Ah, holidays in the sun … The advantage of the islands of Guadeloupe is that you can find everything that is already available in France. This reassures parents and it’s ideal to get some reserves or last minute things like milk, small pots and even nappies! In short, you don’t need to take everything with you!

The activities on the island are numerous, from Carnival to volcano hikes, not to mention dream beaches or boat trips, they are accessible and very often adapted to children. The budget is affordable and the sanitary conditions are very good. Take the opportunity to fill your hearts with unforgettable family memories.

Here are our ideas for excursions:
Grande Terre:

1) Take advantage of the Caravelle beach (Ste-Anne): this beach is ideal for families! The water is shallow and children can play safely. Prefer to go there in the morning, it’s quieter.

2) Take a catamaran (from St-François) to Petite-Terre Island, an uninhabited island. A beautiful place to discover with your family where you will be able to swim in the middle of many fishes and very clear water. You will also see the island’s lighthouse, iguanas and if you are lucky, baby lemon sharks! Ideal for snorkeling.

Basse Terre :

1) At Bouillante, join the Cousteau Reserve by towed buoy, glass-bottomed boat or kayak. The area is a marvel, lots of shellfish, fish in large quantities. A black sand beach (Malendure beach) with a view of the Pigeon islets for those who love nature.

2) Still in Bouillante, discover the Zoo of Guadeloupe Parc des Mamelles. Stroll in a sublime tropical forest of more than 4 hectares. Discover howler monkeys, grey caimans and more than 85 animal species from the Caribbean and Guyana (mammals, reptiles, birds and arthropods). For the bravest, footbridges suspended 20m high await you to discover unique species of trees, flowers and plants (orchids, wild pineapples). For children, the Kaz’ at Tarzan remains the ideal place for any young adventurer: several footbridges, slides and secret passages are to be discovered. Say hello to Victor, the jaguar! Open every day from 9am to 6pm (children over 8 years old and over 1m20).

3) Visit the accrobranche adventure park “Le Tapeur” in Pointe-Noire (next to the Mamelles park). You will be in the heart of the tropical forest of Bouillante. 5 trails suitable for all levels. More than 1 km of zip lines! Reservation strongly recommended. Open every day from 9am to 4pm from 3 years old.

4) La Cascade aux Ecrevisses: the easiest to access and therefore the most visited. You can park not far away. The path is laid out (OK pushchairs). Little advice: if you are on the car park of the waterfall, you can cross the road to arrive on the other side on a picnic area of the waterfall and thus avoid too many people in high season. There is even a river to cool off.

Here are a few more tips for travelling with children:

1) Beware of tropical heat. Don’t underestimate the sun in the Caribbean, even if the weather is overcast.

2) Opt for light clothing in winter, anti-UV T-shirts, good sunglasses, mosquito repellent, a cap or hat, a waterproof bag for boat trips, diving shoes (for the islets), long clothes for the evening (avoid mosquitoes).

3) If you have a UV tent at home, take it! It’s usually easy to fold and it’s very practical for your children to take a nap in the shade on the beach.

4) As far as food is concerned, there is everything in Guadeloupe and there are many restaurants and/or “lolos” on the beaches. You will be able to make your children taste exotic fruits, banana plantin, fresh fish and even make them discover the accras (cod fritters). Some children love it! The restaurant owners are very understanding and will generally offer you children’s menus.

Our concierge will be happy to book your excursions for you.