort Fleur d’Epée allowing a view on the other islands part of the archipelago. After a last photo stop in the Gosier city center, you will re-join your awaiting ship.

Please note: This tour ends at the port for transit guests and at the airport for guests who are disembarking and booked on flights after 5pm. The duration of the tour also includes the time for transfer to the airport. To book and prepay this tour before your cruise, please use code GUA08T if you will be in transit in Pointe a Pitre or code GUA08D if you will be disembarking in Pointe a Pitre. In the event that minimum number of guests required for the tour to operate is not met, guests traveling in transit and those disembarking may travel on the same bus.

The order of drop-off will be determined by local traffic conditions and tour itinerary. If necessary, a stop at the airport may be made prior to returning the transit guests back to the pier.

BEACH SCENIC DRIVE AND WALK TO CARBET WATERFALLS

The southern end of Basse-Terre Island is dominated by La Soufrière volcano, which rises to a height of 1467 m amid Guadeloupe’s rainforest. It is also where you’ll find the Carbet Waterfalls, the main highlight of this tour. After boarding a coach at the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, your journey to the falls – consisting of three separate cascades – will first take you through the Capesterre-Belle-Eau region to the island’s Hindu temple, a testament to Guadeloupe’s multi-ethnic society. A photo stop will be made at this place of worship, following which the route continues right into the rainforest and to the 110-m mid-level fall.

A walk will then take you to the viewing platform, which affords views of the cascade as it gushes through the dense vegetation. The sun on the water coming over the mountainside is a perfect photo moment, so do remember to bring your camera. Your tour then draws to a leisurely close with your journey back to your ship. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate.

Please note: For reasons of safety, direct access to the falls and the pool has been prohibited, by order of the National Park Authorities, since 2004. The tour is not available for guests with mobility problems. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing.

Accessing the viewing platform takes approximately 1.6 miles of walking each way and involves walking on uneven terrain and going up/down approx. 400 steps. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate. It is required that guests wear closed toe shoes

BOTANICAL GARDENS & BEACH

On the road to the fishing village of Deshaies, the tour leaves from the port of Pointe à Pitre and ventures into the northern part of the Island of Basse-Terre.

During this approximately 1 hour drive through the sugar cane plantations you will stop to admire the beach of Grande Anse for a photo stop before heading to the Botanical Garden in the Caribbean: le Jardin Botanique de Deshaies. Here you will spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore and see the various flower’s and plant’s species in all the Caribbean: it is the right place for nature lovers. Look at the flamingos in the pond, the bougainvillea’s alley, the orchids, the cactus gardens and the aviary among the several attractions. Then, a short 15-minute drive will bring you to one of the longer beaches of the island for approximately 1 hour of idleness before heading back to the ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests are recommended to wear light clothing, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and flat comfortable shoes and water shoes for the beach. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate

GUADELOUPE HIGHLIGHTS

This tour of Grande-Terre island begins with a short drive to one of Guadeloupe’s key historical monuments, the mid-18th-century Fort Fleur d’épée. Situated high above the coastal town of Le Gosier on the southern shores of Grand-Terre, the fortress once played a critical role in the Seven Years’ War between France and Great Britain, but is now used to host temporary art exhibitions. Moving on, you’ll then stop in Le Gosier itself for views of one of Guadeloupe’s most popular snapshot scenes: the Îlet du Gosier.

Located just a stone’s throw out to sea, this tiny coral isle is home to swaying palm trees and a pretty lighthouse. Leaving Le Gosier, you will reach Sainte Anne for a stop at the Village Artisanal on the sea front. As you then make your way through Sainte-Anne’s vegetated Le Grands Fonds region, you’ll be heading for a final photo stop at the cemetery, famed for its black-and-white checkerboard tombs, before returning to your ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate

PANORAMIC TOUR TO THE POINTE DES CHATEAUX

Leave the ship and treat yourself to a tour of panoramic views to one of the island’s most popular destinations: the Pointe des Châteaux, or castle point, located at the island’s easternmost tip.

A drive along the southern coastline will see you reach St. François and discover its treasures. Head east along the coastal road to the Pointe des Châteaux, a rock formation sculpted by the wind to resemble a castle’s crenellations. A walk will take you up to the highest spot, from where you’ll catch views of the neighbouring Caribbean islands simply perfect for a photo or two. As the outing continues you will stop for a drink before going to Morne-à-L’Eau, a town curiously noted for its artistic cemetery, which represents the unique black-and-white architecture of the West Indies (picture from the bus). A short drive will then take you from Morne-à-L’Eau back to your ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: The path up to Pointe des Châteaux involves going up/down approx. 400 steps. Due to safety considerations, the climb to the cross is subject to weather conditions. The path leading to Pointe des Châteaux is narrow in places and includes steep steps. It can also become muddy and slippery. Guests are recommended to bring a bottle of water on the tour, suitable shoes (no flip flop or sandals). Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. The order of stops may vary

BEACH ESCAPE

In the heart of Guadeloupe Archipelago, you will find a beach waiting for you. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a complimentary creole cocktail. Relax in the sun and snack on some accras as you enjoy views of the Caribbean Sea. You will have approximately 3 hours of free time before you are transferred back to the pier. Guests must be at least 2 years old to participate.

Please note: It is recommended that guests wear casual clothing with their swimwear underneath, bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash for any additional purchases. Guests must be at least 2 years old to participate

DEATH IN PARADISE

Located on the seafront in North-West Basse-Terre, Deshaies is famous for being the filming location of the British TV series Death in Paradise since 2011. Depart by bus to La Perle Beach, where the Commissioner’s House is rebuilt at the start of each filming season. Enjoy a brief walking tour of the village, visiting local bars, the fishermen’s pier, the Catholic Church, and the Police Station Museum. Then, head to Grande Anse Beach, featured in the 9th season of the show where you can enjoy a cocktail and Guadeloupean fish accras before returning to the ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. Taking photos inside the museum is restricted. The stop at Grande Anse Beach will not be a swimming stop

THE BEST OF GRANDE-TERRE WITH LUNCH FULL DAY

Discover the highlights of Grande-Terre on this island adventure combining history, views, and local culture. Your journey begins with a drive from the pier to Morne-à-L’Eau, where you’ll make a stop at the town’s famous cemetery, known for its black-and-white checkerboard tombs one of the island’s most photographed landmarks. Continue north along Grande-Terre to Pointe de la Grande Vigie, the island’s northernmost point. Take a stroll along the cliffside paths and capture the views of the Atlantic Ocean. The tour continues along the coastline to the natural rock formation known as Hell’s Door (Porte d’Enfer) for another photo opportunity. Travel inland toward Le Moule, passing through the countryside before pausing for a photo stop of the historic Zevallos House, a 19th-century mansion. Next, make your way to St. François, where you’ll enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterward, visit Pointe des Châteaux, a peninsula with panoramic views of crashing waves, sculpted rock formations, and even neighboring islands on clear days. After taking in the scenery, your tour concludes with a return drive back to the pier. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate.