A Caribbean crush
Perched on Guadeloupe's western shores, Bouillante is fringed by golden beaches, towering sea cliffs and aquamarine bays. It sits on the island of Basse-Terre, which is dominated by the verdant Parc National de la Guadeloupe. Throw in a vibrant Creole culture and Bouillante is a Caribbean dream come true. Unlike other parts of the French Antilles, Bouillante keeps things simple. In place of luxury resorts, you'll find rustic jungle houses and breezy villas painted in a rainbow of colors. This makes Bouillante vacation rentals a top choice for travelers in search of a local, laid-back experience.
Lose yourself in Parc National de la Guadeloupe
Occupying much of Basse-Terre, Parc National de la Guadeloupe is a utopia of emerald green rainforest, cascading waterfalls and exotic birds. It's dominated by La Soufriere, an active stratovolcano that towers over the island. The park is laced with secret swimming spots like Cascade aux Ecrevisses, a tumbling waterfall that spills into a crystal-clear lagoon. If you'd rather relax with a good book, why not escape to a secluded Bouillante vacation rentals villa? Surrounded by luxuriant banana ferns and orchids, you'll be immersed in the sights and sounds of the rainforest without having to lift a finger.
Chasing waterfalls on Basse-Terre
Basse-Terre boasts some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean, including the world-famous Reserve Cousteau. Pigeon Island is the reserve's showpiece, surrounded by kaleidoscopic coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. For some of the best views on the island head up to the Chutes du Carbet lookout. A well-trodden hiking trail leads to a pair of cascading waterfalls that plunge down a vertical mountain face. At the end of the day Guadeloupe champions laid-back vibes, which means relaxing on the deck of a Bouillante vacation rentals villa will often be a top priority.
Winter beach days in Bouillante
Winter is high season in Guadeloupe, with visitors peaking from December to May. Humidity is low and temperatures hover around the mid-80s. The water is also crystal-clear and ideal for diving and snorkeling. Whether you want to stroll to the beach or cool off in your private plunge pool, Bouillante vacation rentals make it easy to maximize the sunshine. If you're dreaming of deserted beaches try August and September. There's a higher chance of afternoon rainstorms but towns like Bouillante feel wonderfully empty.
Biospheres and birdwatching in Bouillante
From pristine beaches to lush rainforests, Basse-Terre is Guadeloupe's bona fide beauty queen. Bouillante is located on its western side and backed by Parc National de la Guadeloupe. It's a birdwatchers' paradise, with the chance to spot hummingbirds, flycatchers, endemic Guadeloupe woodpeckers and a host of other species. Nearby, Valombreuse Floral Park is also bursting with life, from its rare palm trees to its exotic flowers. Diverse underwater ecosystems have won sites like Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Unesco Biosphere Reserve status. The coral islets sit just off the coast of Basse-Terre and are brimming with tropical fish.
Traveling to and around Bouillante
The nearest airport is in a-Pitre (PTP-Pointe-a-Pitre Intl. Airport (PTP), located 18.8 mi (30.2 km) from the city center.