Guadeloupe / Gwadloup – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe is a volcanic island located in the Caribbean Sea in North America. As an overseas department of France, it is part of the European Union. It has a population of around 380,000 people (2024), about 10,000 of whom live in the capital city, Basse-Terre.
The territory consists of six main islands and many uninhabited islets. The main islands are Basse-Terre, La Désirade, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, Terre-de-Bas and Terre-de-Haut. Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre are so close they are almost touching, and are connected via roads.
Basse-Terre is mostly mountainous, whereas the other islands are flatter and rocky. Guadeloupe’s highest peak is the volcano, La Grande Soufrière, at 4,813 ft (1,467 m) above sea level.
Guadeloupe relies heavily on tourism like many other Caribbean islands.
A bit about the history of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe has a history marked by indigenous settlement, European colonisation, slavery, and its modern-day status as part of France.
Early History
Before European contact, Guadeloupe was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples. The island was first encountered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, who claimed it for Spain. However, Spanish influence on the island was limited, and the French eventually took control.
French Colonization and Slavery
In the mid-17th century, France established permanent settlements in Guadeloupe. The island became a major producer of sugar, coffee, and later, bananas, relying heavily on African slaves brought to work on plantations. Guadeloupe became one of the wealthiest French colonies due to its agricultural output, but it was also the site of intense exploitation and the brutal slave trade.
Slave Revolts and Abolition
Throughout the 18th century, there were several slave uprisings in Guadeloupe. The most significant was in 1794, during the French Revolution, when slavery was abolished in French colonies. However, Napoleon Bonaparte reinstated slavery in 1802. It was only fully abolished in Guadeloupe in 1848, following a major slave revolt and the influence of the abolitionist movement in France.
Post-Slavery and 20th Century
After slavery was abolished, Guadeloupe’s economy continued to rely on agriculture, and the island experienced social and economic changes. In 1946, Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France, granting it the same status and rights as mainland French regions. This led to infrastructure development, educational improvements, and greater political representation.
Modern Guadeloupe
Today, Guadeloupe is an integral part of France, with representation in the French National Assembly and Senate. The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, culture, and Creole heritage. However, Guadeloupe also faces challenges, including economic dependence on France, high unemployment, and occasional social unrest related to the demand for greater autonomy.
Guadeloupe road trip
Guadeloupe is our 11th planned stop on our road trip across the islands of the Caribbean. Having explored Dominica, our next stop is Saint Barthélemy.
Travelling overland between the islands is quite prohibitive due to the lack of transportation options. Travelling between different island countries via ferry is possible, however, ferries only operate between some islands. Chartering private boats between islands is also possible, although travelling with a car in this way is prohibitive. Flying is another option, although again, flights only operate between some islands.
Map of our road trip through Guadeloupe
This is a map of our planned route around the islands of Guadeloupe, starting and ending in the capital, Basse-Terre.
Weather in Guadeloupe
When is the best time to visit Guadeloupe?
The best time to visit Guadeloupe is from January to March. During these months, the islands have 6-7 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 2.8 – 3.5 inches (72 – 89mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 21 – 30°C (70 – 87°F).
When is the worst time to visit Guadeloupe?
The worst time to visit Guadeloupe is from May to December. During these months, the islands still have 6-7 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 4.1 – 8.0 inches (105 – 203mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 22 – 32°C (71 – 89°F).
Hurricane Season in the Caribbean
Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms tend to be more frequent and more severe in the latter half of the season.
Hurricanes are least likely during December, January and February.
Travel in and around Guadeloupe
Ferries to other Caribbean island countries from Guadeloupe
The Montserrat ferry service is no longer running (2024).
Ferry between Guadeloupe and Dominica
L’Express des îles Ferries travel between Pointe a Pitre in Guadeloupe and Dominica five days per week and the sailing takes 2½ hours.
Ferry between Guadeloupe and Martinique
L’Express des îles Ferries travel between Pointe a Pitre in Guadeloupe and Martinique five days per week and the sailing takes 5 hours.
L’Express des îles Ferries travel between Les Saintes in Guadeloupe and Martinique one day per week and the sailing takes 4 hours.
Ferry between Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia
L’Express des îles Ferries travel between Pointe a Pitre in Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia five days per week and the sailing takes 7¼ hours.
Ferries to other islands within Guadeloupe
CTM Deher Ferries travels between Trois-Rivières in Basse-Terre and Les Saintes four times per day and the sailing takes ¼ hour.
Karu Ferry travels between Trois-Rivières in Basse-Terre and Les Saintes 13 times per week and the sailing takes about ¾ hour.
Karu Ferry travels between the islands of Les Saintes.
L’Express des îles Ferries travel between Pointe a Pitre in Grande-Terre and Les Saintes once per week and the sailing takes 1 hour.
L’Express des îles Ferries travel between Pointe a Pitre in Grande-Terre and Grand Bourg 16 times per week and the sailing takes 1 hour.
Val Ferry also travels between the islands in Guadeloupe.
Flying between Guadeloupe and Saint Barthélemy
There are several airlines that fly between Guadeloupe and Saint Barthélemy
What’s it like to drive in Guadeloupe?
They drive on the right hand side of the road in Guadeloupe. The majority of the roads in Guadeloupe are in a fairly good condition, with most being maintained regularly.
Do you require an international driving permit in Guadeloupe?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Guadeloupe?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Guadeloupe?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What are the speed limits in Guadeloupe?
The speed limits for cars in Guadeloupe are:
- 30 mph (50 km/h) for urban driving
- 50 mph (80 km/h) outside of built up areas
- 70 mph (110 km/h) on dual carriageways
- 80 mph (130 km/h) on motorways
What currency do they use in Guadeloupe?
In Guadeloupe they use the Euro. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not generally accepted. There are many ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Guadeloupe?
They speak French and Antillean Creole in Guadeloupe. English is not spoken widely.
What time zone is Guadeloupe in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Guadeloupe?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Guadeloupe?
No, wild camping is illegal in Guadeloupe.
What plug / socket type do they use in Guadeloupe?
In Guadeloupe they use plug / socket types C, D and E.
Health issues in Guadeloupe
Is it safe to drink water in Guadeloupe?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Guadeloupe. Bottled water is also readily available across the country.
What vaccinations are required for Guadeloupe?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Guadeloupe.
Phones in Guadeloupe
What is the country calling code for Guadeloupe?
The country calling code for France is +590
What are the emergency phone numbers in Guadeloupe?
The emergency number for police in Guadeloupe is: 112 / 17
In Guadeloupe, the emergency number for ambulance is: 112 / 15
The emergency number for fire in Guadeloupe is: 112 / 18
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!