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Guadeloupe plays host to thousands of tourists each year searching for sunshine, natural beauty and a uniquely French experience.
Description
Guadeloupe is a butterfly-shaped island in the French West Indies. Its 530 square miles encompass dramatic rain forests, towering waterfalls, magnificent beaches and picturesque villages. Guadeloupe is actually made up of two islands connected by a bridge over the Riviere Salée. To the east lies Grande-Terre, known for its white sand beaches, rolling hills, cane fields and resort areas. Located here is the economic capital of Guadeloupe, Pointe-a-Pitre. To the west lies Basse-Terre, the larger of the two islands. Basse-Terre has a very different topography with its renowned rain forest, waterfalls, mountains, and world-class diving.This tiny member of the French territory, Guadeloupe plays host to thousands of tourists each year searching for sunshine, natural beauty and a uniquely French experience. Not as cosmopolitan as her sister, St. Barth's, Guadeloupe mixes French with Creole, Europe with the Caribbean and the east with the west in an unapologetic fashion. This French-speaking island is amiable to tourists, although English is rarely heard outside of the hotels. Water sports abound on the isle originally named "Island of Beautiful Waters" by the Carib Indians. Jacques Cousteau named it one of the top ten dive sites in the world, while water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and parasailing are offered at most major hotels. "Dry sports" are almost as popular, including hiking, bicycling and horseback riding on the beach.
Local Information
The official currency of Guadeloupe is the French franc, and U.S. dollars are accepted at many places. The official languages of the island are French and Creole spoken widely and English sparingly. The electric current on the island is 220 volts. An adapter is needed for U.S. appliances. Taxis area readily available and rates are regulated by the government although rates increase in the evenings. Rental cars are about $60 a day and make for good island touring but do beware of the skillful, fast French drivers. A valid driver's license is sufficient for up to 20 days on the island. Bikes are also very popular here and rentals are available for around US$10 a day.
Airport Information
Air service into Pole Caraibes International (PTP) in Pointe a Pitre. It is served by Air Canada, Air France, Air Guadeloupe, Air St. Barts, American Airlines, LIAT. Ferries travel daily to Les Saintes. There is no departure tax.
Hightlights
True French culture
Rainforest with amazing waterfalls
Excellent diving and snorkeling
Local Weather
Average yearly temperature is 79° F. From June thru mid-November expect frequent rainfall and humidity. Average rainfall per year is 70 inches.
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