The Guadeloupe Islands Open for Business

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Fully vaccinated Americans are being welcomed back to The Guadeloupe Islands in the Southern Caribbean. The island group is open for business- the tourism business that is, and nonstop flights from the US are scheduled to resume this month.

Starting last month, fully vaccinated individuals (who have received the full set of shots from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson) will need to show both proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test (taken within72 hours) or antigen test (taken within 48 hours) of arriving in the islands. Furthermore, visitors from the U.S. must also present a sworn statement confirming that they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and have not had recent contact with an infected person.

If the above conditions are met, the traveler no longer needs to submit to a quarantine period. These restrictions are for adults and children aged 12 and above. Children 11 and under are exempt.

Air France is the first airline to resume non-stop flights to the French Caribbean archipelago, leaving from Miami, Fl beginning July 13. American Airlines and JetBlue will resume their service in November. The frequency of flights will ramp up come December.

The Tourism Board of Guadeloupe, which consists of 5 islands of pristine Caribbean beaches and lush rainforest surrounded by crystalline waters is anticipating a trickle of vacationers to start and hope to be back in full tourism swing for their usual busy winter season. Those who want to take an island break earlier will be enticed by promised discounted accommodations (booked before mid-October).

Guadeloupe’s Pointe-a-Pitre International Airport will offer a COVID-19 testing center for travelers needing to test on arrival or who need to produce a negative test result upon arrival back home.

So, now we have the entry and exit down pat, what do we do when we arrive at this multi-island paradise?

Here are the top things to do in Guadeloupe.

The Guadeloupe National Park on the island of Basse-Terre is the French archipelago’s biggest draw with a little something for everyone.

For lovers of hiking in the great outdoors, the chance to conquer the soaring La Soufriere Volcano, towering above the misty montane forests should not be missed. The route to the top is challenging but beautiful, with well-maintained walking paths weaving into the woods, over rivers and up to the summit of the stratovolcano. The popular Le Pas du Roy track is around five hours return.

If that seems a little too taxing for an island getaway, hidden deep amidst the rainforests of the National Park is Carbet Falls. Cascading down the volcanic mountains with water misting over the Guadeloupe jungles, the first two cataracts can be easily reached on the winding hiking trails of the La Grande Soufriere foothills. The third is reserved for the more intrepid hiker and offers plunge pools to cool off from their efforts.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife. The Guadeloupe National Park is hailed as one of the most biodiverse areas in the entire Caribbean.

Want to skip the hikes? Then relax on the seemingly endless beaches the five islands offer. La Grande-Anse Beach, on Basse-Terre is one of the most celebrated in Guadeloupe.

Quintessential Caribbean palm trees hug the shoreline all around the arched bay which opens up to the jungle-encased hills. The beach runs for a kilometer around the Basse-Terre coastline, there’s room for all sun worshippers…including the bountiful iguanas.

For something a little different, visit Plage Pompierre on Terre-de-Haut and relax with the goats! Yes, goats roam freely along the sands of the inlet, so be careful where you leave your lunch or snacks!

Get your rum fix in Guadeloupe at The Musée du Rhum of Sainte Rose. Located on the north shore of Basse-Terre, travelers can learn all there is to know about the Caribbean’s most famous alcoholic export…and of course get a taste-test or two at the end of each tour.

Never fear if this museum/distillery is a little too crowded with tourists for your liking, you have plenty of other options. Locals and the more chill tourist appreciate Distillerie Bielle on the island of Marie-Galante—the round, flat island to the southeast which feels a world away. This easygoing island boasts copious beaches and a few towns that would be better described as villages, including Grand-Bourg where you will find Distillerie Bielle for all your rum tasting and rum shopping needs.

Need some different authentic souvenirs from your stay? The markets at Pointe-à-Pitre on Grande-Terre have been the commercial hub on the island for more than 400 years. Old landowners would come here to sell their stacks of sugarcane; bottled rum and spices. The history can still be felt at these markets now selling souvenirs like wood crafts and hammocks, sarongs, and shells alongside fish, flowers, and spices.

With so much to see and do on the islands of Guadeloupe, many wonder where they should look for accommodations. You needn’t worry though, as it takes less than 6 hours to drive both Basse Terre and Grande Terre. With dozens of very affordable car rental locations, you can visit many places on both the largest islands. Fancy a trip to the smaller 3 islands? Just hope on one of the regular ferries.

One last word on Guadeloupe- while the island is throwing out the Bienvenue tapis, the U.S. State Department has advised Americans to reconsider travel to the French West Indies, including Guadeloupe. This declaration was made in mid-June due to health and safety measures and Covid-related conditions. As of July 2, Guadeloupe has reported 17,539 Covid-19 cases, including 267 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.