Discover pristine Caribbean beaches from Grande-Terre's white sands to Basse-Terre's volcanic black beaches and Les Saintes paradise
Guadeloupe's butterfly-shaped archipelago offers incredible beach diversity - from Grande-Terre's powder-white Caribbean beaches to Basse-Terre's dramatic black volcanic sands, from Les Saintes' secluded paradises to Marie-Galante's unspoiled shores. Beach tours explore multiple coastal gems across different islands, each with unique character and beauty. Grande-Terre features popular beaches with amenities and water sports, while Basse-Terre offers wilder, more dramatic coastal landscapes. Les Saintes archipelago showcases some of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches including Pain de Sucre and Plage de Pompierre. Most tours combine beach hopping with snorkeling, island exploration, and French Caribbean culture. Whether relaxing on white sand, exploring volcanic black beaches, discovering hidden coves, or island hopping to pristine paradises, Guadeloupe's beach tours deliver diverse Caribbean coastal experiences with European sophistication.
White sand, black volcanic sand, golden beaches - dramatic variety across the archipelago.
Access stunning Les Saintes archipelago with some of Caribbean's most beautiful beaches.
Experience calm Caribbean waters and dramatic Atlantic coastlines in one destination.
Beachfront cafés, French cuisine, and European sophistication with Caribbean beauty.
Ferry to Les Saintes archipelago visiting pristine beaches and charming villages.
Visit multiple white sand beaches on Grande-Terre with amenities and water sports.
Explore dramatic volcanic black sand beaches on Basse-Terre with unique landscapes.
Customized boat tours to secluded beaches and hidden coves with snorkeling.
Beach access: flexible. Beach hopping tours: 4-6 hours. Les Saintes day trips: 8-10 hours with ferry.
Grande-Terre: Plage de la Caravelle, St. Anne. Les Saintes: Pain de Sucre, Pompierre. Basse-Terre: Plage de Grande Anse.
White powder sand (Grande-Terre), black volcanic sand (Basse-Terre), golden sand (Les Saintes).
Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, water sports, beachfront dining, island exploring.
Grande-Terre beaches: restaurants, bars, rentals. Les Saintes: natural with some amenities. Basse-Terre: more remote.
Turquoise water, dramatic volcanic landscapes, island views, French Caribbean architecture.
Les Saintes day trip essential - Pain de Sucre beach rated Caribbean's best
Grande-Terre east coast beaches (Caravelle, St. Anne) most developed
Atlantic coast beaches rougher surf than Caribbean side
Basse-Terre black sand beaches dramatic but fewer facilities
Ferry to Les Saintes books up - reserve advance
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems
French topless sunbathing common - European beach culture
Beach restaurants serve excellent French Caribbean cuisine
A: Top beaches: Pain de Sucre (Les Saintes - rated Caribbean's best), Plage de la Caravelle (Grande-Terre - white sand, amenities), Plage de Pompierre (Les Saintes - snorkeling), Plage de Grande Anse (Basse-Terre - dramatic black volcanic sand), St. Anne (Grande-Terre - popular, facilities). Each offers unique character.
A: Stunning archipelago off southern Guadeloupe with 8 islands (2 inhabited). Terre-de-Haut main island with charming village. Pain de Sucre beach consistently rated among world's best. Accessible by 25-minute ferry. Less developed, pristine beaches, French charm. Day trips popular. Snorkeling excellent.
A: Absolutely! Basse-Terre's volcanic black sand beaches offer dramatic landscapes different from typical Caribbean. Grande Anse most famous - striking black sand against lush green mountains. Swimming excellent. Less crowded. Unique photo opportunities. Hot sand - water shoes recommended.
A: Beach access: free to €3. Les Saintes ferry: €16-25 round trip. Beach hopping tours: €50-80. Private boat charters: €300-600 for groups. Equipment rental (chairs, umbrellas): €10-20. Water sports: €30-100. Restaurant meals: €15-30.
A: Grande-Terre (southeast) has most popular white sand Caribbean beaches with calm waters and facilities. Basse-Terre (west) offers dramatic Atlantic-facing black volcanic sand beaches - rougher surf but spectacular. Les Saintes combines best of both - pristine Caribbean waters with French charm.
A: Popular Grande-Terre beaches (Caravelle, St. Anne) busy on weekends/holidays but never overcrowded. Basse-Terre beaches quiet. Les Saintes Paradise beaches relatively empty despite popularity. Far less crowded than many Caribbean destinations. High season (Dec-Apr) busier but manageable.
A: Yes! Water temperature 79-82°F year-round. Caribbean side beaches calm with gentle waves. Atlantic coast rougher surf (stronger swimmers). Hurricane season June-November brings occasional rain but swimming usually excellent. December-April most reliable weather.
A: Helpful but not essential! Guadeloupe is French territory - French is primary language. Tourist areas have some English speakers. Les Saintes and Grande-Terre beaches more English-friendly. Basic French phrases appreciated. Beach enjoyment doesn't require fluency!
Soufrière Volcano - Active volcano and hiking destination
Butterfly-shaped archipelago with diverse landscapes
French Caribbean culture and cuisine
Pristine beaches and excellent diving
Less touristy than other Caribbean destinations
Perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty
Guadeloupe enjoys tropical weather year-round with average temperatures of 82°F (28°C). The island has pleasant trade winds, lush vegetation, and distinct dry (December to April) and wet (May to November) seasons.
December to April offers the best weather with minimal rainfall, perfect conditions for hiking and all activities.
December to April brings peak tourist season with higher prices but guaranteed excellent weather and minimal hurricane risk.
May to November offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though June to November is hurricane season with occasional storms.
Rent a car for flexibility, use public transportation, or take organized tours. The island has good roads and many attractions are easily accessible.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your Guadeloupe adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.