Guadeloupe Travel Guide

Social Conventions

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

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Air Caraïbes (TX) (www.aircaraibes.com). Air France (AF) (www.airfrance.co.uk) and Corsairfly (SS) (www.corsairfly.com) also have routes to the islands.

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) Airport (Le Raizet) (www.guadeloupe.aeroport.fr) is 3km (2 miles) from Pointe-à-Pitre. The airport has two international terminals: Guadeloupe Pôle Caraibes and Le Raizet. To/from the airport: Buses and taxis to the city are available. Car hire is available. Facilities: Banks/ bureau de change, ATM, duty-free shops, hairdresser, post office, restaurants/bars and tourist information.

Getting There By Water

Guadeloupe is a point of call for international cruise operators. Many ships ply between Guadeloupe and Martinique, and also connect with Miami and San Juan (Puerto Rico).

Ferries and catamarans sail regularly from Pointe-à-Pitre to Dominica, Martinique and St Lucia. Compagnie Générale Maritime has weekly ‘banana boats’ carrying passengers between Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica and St Lucia.

Duty Free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Guadeloupe by travelers over the age of 17.

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarellos or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits ot 2L of alcoholic beverages up to 22%. 2L of wine.

Prohibited Imports

Plants and vegetables of any sort are prohibited, as are animals and food of animal origin from Haiti.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Air Caraïbe (TX) (www.aircaraibes.com) and LIAT (LI) (www.liatairline.com) connect Guadeloupe with the smaller islands in the group. There are domestic airports on the islands of La Désirade and Marie-Galante.

Getting Around By Water

L'Express des Iles (www.express-des-iles.com) provides services from Guadeloupe to Martinique (about three hours) and Dominica (just under three hours) and St Lucia. It is also one of several ferry companies that offer inter-island services between Guadeloupe and the off-islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and Désirade. Travel time is about an hour.

Leave from Pointe à Pitre to go to les Saintes, Marie-Galante and Désirade, from Trois Rivières to go to Les Saintes (Societe Maritime des Iles du Sude), and from Saint François or Saint-Anne to go to Marie-Galante and Désirade (Comatrile). Marie-Galante and Les Saintes are served several times a day.

Getting Around By Road

Roads are generally good on Guadeloupe and vehicles drive on the right. Drivers are skillful but everyone seems to be in a hurry and tailgating is common.

When entering roundabouts, always yield to others and stay to the right until you see your exit. If you have an appointment to keep, allow extra time for slow moving trucks or groups of bicyclists (cycling is a major sport on the island), since many roads are only two lanes.

The Point de la Gabare bridge over the Rivière Salée connects the two main islands of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre.

Bus: There is regular bus service throughout the island. Buses arrive at most areas roughly every 15 minutes. Buses run from 0500 until 1800. There are bus-stop signs and shelters but a wave to the driver from the roadside will usually get you aboard. Buses are inexpensive and can be fun, but might be time consuming because of all the stops.

Taxi: Taxis are available in all the main towns and at the airport when flights are due. Check with the driver for the fare before entering the cab. Fares are 40% higher between 2100 and 0700 daily and on Sundays and holidays.

Car hire: Since Guadeloupe is a large island with many interesting places to visit, renting a car is the best way to get around. Vehicle rentals can be arranged in advance by calling the large, international companies, most of which are based at the international airport. Local car rental companies operate from the airport and other island locations on the island. Most larger hotels offer car rental services to their clients. Traffic rules and signage are the same as in France. Renters must be at least 21 years of age.

Documentation: For stays of 20 days or less, a valid driver's license is needed. For longer stays, an international driver's permit is necessary. Car rental companies will provide drivers with emergency contact information.