The French territory of Guadeloupe, south of Antigua and north of Dominica, boasts a spirited Creole influence from its French and African roots. Christopher Columbus arrived on the island in 1493 and named it after the sanctuary of Santa Maria de Guadalupe de Estremadura. It was originally called Karuk?ra, or Island of Beautiful Waters by the Carib Indians. In the 1600s the French colonized the island, trading spices, sugar, tobacco, and rum. It is actually several islands scattered about, with the capital island comprised of two parts’Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. The French part of St. Martin and the island of St. Barth also belong to Guadeloupe, along with several smaller islands.
Grande-Terre beckons more tourists with its incredible beaches and top hotels, while Basse-Terre offers dense tropical forests, high mountains, and picturesque waterfalls. The island is famous for its many windmills and beautiful scenery. Pointe-?-Pitr” is the largest commercial city, with many interesting sights and architecture. Guadeloupe entertains its visitors with every conceivable watersport, as well as with abounding nightspots, discos, a variety of piano and jazz bars, and a few casinos. Visitors enjoy folk dancing troupes performing to dance music called Zouk, created in Guadeloupe.
Guadeloupe offers excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, thanks to the near constant trade winds that blow through most of the Caribbean. A few major international windsurfing events are held each year on the island.
Several scheduled carriers serve passengers flying into Guadeloupe’s Point ? Pitre Airport (PTP).
Typical Caribbean weather provides a year-round warm climate for Guadeloupe, with the trade winds offering cooling breezes. Average monthly temperatures range between 72°F and 86°F in the coastal areas; a bit cooler inland. The rainy season from July to November brings regular showers, which rarely last long enough to ruin the day. Summers are typically more humid than winters.
International access code: 590. When calling Guadeloupe from a land line in the US, first dial 011 to access an international connection, then dial the country code of 590?twice?then the six-digit local number. Other islands of the French Antilles?St. Barts, French St. Martin?are part of the same phone network as Guadeloupe and require no prefixes. Communications numbers include AT&T Direct 0800/99-00-11; MCI 0800/99-00-19, and Sprint 0800/99-00-87.
Currency: Euro. Major credit cards accepted at larger establishments. Hotel lobbies offer currency exchange, but at higher rates than the currency exchange ATM at the airport. ATMs throughout the island take credit and bank cards.
Meals
- Low-end: ?5-15
- Middle: ?15-25
- High: ?25-35
- Gourmet: ?35+
Lodging
- Low-end: ?30-60
- Middle: ?60-90
- High: ?90-120
- Deluxe: ?120+
Passport & Visa
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, or the European Union require a passport but do not require a Visa. Citizens of most other countries require both a valid passport and a visa for France. EU citizens require an official identity card, passport, or valid French carte de s?jour. All travelers require proof of a return or onward ticket.
Guadeloupe operates on a 220V/50Hz cycle electric current.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for all visitors.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for those who may make intimate contact with local residents, especially for stays longer than 6 months.
- Yellow Fever: Required for visitors arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.
- Routine Immunizations: All visitors should have up-to-date tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and varicella immunizations.
Official language: French. Locals speak a Creole dialect. English is occasionally heard in larger hotels and restaurants, but the majority of locals do not speak English.
Crime is not a serious issue, yet common sense dictates that valuables never are left unattended, especially on the beach or in a car. The streets of Pointe-?-Pitre are practically empty at night, and may pose a threat for purse snatching or other theft.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -4 hours
Restaurants automatically add a 15% service charge, and most hotels add 10-15%. Taxes are included in hotel room rates. Taxi drivers usually own their own taxis and don?t expect a tip, however an additional 10% is welcome for exceptional service.
