Practical Information

Emergency numbers

• SAMU (Emergency Medical Assistance Service)
  15
• Fire Brigade
  18
• Police Station
  17 - 85 38 20
• Services for the Deaf
  114
• Shelter for the Homeless
  115
• Child Abuse Centre
  119
• Missing Children
  116 000
• AIDS Info Service
  0800 840 800

Offices of Tourism and “Syndicats d'Initiative” (Chambers of Commerce)

• Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Committee:
  0590 82 09 30 - www.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
   
• Abymes (Les) :    
  0590 20 10 83
   
• Anse-Bertrand :
  0590 85 73 11
   
• Basse Terre : Off. Tour. intercom. Sud Basse-Terre (OTISBT) :
  0590 86 05 81
   
• Tourism Office
  0590 32 51 01
   
• Bouillante :
  0590 98 86 87
   
• Deshaies :
  0590 68 01 48
   
• Désirade (La) :
  0590 84 61 39
   
• Gosier (Le) :
  0590 84 80 80
   
• Gourbeyre :
  0590 92 21 64
   
• Grand-Bourg :
  0590 97 56 51
   
• Moule (Le) :
  0590 23 89 03
   
• Petit-Bourg :
  0590 60 12 31
   
• Pointe-à-Pitre :
  0590 90 70 02
   
• Pointe-Noire :
  0590 99 92 43
   
• Port-Louis :
  0590 85 55 39
   
• Sainte-Anne :
  0590 21 23 83
   
• Sainte-Rose :
  0590 20 20 48
   
• Saint-François :
  0590 68 66 81
   
• Terre-de-Bas :
  0590 92 29 90
   
• Terre-de-Haut :
  0590 94 30 61
   
• Trois-Rivières :
  0590 92 77 01
   
• Vieux-Fort :
  0690 63 96 39

Sailboat rentals

• VPM Bestsail :
  0590 20 12 52

Speedboats
LES SAINTES
Departure Saint-François
• BABOU ONE - 0690 26 60 69 / 0590 47 50 31
• IGUANA BEACH - 0590 22 26 31 / 0690 50 05 10
Departure Trois-Rivières
• VAL’ FERRY - 0590 914 515 / 0590 574 574
• DEHER - 0590 92 06 39
Departure Pointe-à-Pitre
• EXPRESS DES ILES - 0 825 35 90 00

MARIE-GALANTE
Departure Saint-François
• IGUANA BEACH - 0590 22 26 31 / 0690 50 05 10
• BABOU ONE - 0690 26 60 69 / 0590 47 50 31
Departure Pointe-à-Pitre
• VAL’ FERRY - 0590 914 515 / 0590 574 574
• EXPRESS DES ILES - 825 35 90 00

LA DÉSIRADE
Departure Saint-François
• ARCHIPEL - 0690 30 86 07 / 0690 53 84 14

PETITE-TERRE
Departure Saint-François
• BABOU ONE - 0690 26 60 69 / 0590 47 50 31

Day Cruises

• Paradoxe Croisières :
  0590 88 41 73
• Uhaïna :
  0690 57 79 08

Planes - Pôle Caraïbes Aiport

• Informations - reception centre :
  0590 21 14 72
• Airport Voice server :
  0 892 68 97 55 (0,30 € TTC/min.)
• weather report
  0 892 68 08 08 (0,30 € TTC/min.)

Entry formalities
The Guadeloupe Islands are an overseas territory of France. As such, they are part of Europe. French citizens may enter with a simple ID card or valid passport. Other citizens of the European Union and Switzerland need a passport (no visa required), official ID card, or valid French residency permit. Citizens of foreign countries outside the European Union need a valid passport to enter (visa required for some countries). For further information, consult the Guadeloupe government services website.

Health formalities
No vaccinations are required to visit Guadeloupe. Passengers from tropical countries must present an international vaccination certificate providing proof of immunization against smallpox. Removal or introduction of protected plant species is subject to tight restrictions. Current information is available from customs authorities. For further information, consult the Customs website.

Languages 

French is the official language of Guadeloupe, but Creole is widely used. English is becoming more common among tourist industry professionals.

Climate

There are two seasons in Guadeloupe: the dry season, known as “carême,” which lasts from mid-February until mid-August; and the rainy season, known as “hivernage,” which lasts from mid-August to mid-February.

Time zones 

Guadeloupe Islands / Greenwich Mean Time: UT = - 4 hours.
France / Guadeloupe: Standard time: + 5 hours / Daylight savings time: + 6 hours.
Italy / Guadeloupe: Standard time: + 5 hours / Daylight savings time: + 6 hours.
Germany / Guadeloupe: Standard time: + 5 hours / Daylight savings time: + 6 hours.
Belgium / Guadeloupe: Standard time: + 5 hours / Daylight savings time: + 6 hours.
Canada (Quebec) / Guadeloupe: No time difference.
United States (east coast) / Guadeloupe: Time difference: - 1 hour.
United States (west coast) / Guadeloupe: Time difference: - 4 hours.

Water, Electricity

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Guadeloupe. Stores and restaurants carry mineral water of excellent quality from both local springs and sources in mainland France. Electricity is 220 volts AC - 50 Hertz.

Currency, banks, exchange

Guadeloupe’s legal currency is the euro. Coins and notes are identical to those used in France and throughout Europe. The major French banks have branches in Guadeloupe, which are generally open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some branches are also open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Non-local checks (“chèques hors place") are generally not accepted, which explains the popularity of the “Carte Bleue,” or debit cards (ATM machines are easy to find in all Guadeloupe communes). Visitors may exchange foreign currency and traveler’s checks for local currency at all banks and most hotels. There are also a few ATM machines and foreign currency exchange offices in and around places of arrival (ports and airports). Most hotels, shops, restaurants, and major department stores accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Eurocard).

Postal Services

There are post offices in every commune of Guadeloupe. Postage rates are the same as those of mainland France. For further information, consult the French Postal Service website:  www.laposte.fr.

Telephones 

The Guadeloupe archipelago is served by an automatic telephone exchange, with satellite service to mainland France and foreign countries. As in France, all Guadeloupe telephone numbers have 10 digits.
To make a call to Guadeloupe:
- From mainland France, simply dial the 10-digit number (e.g., 0590 xx xx xx).
- From foreign countries, first dial the international prefix (011 from North America), then 590, followed by the telephone number without the first 0 (i.e., dial 590 twice followed by the six digits of the phone number – for landlines).
To make a call from Guadeloupe:
- To call mainland France, simply dial the 10-digit number (e.g., 01 48 xx xx xx).
- To call foreign countries, first dial the international prefix (00), followed by the country code, the area code, then the telephone number.
Phones booths are located at post offices. They accept prepaid “télécartes” as well as bankcards.
Cell phones: Guadeloupe is served by a number of carriers (900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz). Carriers based in mainland France offer continuity of service (contact your carrier prior to departure to request this feature.)
Nearly all of Guadeloupe is covered by the following carriers:
Orange Caraïbes: Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 38 13 00 - www.orangecaraibe.com
Digicel: Tel.: 08 10 63 56 35 - www.digicel.fr
Only: Tel.: 08 11 52 25 55 - www.only.fr

Airports

Guadeloupe is served by one international airport and six departmental airports.

Aéroport International Guadeloupe Pôle Caraïbes: located in the commune of Les Abymes, this is the main airport of Guadeloupe. It welcomes aircraft of all types serving the archipelago. For further information: www.guadeloupe.aeroport.fr.

Aéroport de Grand-Bourg de Marie-Galante: Grand-Bourg Airport is located in the Les Basses section of Marie-Galante Island. For further information: Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 97 51 00 - Fax: + 590 (0)5 90 97 51 01.
 

Aéroport de Terre-de-Haut: this airport accepts small passenger aircraft. Special qualifications are required to land here. For further information: Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 99 50 32.
 

Aéroport de la Désirade: This small airport serves as an air bridge between this small eastern island and the island of Guadeloupe proper. Easy approach in the direction of the trade winds, but landing can be difficult. For further information: Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 20 03 50 (fire department).

Aérodrome de Saint-François – This airport offers an easy approach and landing.
For further information: Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 88 70 10 - asfc.gwada@orange.fr.
 

Aéroport de Baillif: Baillif Airport accepts small passenger aircraft. Its approach, from the Caribbean Sea, can be difficult. For further information: Tel.: + 590 (0)5 90 26 05 68.

Getting around 

Guadeloupe’s highway system is extensive and well maintained, providing easy access to major tourist attractions. Driving is on the right side of the road. Traffic regulations and road signs are identical to those of Europe. Taxis operate on every island of the archipelago. Taxi stands are indicated by specific signage, and may be found at airports, in front of some hotels, in major cities, and next to bus stations and landing docks. Public transportation is widely available on every island of the archipelago. Comfortable buses may be taken to travel between the various communes. Bus shelters are provided on main roads. Please note:  Buses run less frequently on Sundays. The major car rental agencies, both national and international, have branches here. Their offices are located mainly at airports and major tourist areas. There are also many local rental agencies. In addition, it is possible to rent various types of two-wheeled vehicles, including bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, scooters, and motorcycles. Pleasure boaters may rent sailboats or motorboats, with or without skippers. Regional airlines and maritime transport companies provide shuttle service between the Guadeloupe Islands and the rest of the Caribbean. There are also frequent flights daily.

“Tourisme et Handicap” Label

Since 2007, the Comité du Tourisme des Iles de Guadeloupe (Tourism Committee of the Guadeloupe Islands) has worked in partnership with the Conseil Régional (“Regional Council”) and national government to qualify for the French “Tourisme et Handicap” (“Tourism and Disability”) label. A number of steps have been taken toward this goal, including meeting with organizations representing disabled people in Guadeloupe, training regional assessors, and informing tourist industry professionals. The purpose of the Tourism and Disability label is to encourage tourism professionals to make their attractions and lodgings accessible to people with disabilities, offering them the autonomy they need to enjoy a satisfying vacation and visit recreational areas adapted to their requirements. For further information: COMITE DU TOURISME DES ILES DE GUADELOUPE Tel: +590(0)5 90 82 37 78 - Fax: +590 (0)5 90 83 89 22 - www.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com

Shopping

Each of the Guadeloupe islands has developed its own regional crafts, including sculpture, painting, basketry, indigo, pottery, decorative gourds, madras fabrics, wood carvings, objects made from shells, or objects made from coconut fiber, banana leaves, or latanier palm fronds. All of these may be purchased at artisan craft shops, markets, or specialty boutiques. It is also possible to buy fine artistic works such as traditional Creole-style jewelry or detailed embroidery. Guadeloupe’s white and aged rums are very popular, along with its famous rum punches made from local fruit (guava, maracudja, mombin or “hog plum,” coconut, passion fruit, banana, etc.).
Keep an eye out for locally grown products such as cane sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, cacao, coffee, fruit preserves, and those must-have spices sold in markets. Visit florists for tropical bouquets that can be shipped:  anthuriums (“flamingo lilies”), alpinias, “roses-porcelaines” (“torch lilies”), birds of paradise, etc.

Festivals and events

Numerous celebrations take place in Guadeloupe throughout the year. In addition to concerts, exhibitions, performances, sporting events, and other engagements occurring on an ongoing basis, a number of stand-out events offer visitors a way to experience the deeper culture of Guadeloupe. Every commune commemorates its traditional feast, or patron saint, day, a time of celebration and commemoration of local heritage. The various parades that take place during Carnaval season are a veritable institution in Guadeloupe. Pulling-Bull contests and cockfights attract passionate bettors. Sailing regattas, the eagerly anticipated Tour de Guadeloupe cycling event, and the now famous Karujet jet-skiing competition all have avid followers, as do Guadeloupe’s well known music festivals, which attract huge, enthusiastic crowds. The “Route du Rhum,” a legendary transatlantic single-handed yacht race, takes place every four years, beginning in mainland France (Brittany) and ending here at Pointe-à-Pitre. The dates of these events scheduled set in advance according to a regular timetable. All of the necessary information is available at Offices of Tourism and Syndicats d’Initiative (“chambers of commerce”).

Communal Feast Days:
These patron saint and heritage festivals are organized by local municipalities in partnership with various organizations. They each take place on the same date every year (for more information, contact the local Office of Tourism or Syndicat d'Initiative).

Carnaval:
Carnaval is a major festive and cultural event in Guadeloupe. It begins in January on the Sunday following Epiphany, and ends on Ash Wednesday. During Carnaval season, each commune holds various parades, the major ones being the “Sunday Gras” parade in Pointe-à-Pitre, the “Défilé des Marchandes” on “Monday Gras” in Basse-Terre, the “Monday Gras” Night Parade in Saint-François, the legendary Mardi Gras parade in Basse-Terre, followed by the Ash Wednesday parade, also in Basse-Terre. Carnaval ends with a procession of mourners dressed in black and white, symbolizing the death of Vaval, the King of Carnaval, who is burned on a funeral pyre. For more information: FGC - Fédération Guadeloupéenne du Carnaval - www.lafgc.fr

Pulling-Bull Contests:
Pulling-Bull contests generally take place between June and December. These increasingly popular festive events give local farmers an opportunity to renew contacts and showcase their breeds. Bulls yoked in pairs tow loads of rocks weighing between 1,300 and 1,700 kilograms, depending on the category, over a distance of 90 meters. For more information: Comité Guadeloupéen de Bœufs Tirants, Tel.: 0690 95 45 40 (secretary).

Cockfights:
Although cock fighting is prohibited in most of France, a few areas are exempt from this prohibition, due to long-standing tradition. This is the case in the north of mainland France and in the French Antilles. Cockfights in Guadeloupe take place in “gallodromes” (cock pits), circular areas approximately 5 meters in diameter surrounded by tiered spectator stands. The cockfighting season is from November to April. For more information: Pitt à Coq de Belair et Musée du Pitt à Coq – Tel.: +590 (0)5 90 24 23 70

Traditional Sailing Tour de Guadeloupe:
This annual event is extremely popular throughout Guadeloupe, with spectators tracking every stage. The races between traditional “canots saintois" (fishing boats without decks native to the Saintes islands) attract more competitors each year. Sailing these boats requires both excellent technique and strong team cohesion. For more information: Comité Guadeloupéen de Voile Traditionnelle - www.voiletraditionnelleguadeloupe.org

International Tour de Guadeloupe cycling event:
2017 will mark the 66th “Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe.” For approximately ten days during the first half of August, about 30 teams—a dozen of which generally come from mainland France and foreign countries—compete in this 1,200-km, multi-stage road race. The category 2.2 race is part of the UCI America Tour. It is a festive occasion eagerly anticipated by Guadeloupians, whose passion for cycling has become legendary. For more information: Comité Régional de Cyclisme de la Guadeloupe - www.guadeloupecyclisme.com

Karujet: Each year in March or April, the world’s best jet-skiers gather in Guadeloupe (Viard Beach in Petit-Bourg) to participate in Karujet, considered to be the first stage in preparing for the French and European jet-skiing championships. Over eleven countries are represented. Karujet is a can’t-miss event not only for jet-skiers, but for extreme sports lovers of every type; 20,000 visitors, evening events, presentations, exhibitors’ booths - www.karujet.com

Terre de Blues Music Festival:
This annual music festival is held during Pentecost on the island of Marie-Galante. Eagerly anticipated not only by music-lovers, but also by local businesses and residents, it offers a variety of music that, depending on the year, can include African beats, salsa, jazz, reggae, traditional Caribbean zouk music, blues, Black American music, world music, and pop. Local artists perform alongside musicians from every part of the globe. A popular event across the entire Caribbean. Exhibits, food, arts and crafts - www.terredeblues.com


“Fèt a Kabrit“ (“Goat Festival”):
This festive event showcasing goat products attracts many tourists to La Désirade Island each year over Easter weekend. Visitors enjoy games, lectures, presentations, and discussions about goat products, and attend a food tasting event at which restaurant owners offer a variety of dishes based on the flavorful goat meat of La Désirade - www.iledesirade.fr
 

Fête Patronale des Saintes (Saintes Islands Feast Day):
This celebration of the patron saint and local heritage of the Saintes islands takes place on August 15, the anniversary of the 1666 victory over the British that led to the definitive designation of Terre-de-Haut as a French territory. Festivities last several days, attracting Guadeloupians and tourists alike, with concerts, dances, regattas, seine (dragnet) fishing contests, conch shell blowing contests, a water polo tournament, parade, fireworks, and more. - www. terredehauttourisme.com

Route du Rhum:
Every four years, professional sailors and amateurs alike sail mono-hull or multi-hull vessels across the Atlantic Ocean in this legendary single-handed race ending at Pointe-à-Pitre. Competitors battle it out for supremacy, choosing between a northerly course characterized by steady, year-round winds, or a longer, southerly one to catch the trade winds. Peaking at speeds of 40 knots, the multi-hull craft are the race’s sprinters; the mono-hulls are its marathon runners. No matter how advanced the equipment or how prescient the choice of course, the weather has the final word. Six Guadeloupians took part in the last Route du Rhum: Philippe Fiston, Rodolphe Sepho, Dominique Rivard, Luc Coquelin, Willy Bissainte, and Nicolas Thomas. Guadeloupe pulls out all the stops to welcome the event. - www.routedurhum.com