Discover the sumptuous landscapes of the Guadeloupe National Park

Proud of its remarkable natural heritage, and driven by the desire to preserve the tropical forest and seabed of Basse-Terre, the Conseil Général de la Guadeloupe has been highlighting its territory since the 1970s.

Known at the time as the "Guadeloupe Nature Park", this protected area joined the ranks of French national parks in February 1989, becoming the first national park in overseas France. It wasn't until 1987 that the Grand Cul-de-sac marin nature reserve was created, adding to the richness of the Guadeloupe National Park.

Combining a terrestrial zone with a large marine area, this Caribbean park is now renowned the world over for its remarkable biodiversity. To preserve this exceptional flora and fauna, the Park's research teams and staff take daily action to protect the environment, while at the same time welcoming the public.

Between tropical forests and mountain ranges, the terrestrial part of the Guadeloupe National Park is a veritable playground for hikers and other nature lovers. Along the coast or in the heart of the Guadeloupean countryside, more than 300 kilometres of paths criss-cross this unique territory. Notable sites include the three Carbet waterfalls - the highest of which is over 115 metres high - the Lézarde jump and the Écrevisses waterfall. These magnificent natural sites, ranked among the most visited in Guadeloupe, and the whole of the National Park offer countless opportunities for visits. So it's no surprise that many tourists decide to stay in the park and spend several days exploring it.

But as well as breathtaking scenery and lush vegetation, the land areas of the Parc national de la Guadeloupe are also home to many animal species. It's not unusual to come across iguanas and raccoons, or mongooses in the cultivated areas. The coastline is also a favourite haunt for birds: herons, frigate birds and ortolans, while hummingbirds nest close to houses to feed.

Nicknamed "the old lady", La Soufrière is an active volcano located in the south of Basse-Terre, in the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park. Still active - the last eruption dates back to 1976 - this imposing volcano constantly emits fumaroles and is one of nine active volcanoes in the Caribbean.

Often shrouded in cloud, its summit reaches an altitude of 1,467 metres. Despite this, it is easily accessible via small footpaths that criss-cross the sides of the crater. It only takes two hours to climb on foot. However, beware of the temperatures, which are high at the bottom but drop rapidly with altitude and humidity, reaching less than 10°C at the top of the volcano. Don't forget to bring your swimming costume, though, as there are hot springs where you can bathe in what looks like a whirlpool bath... with the added smell of sulphur!

With a surface area of around 135,000 hectares, most of which is located in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin bay, the maritime area of the Guadeloupe National Park is made up of several ecosystems: mangroves, phanerogam meadows (considered to be "nurseries for rare marine species") and more than 39 kilometres of coral reef.

Guadeloupe's seabed is teeming with plant and animal life. Corals, gorgonians and sponges form a coral reef that is home to around 250 species of fish, including the small surgeon, the trunkfish, the parrotfish and the angelfish, as well as moray eels, crustaceans, anemones, jellyfish, starfish and sea cucumbers. Several species of turtle have also made their home in Guadeloupe's waters. Finally, off Guadeloupe, you're likely to spot dolphins, sperm whales and whales.

Please note that scuba diving is strictly prohibited in the Guadeloupe National Park, with the exception of the Passe Colas dive site. However, snorkelling is permitted under supervision, with a number of companies organising daily half-day expeditions.

Located mainly in the Grand Cul de Sac marin, the mangrove is a marshy area made up of trees and shrubs, mainly mangroves. There are several types of mangrove: the seaside mangrove, dominated by red mangrove trees with their feet permanently in the water; the shrubby mangrove, dominated by black mangrove trees; and the tall mangrove, made up of white mangrove trees.

A veritable ecosystem, the mangrove provides a habitat for many aquatic organisms. However, the mangroves have often been destroyed and replaced by housing or industrial zones. Today, a number of companies offer boat trips for tourists to discover the richness of these swampy forests, which are essential to the island's equilibrium.