The 10 Best Places to Visit in Guadeloupe

Spread out on an island in the French Caribbean, the animals at the Guadeloupe Zoo may have the most scenic views of anyone. Also known as the Parc des Mamelles, it uniquely houses more than 85 species native to the area. With everything from birds and reptiles to monkeys and big cats, the park itself lines a tropical rainforest and a visit feels like a walk in the jungle. The animals are mostly from the Caribbean and Guyana, and many are rare and/or endangered.

Some of the most engaging exhibits include the jaguar enclosure and the bridges, slides, and paths that make up the play area for children. Other bridges pass through a dense canopy suspended above the forest floor. The entire area is full of native greenery, including colorful orchids and other tropical flowers.

The insectarium is particularly interesting, with a rhinoceros beetle on display (the largest in the world.) The zoo is a member of preservation societies and takes pride it the high level of care it provides for the animals. Tours include admission to the zoo and often, information on the conversation of the local rainforest ecosystem.

Plan a day of fun at Karukera Land, and enjoy fast-paced water slides, mini golf, trampolines, an acrobatics course, and an outdoor swimming pool. Stroll around the park’s four gardens, which include an orchard and areas displaying Creole, medicinal, and tropical plants; relax with a massage or a fish pedicure in the spa area; or get your blood pumping with the park’s aqua aerobics classes.

Explore the tropical gardens at Domaine de l'Habitation la Grivelière on a guided tour, and learn about the plants that grow in the area and the history of the complex. You can combine an admission ticket with a 3-course meal at the on-site hotel for an extra special experience. Alternatively, if you have a large group, you can book a coffee- or cocoa-making workshops. Visitors can also access Guadeloupe National Park from the gardens.

Explore Vanibel as part of a guided tour and learn about the growth and manufacture of the estate’s coffee, vanilla, and bananas. Tours typically demonstrate the step-by-step process of taking coffee from bean to brew and include a coffee tasting. The estate also offers apartments and bungalows to rent, which allow you to enjoy the area at a more relaxed pace than you would on a tour—there’s also a swimming pool and barbecue area on site.