Renting a car on Guadeloupe allows you to explore on your own time. The Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre; the loop around the island and one of the most scenic drives in the Caribbean, is perfect to explore by car. That said, you should prepare yourself for a somewhat challenging drive. You’ll encounter many roundabouts, which can be difficult if you are not used to these. You will also encounter tight bends while traveling along Basse-Terre’s mountain roads.

Car-rental companies can be found at the international airport and popular resort towns. Many of the major hotels also have car rental desks. Prices vary depending on vehicle type, company and length of rental. If you are planning to visit in high season (December to May), you’ll want to reserve a car in advance. Also, most of the cars have stick shifts. If you require an automatic, make sure to request one. Your U.S. driver’s license or an international driving permit will suffice. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and there are several gas stations along the island’s main routes.

Taxis are a great way to get around Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, if you don’t mind spending a little more money on transportation. Taxis are metered, although the driver will either activate them or not, depending on a complicated set of parameters involving the time of day, your destination, and the taxi driver, even though fares are technically regulated by the French government. If a taxi does not have a working meter, make sure to agree on a price prior to getting in. During the evening hours, (9 pm to 7 am), fares will increase by up to 40% more than the regular fare.

The islands of Guadeloupe are located within 20 to 45 minutes of one another, making daytrips an easy ferry ride away. What’s more, round-trip tickets are affordable starting at about $27. Several ferry companies offer daily service from Grande-Terre and Basse Terre to Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and La Désirade. L’Express des Îles offers round-trip passage from Pointe-à-Pitre to Terre-de-Haut, the main – and most populated isle – of Les Saintes, as well as to Marie-Galante. For L’Express des Îles.

Small buses connect almost every hamlet to Pointe-à-Pitre. In Pointe-à-Pitre, you can catch a bus from the following departure points: If you’re going anywhere in Basse-Terre, you’ll depart from Gare Routière de Bergevin. If the northern half of Grande-Terre is your destination, catch a bus at the Gare Routière de Mortenol. For the southern end of Grande-Terre, the buses depart from the prolongement (extension) of the Marché de la Darse.

Buses are infrequent except the S01 running between Pointe-à-Pitre and St-François. Services are reduced on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

Buses AE1 and AE3 run between the airport and Gosier, passing Pointe-à-Pitre along the way. On Saturday afternoons and Sundays, the route between the airport and Pointe-à-Pitre is served by Bus Z2.

It is beneficial to know some French when riding the buses. Many visitors find it easier, especially upon arrival, to take a taxi.

There are more than 600 miles of paved roads in Guadeloupe, making it a popular place for biking for both amatuer and cyclist alike. For visitors, bicycles are inexpensive to rent and a reliable way of getting around Les Saintes and Marie-Galante. Bike rentals cost around $16 per day. For an even easier ride, book an electric bike to help with the hills in Basse Terre. In contrast, Grand-Terre offers more flat areas ideal for beginners. Before you seek out a bike rental, check with your accommodations to see if they offer guests access to complimentary bikes.

The stunning archipelago of Guadeloupe consists of five fantastic islands, blending scenic natural beauty, rich culture, delicious cuisine, hiking, water sports, colorful carnivals, palm-fringed beaches, and a lush verdant mountainous interior. The five main islands of La Desirade, Les Saintes, Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, and Marie Galante combined have a rich history and numerous attractions offering endless opportunities and adventure. Guadeloupe National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve on Basse-Terre boasting over 180 miles of hiking trails, the La Soufriere volcano soaring over 4,800 feet, hidden waterfalls, and verdant tropical forests filled with abundant flora and fauna. Pastel-colored houses decorate Terre-de Haut Island which exudes European characteristics, vibrant fishing boats sit on the shore, beautiful flower gardens, and European architecture fill the streets and Bourg des Saintes `Sugarloaf` volcanic hill looks over the charming bay below. Historic forts such as Fort Napoleon dating back to the 17th century with a historical museum and stunning gardens, and Fort Josephine the 19th-century ruins can be seen on Ilet, a Cabrit island. Guadeloupe Islands are a stunning destination for island hopping with charming bays, breathtaking beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing available in the tranquil turquoise waters along with unique accommodations found along the beaches and nestled in the rainforest for the perfect tropical vacation. Rocroy Beach lined with beautiful black volcanic sand sits on the south side of Basse-Terre, the golden sands of Grand-Anse is a beautiful place to soak up the sun and the Sainte-Anne beaches in Grand-Terre famed for their transparent waters and glistening white sand.

Guadeloupe Island is a French Caribbean island and consists of two islands lying so close to each other, that they are often considered as one land. Their names are Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, where the capital – the city of Basse-Terre – is located. The archipelago offers an evocative blend of natural beauty and rich Creole and French culture. Palm-fringed beaches rim the coastline, and the interior is lush and mountainous with waterfalls, hot springs, and an active volcano.

The gorgeous Guadeloupe island archipelago enjoys a warm tropical climate with high humidity and average daily temperatures around 80 degrees. The water temperatures average around 75-84 degrees year-round, making them ideal to enjoy many water activities throughout the year. The best months to visit the islands are December to May with warm, dry weather, temperatures during these months can be cooler from the low to high 70s. The weather from June to November, which is also hurricane season brings the hot, humid, and wet weather to the islands, however, the trade winds tend to cool things off and afternoon thunderstorms with heavy downpours can be refreshing from the heat.

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