World Tourism Day in Guadeloupe: what to do on the archipelago?

Celebrated every year on September 27, World Tourism Day invites you to experience destinations, their heritage, and the people who bring them to life in a new way. In 2026, digital technology and artificial intelligence are at the heart of discussions on tourism innovation, with a local focus in Guadeloupe on "Territories, Innovation, and Creole Hospitality".

And what better way to celebrate tourism than by exploring the region? With its tropical gardens, rainforest, volcano, seabed, beaches, and markets, Guadeloupe offers a vast diversity of experiences.

What is World Tourism Day?

Led by UN Tourism, World Tourism Day highlights the role of tourism in the economic, social, and cultural development of regions.

In 2026, digital technology and artificial intelligence are central to discussions about the future of tourism. These technologies are already transforming how we choose destinations, plan trips, find activities, and discover heritage.

In Guadeloupe, this reflection is centered on "Territories, Innovation, and Creole Hospitality", an approach locally driven by the Guadeloupe Region and the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board. It explores how innovation can support tourism while highlighting what makes the destination unique: its landscapes, its biodiversity, its culture, its craftsmanship, and its hospitality.

World Tourism Day is therefore also the perfect opportunity to set out and explore the different areas of the archipelago.

What is there to do in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe?

Tropical rainforests, rivers, a volcano, and the Caribbean Sea: Basse-Terre is home to some of Guadeloupe's most iconic natural landscapes. Here are a few ideas for exploring the area.

Discover the Cousteau Reserve in Malendure

In Bouillante, facing Malendure Beach, the Pigeon Islets and the marine heart of the Guadeloupe National Park, commonly known as the Cousteau Reserve, are a must-visit destination for exploring the underwater world.

Diving, snorkeling, and kayaking offer the chance to see tropical fish, corals, and other marine life. Sea turtles also frequent the Malendure area and can sometimes be spotted if you respect their space.

For those who prefer to stay dry, Nautilus glass-bottom boats allow you to view the seabed around the Pigeon Islets from an underwater observation deck. It is a perfect excursion for families.

Explore the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin by boat

Between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin forms a vast lagoon bordered by mangroves, islets, and coral reefs.

Several boat excursions allow you to explore these diverse natural environments. Whether navigating the mangroves, discovering the islets, or enjoying a swim or snorkeling, activities vary by trip and offer a unique way to observe Guadeloupe's biodiversity.

Visit the Valombreuse Garden and the Guadeloupe Zoo

To discover the tropical flora and fauna, two iconic Basse-Terre sites can be visited together with the Valombreuse Garden + Guadeloupe Zoo combined pass.

In Petit-Bourg, the Valombreuse Garden offers an immersive experience in the heart of a tropical garden where palm trees, orchids, tropical trees, aquatic plants, flowers, fruit trees, and aromatic herbs grow side by side. Throughout the visit, various areas allow you to observe the richness and diversity of the tropical plant world.

On the Route de la Traversée, the Guadeloupe Zoo is nestled in the heart of the rainforest. Its trail allows you to discover various animal species, including big cats, monkeys, birds, reptiles, and insects, within a preserved natural environment.

The combined ticket Guadeloupe Zoo + Valombreuse Garden allows you to visit both sites at a discounted rate and enjoy two complementary experiences exploring the animal and plant worlds.

Hike the Soufrière volcano

Reaching an altitude of 1,467 meters, La Soufrière is the highest peak in Guadeloupe and the Lesser Antilles. Located in Saint-Claude, this active volcano is one of the major natural sites on Basse-Terre.

From the Bains Jaunesarea, the hike passes through landscapes that change with the altitude, from lush tropical vegetation to volcanic terrain.

Weather conditions can change rapidly and certain areas may be restricted due to volcanic activity, so be sure to check the recommendations from the Guadeloupe National Park before you set off.

What to do in Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe?

Limestone cliffs, beaches, lagoons, markets, and coastal towns: Grande-Terre reveals a completely different side of Guadeloupe.

Admire the Pointe des Châteaux

At the eastern tip of Grande-Terre, in the town of Saint-François, the Pointe des Châteaux offers one of the most famous panoramas in Guadeloupe.

Shaped by the winds and the Atlantic Ocean, the site is defined by its cliffs and coastal vegetation. A trail leads to Morne Pavillon and its large cross, offering an unobstructed view of the coastline and La Désirade.

Enjoy the beaches of Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre is also renowned for its sandy beaches and turquoise waters. In Port-Louis, Souffleur Beach offers a beautiful panorama of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin and the peaks of Basse-Terre, which is especially lovely at sunset.

In Le Gosier, Datcha Beach faces the Gosier Islet and is a great spot to enjoy the seaside near the town center. Between Le Gosier and Sainte-Anne, Petit-Havre offers a more intimate atmosphere in a cove lined with vegetation.

Discover Guadeloupe's markets and crafts

Discovering Guadeloupe also means exploring its markets and local crafts. Tropical fruits, spices, local specialties, and handmade creations offer a chance to experience the flavors and expertise of the archipelago.

In Grande-Terre, the craft markets of Sainte-Anne and Saint-François are among the places to discover. In Pointe-à-Pitre, the spice market offers a different atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Exploring these markets allows you to complement your discovery of the landscapes with a more cultural and human approach to the region.

Tourism in Guadeloupe: discovering and preserving the region

The World Tourism Day reminds us that discovering a destination also means better understanding its natural and cultural heritage.

In 2026, digital technology and artificial intelligence are prompting us to rethink how we plan and experience our travels. Tools are evolving, but the tourist experience remains primarily linked to the landscapes, encounters, and discoveries made on-site.

From the tropical forest of Basse-Terre to the beaches of Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe offers remarkable diversity to explore all year round.

Want to discover tropical flora and fauna? Take advantage of the Jardin de Valombreuse + Guadeloupe Zoo combined pass to visit two must-see sites in Basse-Terre at a discounted rate.