An active volcano, 1,467 m: fumaroles and a view over the archipelago
At a glance
- Theme
- Guided hikes
- Duration
- 4–5 h
- Season
- Drier December — May; start early in the morning
- Start
- Basse-Terre
From Bains Jaunes the trail climbs through rainforest and high-altitude mosses to the summit plateau with its steaming vents. The guide knows which sections are open: the crater area is closed when gas is being released.
The summit is in cloud most days, and wind and rain up there are the norm: bring a waterproof and a warm layer even if it is 30 °C on the coast.
Where to book
We describe a type of tour, not a specific offer. Prices, schedules and availability are on the booking platforms. Duration and season are a rough guide.
Departure point on the map
Purple dot: departure area (approximate); orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay near the start
All places to stay in the area →
Things to see nearby
Hike
La Soufrière from Bains Jaunes
A climb to the highest point in the Lesser Antilles through cloud forest≈ 1.6 km
Hike
Carbet Falls
Guadeloupe's most famous waterfall, along a built path through the forest≈ 4.2 km
Hike
Cascade aux Écrevisses
A short walk to a waterfall beside the Route de la Traversée≈ 17 km
Beach
Pompierre beach
A sheltered cove on Les Saintes with goats and iguanas≈ 19 kmOther tours in Guadeloupe
All tours →
Sea and lagoon
Cousteau Reserve: snorkelling and divingThe Pigeon Islets off Malendure beach — corals, sponges, turtles
2–3 hAll year; best visibility December — May
Sea and lagoon
The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin lagoonMangroves, sand islets and a barrier reef by boat from Sainte-Rose
Half a day to a full dayAll year
History and towns
A day on Les SaintesBy ferry to Terre-de-Haut: the bay, Fort Napoléon and Pompierre beach
A full dayAll year
Rum, wine, vanilla
Marie-Galante: rum and beachesThe island of a hundred windmills: three distilleries and empty beaches
A full dayAll year; cane harvest February — June
Whales, dolphins, turtles
Whales and dolphins of the leeward coastOut to sea from Bouillante and Deshaies, into the marine mammal sanctuary
3–4 hDolphins and sperm whales all year; humpback whales January — April
Sea and lagoon
Petite-Terre nature reserveTwo uninhabited islets: iguanas, a lagoon and a lighthouse
A full dayDecember — June; visitor numbers are limited