The most beautiful waterfalls in Guadeloupe
Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe’s volcanic island, is waterfall country: dozens of rivers flow down from La Soufrière through the National Park rainforest. Some are five minutes from the car, others need a real hike. Here is our selection, from easiest to most challenging, with driving times from Basse-Terre — the ideal base for the southern falls.
Easy waterfalls (under 30 minutes’ walk)
Écrevisses waterfall (Petit-Bourg): 200 m from the car park on the Route de la Traversée, on a flat path, with a swimming pool at the bottom.
Bassin Bleu (Gourbeyre): a turquoise pool under a small waterfall, about 20 minutes’ walk through the forest, 15 minutes’ drive from Basse-Terre.
Saut d’Acomat (Pointe-Noire): a 10-metre fall into a large pool after a short, steep descent. Jumping from the falls is forbidden.
Hiking waterfalls (1.5 to 3 hours return)
Carbet Falls (Capesterre-Belle-Eau): Guadeloupe’s most famous falls, over 100 m high, with viewpoints and National Park trails. No swimming.
Paradis waterfall (Vieux-Habitants): an emerald pool below basalt columns after about 1.5 hours’ walk and several river crossings.
Matouba waterfall (Saint-Claude): a turquoise fall in the hills above Saint-Claude, reached by walking up slippery river rocks.
Challenging waterfalls (3 hours and more)
Galion Falls (Saint-Claude): a 40-metre fall below La Soufrière, from the Bains Jaunes car park; a 4-hour loop with ropes and steep sections.
Moreau Falls (Goyave): a 100-metre fall, but hiking and swimming are banned by municipal order; check before going.
Saut de la Lézarde (Petit-Bourg): the site was closed by municipal order; check with the town hall before going.
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.
Every waterfall in detail
- The Carbet FallsThe Carbet Falls in Capesterre-Belle-Eau: height of the three falls, trails and viewpoints, walking times, swimming rules, access from Basse-Terre.
- The Écrevisses waterfallThe Écrevisses waterfall on the Route de la Traversée: 5 minutes’ walk on a flat path, swimming pool, free entry. Access, best times and nearby sights.
- Bassin Bleu, GourbeyreBassin Bleu in Gourbeyre: access via the D10, 20 minutes’ walk, turquoise pool and waterfall, hot Bassin des Amoureux nearby. 15 min from Basse-Terre.
- Saut d’AcomatSaut d’Acomat in Pointe-Noire: 15–20 minutes’ walk down, 10-metre waterfall and big pool, no jumping, parking tips.
- The Paradis waterfall, Vieux-HabitantsThe Paradis waterfall in Vieux-Habitants: 1.5 hours’ walk, river crossings, emerald pool and basalt columns. Access and safety tips.
- The Galion FallsThe 40-metre Galion Falls below La Soufrière: a 6 km, 4-hour loop from the Bains Jaunes via the Armistice trail. Difficulty and tips.
- Matouba, above Saint-ClaudeMatouba above Saint-Claude: Matouba waterfall, hot baths, Delgrès memorial. 20 minutes from Basse-Terre.
- The Moreau FallsMoreau Falls in Goyave: 6.5 km, 2 h 40 hike, river crossings, ropes and ladders, a fall over 100 m high.
- Saut de la LézardeSaut de la Lézarde in Petit-Bourg: a 10-metre fall in a rocky amphitheatre, closed by municipal order. What to know and where to go instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Guadeloupe?
The Carbet Falls are the most spectacular. For easy swimming, the Écrevisses waterfall and Bassin Bleu; for a wild hike, the Paradis waterfall and Galion Falls.
Which waterfall is easiest to reach?
The Écrevisses waterfall on the Route de la Traversée: 200 m of flat path from the car park.
Can you swim in Guadeloupe’s waterfalls?
Yes in many pools (Écrevisses, Bassin Bleu, Acomat, Paradis), but not at the Carbet Falls. Swimming may be banned after heavy rain.