The Écrevisses waterfall
The Cascade aux Écrevisses (“crayfish waterfall”) is Guadeloupe’s easiest waterfall to reach: in Petit-Bourg, on the Route de la Traversée in the National Park, a flat 200-metre path leads to the foot of the falls in five minutes.
Access and swimming
Signposted car park on the Route de la Traversée (D23); path accessible to people with reduced mobility; free entry. The fall drops into a clear, cool pool where you can swim. Come early: it gets busy at midday and at weekends. From Basse-Terre, allow 1 to 1.25 hours’ drive.
Safety
Rivers on Basse-Terre can rise very fast: do not go after heavy rain or if a storm is forecast, and leave the riverbed immediately if the water turns murky or leaves and branches start coming down. Swimming may also be temporarily banned (floods, water quality): follow the signs on site.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the walk?
About 5 minutes on a flat 200-metre path.
Is it free?
Yes, entry is free.