Travel Tips - General Information

Guadeloupe is a collection of islands that have been a French possession since 1635. The main island is split in two by a short river, leaving two parts: Basse-Terre has a volcanic origin with a mountainous interior, and Grande-Terre is mostly low lying limestone, and most of the other islands are volcanic in origin. The island of Saint Martin is shared with the Netherlands. Take a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will help you be more prepared for travel anywhere in Guadeloupe.

Area: Total: 1705 sq km (658.3 sq miles). Basse-Terre: 839 sq km (324 sq miles). Grand-Terre: 564 sq km (218 sq miles). Marie-Galante: 150 sq km (58 sq miles). La Désirade: 29.7 sq km (11.5 sq miles). Les Saintes: 13.9 sq km (5.4 sq miles). St-Barthélemy: 95 sq km (37 sq miles). St-Martin (which shares the island with St Maarten, part of the Netherlands Antilles): 88 sq km (34 sq miles).

Capital: Basse-Terre (administrative). Population: 12,410 (1999). Pointe-à-Pitre, on Grande-Terre (commercial centre). Population: 20,948 (1999).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For French citizens, a valid ID and birth certificate are required for entry into Guadeloupe. All other individuals, even those traveling from neighboring Caribbean countries, must have a valid passport and return or on-going ticket. Click here for Visa Informations

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Buses: several private buslines connect Pointe-à-Pitre or Basse-Terre with all villages. No timetables, stop on sign.
Taxis: fares are set by the government; they are pretty expensive as soon as you leave the cities.
Rental cars: there are lots of car rentals, but reservations especially between December and April are adviseable.

Sea:
Ferries to the Saintes, Marie Galante, Désirade, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia depart from the Maritime Station in Pointe-à-Pitre.
Ferries to Marie-Galante and Désirade also depart from Saint-François.
Ferries to the Saintes also leave from Trois-Rivières.
Regularly scheduled trips between St Maarten/St Martin, Saba and St Barth from Marigot and Gustavia
Companies:
L'Express des Iles
Gare Maritime Bergevin, 97110 Point-à-Pitre
Tel: +590-(0)5 90 91 98 27 - Fax: +590-(0)5 90 91 11 05
Brudey
Gare Maritime Bergevin, 97110 Point-à-Pitre
Tel: +590-(0)5 90 90 04 48 - Fax: +590-(0)5 90 93 00 79
Caribbean Ferries
Gare Maritime Bergevin, 97110 Point-à-Pitre
Tel: +590-(0)5 90 82 05 05 - Fax: +590-(0)5 90 82 05 07
VOYAGER
Centre Commercial Baie Nettle, 97150 St Martin, FWI
Tel : +590-(0)5 90 87 10 68 -Fax +590-(0)5 90 29 34 79
OYSTER LINES

Air:

Transatlantic: Air Canada, Air France, Americain Airlines, KLM (only to Saint Martin) serve Guadeloupe at the moment.
Caribbean: Air Caraïbes, Air Antilles Express and Liat connect the islands of Guadeloupe and the Caribbean.

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CUSTOMS

No duties for personal items (tobacco, camera, films). Other goods, including weapons are subject to French legislation.
The export of plants is prohibited except cut flowers from flower shops

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COMMUNICATIONS

The Zip code for Guadeloupe is: 971xx
Besides the post offices, stamps can be bought at some news stands.

Telecommunication: The country code for Guadeloupe is 590.
Calls from Overseas: internal code + country code 590 followed by the 9 digits of the telephone number (++590-5 90 21 04 32 (fixed set) or ++590-6 90 41 09 23 (mobile phone)).
Within the department of Guadeloupe (including the main island Guadeloupe, the Saintes, Marie-Galante, Désirade, Saint-Martin, Saint-Bartholomew), from France or another French Overseas Department, only the 10 digit phone number is necessary (05 90 21 04 32 (fixed set) or 06 90 41 09 23 (mobile phone)).
Oversea calls: international dial code 00.

Calling cards or credit cards are needed for most of the local phone booths, only a few accept coins. You can get calling cards at the post offices.

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SOCIAL PROFILE

Food & Drink: Predominantly seafood, cooked in French, Creole, African or South-East Asian styles. Dishes include lobster, turtle, red snapper, conch and sea urchin. Island specialities include stuffed crab, stewed conch, roast wild goat, jugged rabbit and broiled dove. The spicy flavour of Creole cuisine is unique. The more formal restaurants will require appropriate dress. Drinks include a great supply of French wines, champagnes, liqueurs and local rum. A local speciality, Rum Punch (a brew of rum, lime, bitter and syrup), is a must. There are no licensing restrictions.

Nightlife: There are plenty of restaurants, bars and discos, with displays of local dancing and music. The famous dance of the island is called the Biguine, where colourful and ornate Creole costumes are still worn.

Special Events: There are many local festivals and special events, both Roman Catholic and Creole. For details, contact the Office du Tourisme (see Contact Addresses section). The following special event is occurring in Guadeloupe in 2005:
Aug 10 Festival of the Women Cooks (a culinary nirvana proclaimed as one of Guadeloupe’s most spectacular events), Pointe-á-Pitre.

Social Conventions: The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. Casual dress is accepted everywhere, but formal dress is needed for dining out and in nightclubs.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Economy: Guadeloupe’s economy is relatively diverse by regional standards – with agriculture, light industry and tourism as its main components – but remains heavily dependent on French aid and is vulnerable to the vagaries of the Caribbean climate. Bananas and sugar are the main export commodities, accounting for over one-third of total foreign earnings (although the banana trade is threatened by a World Trade Organization ruling preventing preferential access to European markets). Coffee, cocoa and vanilla are the other important cash crops. Industry is largely devoted to processing agricultural products and light manufactured goods such as boats. Tourism is a key and fast-growing sector; mainly ecotourism and a growing market for cruise ship stopovers. France supplies most of the island’s imports and takes three-quarters of its exports.

Business: Lightweight suits, safari suits, and shirt and tie are recommended for business meetings. Best times to visit are January to March and June to September. Much of the island’s business is connected to France. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1800.

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GUADELOUPE HEALTH & EMERGENCIES

Guadeloupe is a French Department, therefore the health care system is excellent. Unlike most tropical regions, there are almost no communicable diseases or those transmitted by parasites. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals, except as noted below.
Some good advices:

Sun screen with a high SPF is highly recommended. The region is located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator !
Don't stay under the Manchineel tree (similar to an apple tree). It has caustic and mildly poisonous sap. Don't touch the leaves or eat the fruits. The juices burn the skin. The main island of the Guadeloupe archipelago is cleared of most of these trees, but there are still plenty of them on the Saintes and on Saint-Barth - very often marked with warning signs.
Some fish, especially around the northern islands eat poisoned seaweed which can lead to severe food poisoning in humans. Therefore, if you catch a fish, show it to a native (or a cat).
The black sea-urchin with its very long and dangerous spines is poisonous. However, you can eat the white sea-urchin.
Swimming in some rivers is dangerous because of Bilharziosis (a parasitic disease). Normally there are warning signs.
Beware of the Scolopendra (millepede with a shell). Its sting is similar to that of a scorpion.
Be aware of stray dogs at the beaches, because they can transmit worms. Wear your sandals to the beach and use a mat.
Some mosquitos transmit the Dengue virus, similar to a severe flu; use mosquito repellent and sleep under mosquito nets or in rooms with air conditioning.
Last but not least, practice safe sex. Be aware that sexually transmitted diseases, (primarily Aids) are more common in Guadeloupe than in any other French Department.

Office Départemental du Tourisme, Tel: +590-(0)5 90 82.09.30, Fax: +590-(0)5 90 83.89.22
Office du Tourisme de la Basse-Terre, Tel.: +590-(0)5 90 81.61.54, Fax: +590-(0)5 90 81.18.10
Office du Tourisme de Marie-Galante, Tel.: +590-(0)5 90 97 56 51, Fax: +590-(0)5 90 97 56 54
E-Mail: info@ot-mariegalante.com
Office du Tourisme - Syndicat d'Initiative du Moule, Tel.: +590-(0)5 90 23 89 03, Fax: +590-(0)5 90 23 03 58
E-Mail: info@ot-lemoule.com
Office Municipal du Tourisme des Saintes, Tel.: +590-(0)5 90 99 58 60
E-Mail: omt.lessaintes@wanadoo.fr
Office du Tourisme de Saint-Martin: Tel.: +590-(0)5 90 87.57.23, Fax: +590-(0)5 90 87.56.43
E-mail: stmartin@megatropic.com
Office du Tourisme de Gustavia: Tel.: +590-(0)5 90 27.87.27, Fax: +590-(0)5 90 27.74.47

SHOPPING

Worthwhile purchases are French imports, including perfume, wine, liqueurs and Lalique crystal. Local items include fine-flavoured rum, straw goods, bamboo hats, voodoo dolls, and objects of aromatic Vetevier root. Travellers cheques give a 20 per cent discount in some shops. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800, Sat 0830-1300.

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CURRENCY/MONEY

The currency is the Euro.
Most banks and bank machines accept most international credit cards.
Credit cards: are welcomed almost everywhere, the best known is Visa.
Cheques: Traveller Cheques are accepted.
Bring some cash for small expenses !

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TIPPING

Service and tax are included in the prices, but tips are always welcome.

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GUADELOUPE CLIMATE & CLOTHING

Climate: The most common misconception about the West Indies is that it must be much hotter in summer than it is during the rest of the year. In fact, the average monthly temperatures remain remarkably stable, varying by only about 5º Fahrenheit year-round. This stability can be attributed to the tradewinds (Les Alizés) which bring refreshing breezes from the northeast throughout the year. Summer is actually a great time to visit the islands because lodging rates are much lower and the beaches, roads and restaurants are not crowded. Of course, winter and the Christmas/New Year holidays are traditionally the most popular time to go. Most holiday reservations are made months in advance.

December through May is considered the dry season, while June through November is considered the more humid season. However, in our experience, rain showers or clear skies can occur at any time during the year. In general, rainstorms pass quickly and the sun shines on most days. Average air temperatures in coastal areas range from 22º to 30º C (72º to 86º F) and in inland areas, from 19º to 27º C (66º to 81º F). Naturally, travelers will find more rain and cooler temperatures in the rain forests and higher elevations. The warm coastal water temperatures stay between 20º and 23º C (68º and 74º F).

Clothing: Light and casual clothes are suitable days and evenings, suits and ties are not necessary. For those attending mass at church, smart casual attire is necessary. Don't wear swim suits in the city; it is considered bad manners.
Don't forget rain protection, sweaters and waterproof hiking shoes for hiking trips in the rain forest.

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SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Watersports: Guadeloupe’s beaches are good for swimming, and the sand varies depending on the area: Grande-Terre has white sand, and the sand on the leeward coast is brown, while black-sand beaches can be found on the western end of Basse-Terre. Nude and topless sunbathing is restricted to just a few beaches. Snorkelling and diving can be practised widely, and there are several commercial operators offering equipment hire, courses and diving trips. Snorkellers can usually access coral reefs directly from the beaches. Divers should note that harpoons and artificial lights are strictly prohibited. Glass-bottomed boats operate at several marine nature reserves on Petite-Terre and Basse-Terre. Marine species such as lobsters and sea turtles are protected, and visitors should familiarise themselves with Guadeloupe’s conservation policies upon arrival. There are good facilities (such as boat charters and equipment hire) for fishing, including deep-sea fishing. In maritime reserves fishing is either forbidden or strongly regulated; visitors should enquire locally. Small-boat sailing and water-skiing are both popular. Guadeloupe hosts a number of regional and international sailing competitions and there are sailing schools throughout the islands. Pleasure sailing boats do not require a licence.

Walking: The National Park of Guadeloupe provides around 300km (188 miles) of marked trails leading into the rainforest, where visitors can observe many tropical animals and plants. The scenery on these walks often includes waterfalls (such as the Cascade aux Ecrevisses) or lakes (such as the Grand Etang). On Grande-Terre, hiking trails lead through the mangrove or along the cliffs of the Atlantic coast. For further information, contact the Office du Tourisme (see Contact Addresses section).

Other: Horse riding and mountain climbing are also possible. There is a well-known 18-hole golf course, the Sainte-Françoise, designed by Robert Trent Jones.

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TIME ZONE

Local time on Guadeloupe is GMT - 4 year-round.
That is: a time difference of 5 hours in winter and 6 hours in summer with central Europe.
Time difference with the US Eastcoast: 1 hour during winter time (no time difference in summer).
Sunrise between 5.00 and 6.00 am, sunset between 6.00 and 6.30 pm

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Guadeloupe Travel Tips

GUADELOUPE TRAVEL TIPS
A collection of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.

Guadeloupe Travel Tips

GUADELOUPE TRAVEL TIPS A collection of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.

GUADELOUPE TRAVEL TIPS
A collection of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.