Pointe Noire offers a range of ways to explore: a tour of a cocoa grove, a guided aquaculture tour, art in a studio, and activities on or by the water. The route through the Basse-Terre Massif also provides a clear geographical orientation.
A route through the Basse-Terre Massif
The 17-kilometre Route de la Traversée is the only road that crosses the Basse-Terre Massif in its entirety. It connects Petit-Bourg with Pointe-Noire and runs through the mountain range. The two towns are therefore linked by a route that crosses the massif from end to end.
Experience cocoa and aquaculture
La Maison du Cacao in Pointe-Noire offers an educational and entertaining tour of the cocoa grove. Botanical and historical stops give the visit several thematic focuses. Visitors can watch chocolate being made in the laboratory; the visit also includes demonstrations and a guided tasting. The visit lasts one hour and 30 minutes in total—a specific timeframe you can take into account when planning your day. If you plan to visit, check the latest visitor information beforehand.
Sustainable aquaculture is the focus of a guided tour at Parc Aquacole de Pointe-Noire. Visitors can also watch birds there. Species include osprey, great egrets, kio, the Guadeloupe woodpecker and pelicans; which birds you see may vary. The two visits are therefore quite different: La Maison du Cacao focuses on cocoa and chocolate-making, while Parc Aquacole focuses on aquaculture and birdwatching.
Nature by the water
Rivière Caillou offers a natural setting with clear water, as well as opportunities for hiking and swimming. Conditions along the paths and waterways can vary. If you plan to visit and want to enjoy both the route and the water, it is therefore a good idea to check conditions locally.
Petite-Anse is located nearby, between Deshaies and Pointe-Noire on Basse-Terre. This peaceful cove, bordered by rocks and tropical vegetation, has golden sand and calm water suitable for swimming and snorkelling. It offers a different experience from Rivière Caillou: here, the focus is on the beach, swimming and snorkelling, while Rivière Caillou offers hiking and swimming in a natural setting.
Water sports and sea excursions
Soleil Excursions organises boat trips from Pointe-Noire to observe whales and other cetaceans. As the offering may change, check the provider’s latest information before making plans.
Caraïbes Gliss water sports activities depart from Anse Caraïbe beach in Pointe-Noire. Seabobs, e-surfboards, step paddles and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent. Another option is a guided Seabob tour to discover turtles, accompanied by a professional dive guide. For tours and rental options, it is a good idea to check the provider’s latest information before finalising your plans.
Art in the studio
Atelier Rêve de Sable presents works of art in an exhibition. Admission to the exhibition is free. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Goyave, Bouillante, Cadet, Terre-De-Haut, Sainte-Rose, Petit-Bourg, Rifflet, Grand Anse
For the overview of the wider region: Basse-Terre.
