ANTILLES ADVENTURE

Cruise to Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe

When it comes to tropical destinations, most people have never heard of Guadeloupe. An overseas department of France and part of the European Union, it’s made up of two main islands shaped like a butterfly’s wings, plus a slew of surrounding isles and outcroppings. Pointe-à-Pitre is the main port in Grande-Terre, the easternmost of the two biggest islands, and receives most travelers savvy enough to add this off-the-beaten-path archipelago to their Caribbean itinerary. You’ll find plenty of world-class beaches here — some buzzing with sun-seekers, some completely secluded — as well as lush, green jungles and dramatic mountains in Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre’s twin to the west.

National Language French

Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Pointe-à-Pitre

Caravelle Beach Palm Trees, Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe

SECLUDED SHORES GALORE

Hitting the beaches is hands-down one of the best things to do on a cruise to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Two great options in Grande-Terre are Plage de Sainte-Anne, known for its tranquil waters, and secluded Plage de Petit-Havre, shaded by lots of greenery. Both are less than half an hour from port via car.

Waterfall in Guadeloupe National Park, Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe

PARC PARADISE

A 30-minute drive from Pointe-à-Pitre in Grande-Terre across the bridge to its sister island, mountainous Basse-Terre, gets you to Parc National de la Guadeloupe — a sprawling oasis of dense emerald jungles and silvery waterfalls. The park is also home to the impressive La Soufrière volcano, the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles.

Cathedral Saint Pierre Saint Paul, Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe

ARCHITECTURE ADVENTURE

One of Pointe-à-Pitre’s main draws is its historic architecture. You’ll find French- and English-influenced styles dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries and painted in vibrant colors like canary yellow and sky blue. One of the most popular sites to visit is the Cathédrale de St. Pierre et St. Paul, nicknamed the “Iron Cathedral.”

Local Cuisine

Guadeloupe’s French and Creole heritage shines through its cuisine, which is also mixed with other global influences. Look for chicken curry served with sweet plantains and rice, fresh ceviche and codfish fritters called accras. Make sure you pair your meal with a glass of Guadeloupe’s famous Ti-Punch, made with white rum, sugar and cane syrup.

Handcrafted Necklaces, Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe

Shopping

Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe is home to plenty of craft markets selling interesting wares made by local artisans. Jewelry made from seashells found on Guadeloupe’s shores is especially popular, as well as treats made from locally harvested cocoa beans and spices at the port’s open-air spice market.