Guadeloupe, Caribbean Cruise Port

Located in the Leeway Islands, Guadeloupe is a French-owned island and is part of the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles. It’s actually made up of two sister islands known as Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, which nearly touch and are only separated by a small, natural isthmus. Its main port is Pointe-a-Pitre, which is also Guadeloupe’s second-largest city and main seaport. The port town on its own has a metropolitan population of over 300,000 people, making the harbor and cityscape bustling centers of commerce. Also a duty-free port, the island has the reputation of being one of the best places for shopping in the entire Caribbean. The fare on the main streets creates quite the spectacle, but the true beauty can be found off the beaten path in little shops and hangouts that offer drinks, food and interesting souvenirs. The island has a history of literary excellence, along with native music and dances reflecting their proud culture.

• Hidden away among the forest side of the island is an oasis called Les Saintes. Aside from a beautiful beach, the small streets are modeled after a quaint French village.
   
• Petite Terre is a place best explored via catamaran. It keeps the small cove peaceful without the roaring engines of larger boats and allows visitors to explore the charming rock formations.
   
• Pointe-a-Pitre’s Memorial Acte is a stunning and powerful tribute to and guided history of the harrowing slave trade, and slavery as a whole.
   
• The hilly Pointe des Chateaux is a great place to hike; first up to the cross at the top of the craggy hill, and then along the wonderful sandy beach that lines the wavering rapids.