I love the beach, but this trip was more than just basking in the sun.  Guadeloupe has a ton of activities, more than we could pack into a week-long trip.  We set our sights on a few of the highlights and must-see places. We were based on Basse Terre, so most of our activities were on that island, but we did also venture over to Grande Terre a few times.

Saut D’Acomat

Guadeloupe is known for some amazing waterfalls, so for our first stop, we had to see one them.  There is something magical about the sound of a waterfall, big or small.  All that power moving through nature is carving out its own path for its existence (deep, I know!).

The first waterfall was Saut D’Acomat on Basse Terre.  It was a short hike and we had to walk through a creek to get there, but it was well worth the effort.  People were even swimming in the pool below the waterfall.  It was quite amazing.  Ma and I just hung out on the rocks and listened to the water as it made its way through the trees, crashing into the pool (Happy Mother’s Day, Ma!). 

Longueteau Distillery

No trip to the Caribbean is complete (according to Pa) without a rum tour. Our trip to Guadeloupe was no different.  What is unique about Longeuteau is that the distillery is surrounded by sugar cane fields.  They grow all of the sugar they need to make their rum.  I had fun running around, Pa and Ma had fun “sampling,” and Pa even got some “souvenirs” to bring home.

Cascade aux Ecrevisses

Our next stop was another waterfall.  This is probably the most iconic and photographed waterfall on the island.  Easy access, lots of parking and a short to walk to see this beautiful waterfall.  There are tons of ferns growing around the pool and beautiful rocks separating the pool from the river.  There is also a park on the other side of the road that took us down to the river where it was very quiet and peaceful.

Fort Delgres

We headed to a fort to get our traditional cannon shot.  Fort Delgres was built over 300 years ago.   It was a large complex.  And the views…epic.  You can really appreciate the greenness of the island from atop the fort.

In the middle, there is a memorial to the fort’s namesake, Louis Delgres.  There is a stone circle with large rocks surrounding a giant head of Delgres.  It is pretty amazing and slightly creepy.

Habitation La Griveliere

Pa loves coffee.  He really loves coffee.  So we had to stop at a coffee plantation, Habitation La Griveliere on Basse Terre.  The place was beautiful.  There were gardens throughout the property, an old waterwheel, and trails to go exploring.   I tried to guide Pa through the plantation, but he has a mind of his own.  I need to put some reins on him next time.

Jardin Botanique de Deshaies

What an amazing day.  We headed to the Deshaies Botanical Garden.  Right when you walk in you are greeted with a Koi pond.  You can even get some food so you can feed the fish.  Boy were those guys aggressive!  I thought they might jump out of the water and eat me.

Next, we headed to see the Loriquet birds.  There were in a large enclosure.  We walked in and noticed birds were everywhere.  They would hover around those that were carrying small cups of nectar.  Pa went and got Ma and I some nectar and we sat very still.  Next thing we knew, the birds were sitting on our hands drinking from the nectar cup.  Their feet were surprisingly soft!  What an experience.

After the excitement of the fish and birds, we needed to just go for a stroll.  We made our way through the gardens taking in all the flowers, sights, and smells.  Ma and Pa worked hard on capturing some beautiful flower pictures for the calendar they make for our family each year.  I think they got a few good shots that should make the calendar.

Memorial ACTe

We saved the best for last, the Memorial ACTe on Grande Terre.  This is a museum dedicated to the memory of slavery, past and present.  The first thing you notice is the beautiful building.  It is described as roots wrapping around a black box. 

The inside is very technology driven.  There are headphones that talk you through the entire museum.  Each exhibit is very interactive with videos and artifacts from the time.  It takes you from the early 1600s through modern slavery — very much a necessary stop during your visit to Guadeloupe. 

Goodnight Guadeloupe

What a fantastic trip.  So many places to see.  So much nature.  This island has something for everyone.  We didn’t even make it to some of the sister islands.  Maybe next time!  Goodnight Guadeloupe.