Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a French colony and consists of 2 large and 7 small islands. The two large ones are called Basse-Terre and Grand-Terre and are separated by the Rivière Salée. The former is a volcanic island with the active La Soufrière volcano, and large banana plantations are grown there, while the latter is mainly used for sugar cane cultivation. On the islands you can visit the national park, which covers 17,300 hectares, with its over 300 different tree and shrub species, including the giant fern. There are also impressive waterfalls, les chutes du carbet. It is a true paradise for trekkers, there are over 300 km of advertised hiking trails through the well-preserved rainforest. Flora and fauna can also be enjoyed in the coral reefs near Guadeloupe, courses are offered for both beginners and professionals. Those who do not like diving can also observe the animal world in glass-bottom boats, submarines or large aquariums, which turn hundreds of species of fish and shellfish into a colorful spectacle. Those who are not quite comfortable with this are no less well served on the “mainland”. Inland, away from the beautiful beaches on the crystal clear water, there is a 300 year old rum distillery, where you can learn everything about this ancient art. The rum museum in Saint-Rose also offers a lot of interesting information, as well as an impressive collection of insects and butterflies. Those who want to understand the soul of Guadeloupe should visit the St. John Perse and Schoelcher museums, as well as the Fleur d’Epée castle. The zoo with raccoons and iguanas, an orchid garden, coffee, cocoa and the already mentioned banana plantations, botanical gardens with native and equally exotic tree species, birds and butterflies, as well as the park of stone engravings describe only a small part of the almost never-ending great offers on the archipelago. A trip between November and April is recommended, as you can then experience the local carnival, ox cart pulling and cockfighting up close. Visit securitypology for Guadeloupe Travel Guide.
Dominica
Dominica is an approximately 750 km2 island, which the indigenous people call “your body is high”. This name probably has its origin in the mountainous relief of the island. Although the government has been trying to attract more tourists for several years, the initiated program does not fully serve its purpose, because the newly built large airport has still not received international approval, which is why you can only get to the island by domestic flights or by ship. But that doesn’t make the destination any less exciting, on the contrary, few tourists mean more idyll and unspoilt nature. Two areas in particular deserve special mention: hiking and diving. You can experience the latter when you dive along the reefs and discover exotic underwater animals such as seahorses, frogfish, golden sea lilies, See sponges, electric rays, sea urchins, batfish or sea snakes, which are rare specimens, with your own eyes. But the “landscape” under water is also remarkable, with gorges, craggy rocks, volcanic craters, massive scree fields, steep walls and battlements. A very special highlight are still active geothermal openings. You swim through bubbling warm water and even the lava-covered floor feels warm. Not to forget hiking on the mainland. The Waitukubuli National Hiking Trail was only recently opened and leads almost 300 km across the island in 14 sections. If you want to run the entire route, you should plan at least 2 weeks, but you can also choose the parts that are most interesting for you and only go these. When choosing, one should consider the level of difficulty,
St. Lucia
In the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, south of Martinique, lies the island of St. Lucia. Their capital is called Castries and tourism is the largest economic sector. The city lies in the middle of a bay, which is framed by the mountain Morne Fortune and the promontory of the Vigie peninsula. In the capital, Castries, you can eat well and meet the locals. The island has several extraordinary attractions. On the island there are two inactive volcanoes south of the old fishing town of Soufrière, the Gros Piton and the Petit Piton (also known as the Piton twin mountains). The area around the volcanoes is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and with around 3000 hectares in size, it includes tropical rainforests, subtropical rainforests, a dry forest, a geothermal field with sulfur fumaroles and thermal springs, as well as a marine area with species-rich coral reefs. Another attraction is Marigot Bay in the west of the island. It is a very beautiful bay that is a safe anchorage for boats even in the hurricane season. But it is better known as the place where the film Dr. Doolittle was filmed. The Caribbean’s greatest treasure, however, lies beneath the surface of the water. In remote bays in front of the islands, living beings seek protection that cannot be found anywhere else on earth. That makes St. Lucia an ideal snorkeling destination. The Caribbean’s greatest treasure, however, lies beneath the surface of the water. In remote bays in front of the islands, living beings seek protection that cannot be found anywhere else on earth. That makes St. Lucia an ideal snorkeling destination. The Caribbean’s greatest treasure, however, lies beneath the surface of the water. In remote bays in front of the islands, living beings seek protection that cannot be found anywhere else on earth. That makes St. Lucia an ideal snorkeling destination.
