With the waters of the caribbean and the tropical rainforest, guadeloupe is the ideal destination for children to enjoy a wide range of activities.
Children aged 2 to 3 years
The crystal-clear shallow water at the beach of Sainte-Anne is, without a doubt, the best place for toddlers to splash around while their parents live the dream.
Tropical plants and flowers, multicolored birds and pink flamingos… the Botanical Gardens of Deshaies are a sight to behold! The visit is perfectly suitable for young children in strollers.
A trip by boat to the Nature Reserve of the Bay of Grand-Cul-de-Sac Marin is well worth the effort. You will discover the mangroves and explore the seabed. This lagoon of 15,000 hectares is home to a unique fauna of sea birds, fish, turtles and shellfish… As well as around fifty species of coral and over 150 species of mollusks that are found in this open-air aquarium!
Children aged 4 to 10 years
When it’s too hot outside, they will enjoy a visit to Gosier Aquarium. There are around fifty tanks displaying the local ecosystems. The Aquarium recently added a touch tank where visitors learn the respectful way to approach some of the marine species. It is also equipped with the latest technology, providing a fun, interactive exploration of the marine world.
An introduction to scuba diving is possible, at the Cousteau reserve for example… from the age of 8! A children’s dream.
Kids absolutely must visit the zoo at Les Mamelles. The zoo covers 4 hectares of tropical rainforest and houses 85 Caribbean species of wildlife. Children will jump for joy and squeal with delight at the sight of parrots, monkeys, the big cats and the rhino beetle, one of the biggest insects in the world!
For fun in the water, we highly recommend the waterslides at Valombreuse gardens in Petit-Bourg.
Nearby, the Cascade aux Ecrevisses (Crayfish waterfall) is easy to reach. If the children are well-behaved, treat them to a picnic and let them take a dip!
Individually or in groups, exploring new horizons by canoe-kayak is a fun activity to be enjoyed in full autonomy!
Children aged 11 to 17 years
For board-sport enthusiasts in search of a thrill, surfing is a physical activity that can be tried from the age of 8. It is a glorious feeling to ride your first wave!
Moving from branch to branch, crossing rope bridges, overcoming a fear of heights… The treetop adventure trail “Le Tapeur” at Pointe-Noire promises an educational afternoon filled with fun and laughter.
Looking for an unusual way to celebrate a birthday? Why not hire a donut-shaped boat (no license needed) with its own onboard barbecue? Go to the turquoise lagoon of Saint-François for a festive excursion like no other.
All you need are a mask, snorkel and flippers, and there are numerous snorkeling sites in Guadeloupe. Who will find the most beautiful fish? We highly recommend a trip to Petite-Terre, to see the turtles, young lemon sharks, angel fish, barracudas, etc.
Try to keep your balance as you paddle along in a standing position on a paddleboard. The first to fall loses! Excursions available from Vieux-Bourg and Morne-à-l’Eau.
Want to take to the sea or just learn to maneuver the sail with friends and experience the thrill of tacking? There are several sailing schools all over the Guadeloupe islands. A real pirate’s holiday!
Faustine François
