Top Things to do in Basse-Terre
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What to do and see in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe including Carbet Falls, Madatet Fishing, Reve de Nav', Vanibel, Plage de Grande Anse, Carbet Falls (Les Chutes du Carbet), Guadeloupe National Park, Vert Intense, Gwada Marine, Domaine de l'Habitation la Griveliere.
Restaurants in Basse-Terre
1. Carbet Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By skyisblu - Montreal, Canada
The site is very well constructed, with room for bus parking(amazing, given the climb on the access road, and we followed a giant tour bus all the way up!), and wheelchair access right up until the main viewing platform. At this point, the trail breaks away, though is still very well paved and easy to walk, to descend into the valley, where the viewpoint of the second waterfall is located. However, due to torrential rains and the 2004 earthquake, the viewing platform has become unstable, and is no longer accessible. Therefore, you can really only see the falls by straining to look around the corner of the forest. If you are more physically capable, best continue on to the first falls, where you will be rewarded with the best views, which is what we did.
At first, the hike is quite easy, with smalls climbs up rocks, or slopes, the trail gradually getting narrower. We crossed a few run-off streams, which makes sense since we were following the source uphill, and sometime a river overruns its banks. The trail got progressively steeper and steeper, turning into well-built stairs at one point which begs the question: who is in charge of the construction of said stairs, and how do they get the materials all the way up there?! This section of the climb lasted at least 30 minutes, and though efforts were maybe to line the stairs with wire mesh to prevent slipping, there are still some slick areas, as well as broken mesh which you can catch yourself in. Don't lose your concentration!
Once we crested the stairs, we began to descend towards the riverbed, to follow the falls to their source. This section was a lot more challenging, with the rocks being wet or muddy, and very steep. Some places had well-secured ropes to help us out.
Upon arriving at the falls, we were met with a variety of nice, flat spots where we could sit down and have lunch, relax and enjoy the view of the falls. It is quite high up in elevation, so even on a sunny day, we found ourselves in a fog-like mist. Packing a small windbreaker or sweater is recommended, along with food and plenty of water. Don't forget to bring everything back with you, too, as it is a protected National Park.
Back at the bottom, the brand-new welcome center offers excellent views from its roof deck of the valley below, and the outdoor washrooms are clean and very welcome for washing off the mud from the climb. All in all, this place offers falls for all levels of tourist, regardless of how capable you are. Definitely a place for anyone to visit and enjoy!
2. Madatet Fishing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By TudorSardeni - Bucharest, Romania
Before coming to Guadeloupe, one of the things on my list was to fish on blue marlin (“Big game”). Among the options was the boat of Julien, and in the end it proved to be the best one. He was very prompt, professional and he did his best to make this trip possible (the boat was not at full capacity and Julien accepted to go fish with fewer fishermen than usual, only to keep the client happy). We went at a very good spot known by Julien, we set the rods and after only 15 minutes (some call it luck, others may call it faith), a fish took the bait and the show began. 2 hours of fight and we were able to see it: a 3m blue marlin weighting at least 200 kg! I’ve been fishing for many years, but this is by far the best experience of my life. Respect Julien! You are indeed “mad à tet” but in a good way :). Hope to come again in Guadeloupe.
3. Reve de Nav'
Overall Ratings
5 based on 63 reviews
Rêve de Nav' is a sailing school based in Rivière-Sens Guadeloupe (French West Indies). We offer participative sailing cruises to discover Guadeloupe's Islands and sailing. Professional skipper, All inclusive, Private sail boat. Day charter and "A la carte" cruises
Reviewed By Thomas W - Baltimore, Maryland
My wife and I loved it. Our captain, Olivier, was very, very friendly, yet a meticulous and a serious instructor of sailing. He picked us up at the airport on Tuesday evening 6 pm and dropped us off again on Saturday quite early at 6:09 am. We three shared a lot of laughter together. We never felt rushed yet managed to always to have full days of adventure. Olivier had the galley well stocked with fresh baguettes and whole wheat breads, tropical fruits, fish and vegetables that he cooked on board. We usually shared in the cleanup. On day one, after a breakfast of fresh coffee, amazingly tasty baguettes with some of his homemade confiture and fruits, we disconnected the mooring lines (not so easy!) and sailed over from his marina on Basse Terre to explore Terre de Haut. On the sail over he instructed us in the points of sail, life jacket protocols and then let me take the helm under supervision for an hour. It was thrilling in 25 knot winds. Later that night, all we had to do was text Olivier to pick us up in his dinghy and he arrived within minutes on the beach restaurant Ti-Bo Doudou. I flashed my iPhone light out to sea to him in Morse code like a James Bond moment and he motored within a few feet of us for the rendezvous! The Doudou by the way was wonderful with a price fixe of 25 Euros for 3 courses- also highly recommended. Day 2 was spent on Illet Cagit (Les Saintes) snorkeling in the crystal clear azure waters, followed by an on board lunch, and then an afternoon hike on the island to Fort Josephine. The island had wild goats of all sizes running about but they posed no bother to us. This was followed by a moonlit beach barbecue over a homemade charcoal grill pit. Olivier fashioned creative candle holders from clear plastic liter water bottles that we cut and filled with sand ballast - they were good against the wind. Day 3 was spent back over at Terre de Haut but at a new beach/bay that Olivier said was rated as the 2nd prettiest in the world - I believe it. We smirked again and then had a nice sailing lesson in the large 'bay'. I learned to use the commands at the helm with Olivier manning the sheets to proceed at all the points of sail and to properly tack at close-haul and jibe from a broad reach. I learned that a steady-at-the-helm approach is much preferred to a quick and a jerky approach resulting in loss of power. I was then given the helm for a broad reach sail back to his marina past the lighthouse on Basse Terre at nearly 8 knots in an hour and a half. We then quickly moored and drove his Kango up to La Griveliere coffee museum up the mountain to Vanibel. This was a walking tour well worth it with detailed explanations of the coffee and banana trees cycles and needs and also the very difficult technique of growing vanilla from its vines. My French is not so good but I believe vanilla was found to require a late night fertilization by hand! The tour ended in a sampling room with hot coffee, and the most delicious banana I've ever tasted- so very sweet and delicate.
We returned to the boat and had showers and then met back at the boat where we were joined by three other French friends of Olivier who were also round-the-world mariners for an impromptu on-board party. Michel brought a huge supply of French cheese including a block of my favorite - Rochefort! We knocked back a few "planteurs" (Rum, cane syrup and lime) until the wee hours.
The next morning we rise early (5:30) to be driven to the airport at Point Pitre - a sad ending to a wonderful but all too brief French Caribbean adventure. I'm sure we'll go back next year god willing!
4. Vanibel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By GourmandeSuomi - Helsinki, Finland
We didn't know much about coffee and thought being in Guadeloupe, visiting Vanibel would be a great opportunity to learn more about a beverage we dearly love! And that's right!
Our guide explained us everything about coffee growing and processing, the different varieties found on the shelves of our grocerie stores. But that's not all! He also explained us the delicate process of growing vanilia.
It was a great visit that ended by a delicious cup of coffee with the best bananas we've ever tasted!
Last but not least, it's easily accessible, meaning the road is good and not scary, unlike other coffee properties...
5. Plage de Grande Anse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By skyisblu - Montreal, Canada
Definitely come to the Grande-Anse beach to appreciate the beauty of the black sand. The water is warm, but a little rough. The views are magnificent, and there is lots of place to lay out a blanket and soak up the sun. However, the site is poorly maintained, though perhaps only in the off-season. I found the area to be littered, the washrooms and showers locked, and the parking lot in need of several layers of asphalt.
6. Carbet Falls (Les Chutes du Carbet)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 507 reviews
You know you need lots of vacation photos, so why not take them here? These three Waterfalls showcase the natural beauty of the tropical landscape.
Reviewed By Donald Munroe E - Hamburg, New York
My wife & I walked to the Second Chute (waterfall) on our week-long visit in Guadeloupe and would highly recommend this. It was raining lightly but we didn't mind. The path to the second falls was incredibly well built and maintained - stone and wooden steps all in excellent repair. This made the walk very easy. Unfortunately, the low clouds made it impossible for us to see the top of the falls, but what we could see was really nice. The heavy rain that was falling on the mountain (though not in lowland parts of the island of Basse Terre) led to the closure of the path to the third falls. In all, a lovely walk. And the drive up to the park through extremely dense rain forest was also enjoyable.
7. Guadeloupe National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By CathyP1953 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
What a beautiful spot on Planet Earth! We drove for miles just looking up at the Mountains that are s colorful and majestic. We enjoyed driving around the 10+ mile dirt road and stopped at Rattlesnake Canyon-what a view! Words just cannot describe the surrounding beauty. Cactus varieties were so unique. Saw a lot of animals life, including a roadrunner and deer. Rock formations are just so unique. Be sure and take plenty of water on your travels through this awesome National Park.
8. Vert Intense
Overall Ratings
5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By beergarden - Philadelphia
This was my first canyoning trip ever. There were seven participants and one guide. We were outfitted with a thick two piece specialized wetsuit over our swim suits and wore a climbing belt and special rubber shoes over our socks and a helmet. Next, was a 15 minute van drive along windy and hilly roads to the trail. We walked a bit over flat terrain and then we had to hike up a very steep section for a bit (very tiring esp. in that hot suit!). At a point, there were ropes to help you. Soon, we were cooled off by getting wet. The next couple of hours were a blast with short and long rappels down cliffs (incl. down Waterfalls!), two jumps into water (you can bypass the jumps), and a few slides. The first rappel was a little scary but the ones after that were less so. The guide affixed all the equipment each time and provided clear instructions. The guide spoke English for two of us so we could understand what was happening. My friend is afraid of heights so he bypassed the longer jump and did fine with the other stuff. The men in the group helped the guide by carrying backpacks with equipment.
I did this trip without my glasses but if you need glasses to see it will be tricky. You’ll need two hands and be wet much of the time so you’ll need to tuck them in your suit at points and hope they don’t break. It’s difficult to carry anything (like a camera or a snack) while doing this activity. I believe they may have backpacks and dry bags for loan but it seems like a pain to carry anything on this trip.
The scenery (plants and waterfalls) was magnificent! The steep climb at the beginning was a challenge for me but I really enjoyed this hike and the canyoning.
9. Gwada Marine
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Gwada marine is specialized in the rental of motorboats in Guadeloupe. Our boats are recent and well equipped (bimini top, GPS / depth sounder ...). They can board up to 10 people on board depending on the model of the boat. Optional, fishing kit, wakeboard, towed buoy, water skiing. We propose two departure bases to discover several destinations: - From the marina of Pointe A Pitre, discover the great barrier reef and sail in the mangrove and between the islets (Ilet Caret, La Biche, Fajou ...). - From the marina of Rivière Sens to the South of Basse Terre, explore by boat the Islands of the archipelago of Saintes or sail in Leeward coast in the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea to discover the reserve Cousteau.
Reviewed By Snoopy2vegas - Altomunster, Germany
I had a lot of fun on my fishing trip with Gwada Marine. The boat is great and the guides are very obliging, helpful and friendly. Thanks for this wunderful day :-)
10. Domaine de l'Habitation la Griveliere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By Kiara S - Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
It's a risky drive out of the way on a very treacherous road (not just my opinion, road signs reiterate this often - very steep, mostly single lane road, you need to honk your horn as you turn the corner, you'll be honking a lot!). The tours are only on the hour, so depending when you arrive you may have a long wait (we did). The tour is only in French, so if you aren't fluent, don't even consider it. The group we were is was far too large - couldn't hear the woman and the repetition made it drag on much longer than necessary. The group should be 7-8 people maximum, in my opinion. There was some interesting commentary, and we saw a lot of different trees - coffee, cocoa, banana, bread fruit, coconut, cinnamon, vanilla . . . I certainly gained a greater appreciation for how difficult these are to grow, harvest and prepare for consumption. Still, the presentation was long and kind of dry, and we left before it was over (about 75 minutes into the tour). One more thing, you have to back track when you leave, so be prepared for another white-knuckle drive, or, just skip it all together and go to the beach or see a waterfall.
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