Active vacation in Guadeloupe - things to do, entertainment and nightlife

Guadeloupe Islands are a French overseas territory and are, therefore, a part of the European Union. This is not a Schengen zone, but local tourist infrastructure is not inferior to European. Guadeloupe consists of two islands – Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre – separated by such a narrow strip of water that they are usually regarded as one island. Basse-Terre mostly has mountain terrain and Grande-Terre is low-lying. The majority of beaches are located in the latter one. Both the islands offer excellent infrastructure for active recreation, including tennis, volleyball, and golf courts. There are interesting hiking trails in tropical forests, as well as routes to mountain waterfalls; horseback rising tours, schools and clubs dedicated to different water sports. Fans of diving are particularly fond of the underwater park of Jacques-Yves Cousteau who recorded many of his famous films in Guadeloupe.

The Cousteau Park has everything that scuba divers adore – underwater caves, coral reefs, flying fish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, dolphins, manatees, sea stars and urchins. Of course, there are many other species of tropical fish that look so colorful and unusual that can easily make tourists forget about everything else. There are also big sea turtles, and fishermen still catch them for food purposes. As the average temperature of the water is approximately 26-29°C, it is very comfortable to swim in local coastal waters. However, divers who visit this place for the first time shouldn’t swim alone. Local coral lagoons are safe and don’t have dangerous predators like sharks, but it is important not to forget about safety precautions because deeper waters are full of predators with sharp teeth. People die because of attacks of marine predators in the Caribbean Sea every year. There are both locals and tourists among the victims.

In such ports as Baille Argent and Pointe-Noire, visitors can book interesting excursions along the Caribbean coast. This is the best way to see sea turtles, birds, dolphins, and even sea giants like sperm whales and humpback whales, as well as admire the beauty of the western coast of Basse-Terre. These exciting voyages are suitable for tourists of all ages, and motion sickness can be the only limitation. Tourists can also rent a boat with fuel and a captain for one day and make their own route in order to admire lovely seaside views, beautiful underwater life, and visit all nearby islands they want. If fishing is one of your most favorite activities, consider trying tropical fishing – satisfaction guaranteed. The Caribbean Sea is suitable for fishing all year round. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Different kinds of sports are popular in Guadeloupe – surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, and scuba diving. When it is winter in Europe, from October to May, the region hosts competitions on these sports. Locals are very attentive to beginners who want to try active recreation, so tourists can expect patient instructions, training sessions, and gear rental. Due to local climatic condition, the region is suitable for water sports all year round. All local water sports centers and schools are very serious about safety. Don’t forget that French laws are adopted here.

For example, kite surfing school Just'in Kite is located at Bois Jolan Beach in the city of Sainte-Anne, but it offers training sessions in different sports across the island depending on current weather conditions. This school is a member of the French Kitesurfing Association (AFKite). It renews its gear every year, has rescue equipment, and hires professional sportsmen. The school offers both group and individual training. This is just an example because all local schools take safety measures seriously otherwise they will be simply not able to work. Tourists can be sure that local active recreation centers and schools do not let anything bad to happen to their clients.

There are boat tours not only at the seaside but also in rivers in the islands. For example, there is one in Morne à l`Eau in Grande-Terre. Here tourists can enjoy unforgettable kayak rides in a nature reserve and admire beautiful mangrove forests. Participants visit coral islands and Canyon Aqua Rando, get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the tropical forest, and admire the picturesque area. The chief guide of these kayak rides, Pascal Proust, is a passionate naturalist and kayaking professional with the official license and experience of ten years. Visitors get truly mesmerizing and safe kayaking experience that includes not only the actual ride but also obligatory safety training, basics of kayaking technique, and safe-vests use training. This is a marvelous opportunity to enjoy the mesmerizing atmosphere of absolute tranquility and beautiful nature.

Every tourist in the Caribbean is well-aware of the fact that this region was home to sea robbers – pirates. It is believed that there are thousands of sunken ships in this region, and many of them have gold. Unfortunately, many divers, tourists included, believe that they can find a treasure if they search well. They forget about safety measures and some of them even die. Do not follow their example and stick to your original plan if you arrived in Guadeloupe to swim, sunbathe, and hike in the mountains.