Discover Bouillante in Guadeloupe

La réserve Cousteau

Parmi les trésors de Bouillante, la réserve Cousteau fait figure de référence. Cette zone maritime protégée de 400 hectares est idéale pour faire de la plongée sous-marine et découvrir la faune et la flore locales. Venez y apprécier de magnifiques coraux, gorgones, éponges, langoustes, poissons tropicaux, tortues de mer et même des baleines à bosses (entre janvier et février).

Pour l’anecdote, c’est le commandant Cousteau qui est à l’origine de la création de la réserve dans les années 60.

The zoo of Guadeloupe of the Park of Mamelles

The Guadeloupe zoo of the Parc des Mamelles is a place not to be missed to visit in Bouillante. On its 4 hectares of surface in the heart of the tropical forest are distributed nearly 450 animals of 85 different species. You can come and see pandas, iguanas, bats, monkeys, parrots, ti-racoons, reptiles, insects, scorpions or even American felines such as the jaguar, the ocelot and the puma! The name of the park comes from two mountains of the National Park of Guadeloupe in which it is located: the Mamelles.

The historical monuments of Bouillante

Because of its colonial and agricultural past, Bouillante is home to many old farms that are now classified as historical monuments:

- Habitation la Lise, former sugar farm and rum distillery

- Habitation Massieux, a former coffee farm that has become a tourist lodge

- Muscade coffee house on the heights of the town facing the Bouillante cove

- Thomas house at Morne Surelle

Beaches and islets in Bouillante

Like most of the coastal towns of Guadeloupe, Bouillante has beautiful beaches - the most famous being those of Malendure and Petite Anse - as well as two small islands to discover: the ilets Pigeons.

Malendure Beach

Malendure beach is located north of Bouillante and is recognizable by its fine black sand. Linked to the Cousteau reserve, it is a must for diving lovers on the island.

Beach of Petite-Anse

Unlike Malendure beach, Petite-Anse beach is made of white sand. Intimate and rather uncrowded, it is pleasant and quiet. In its clear waters, fish and turtles are easily visible, which makes it a sort of giant aquarium and accessible.

The Ilets Pigeon

The Ilets Pigeon, of volcanic origin, are composed of two islands, Grand Ilet and Petit Ilet. Facing the beach of Malendure, this natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Accessible by kayak or canoe, the Ilets Pigeons are part of the Cousteau reserve and are prized by visitors for the richness of the flora and fauna they harbor.

The hot springs of Bouillante

Due to the presence of the Soufrière volcano, Basse-Terre has many hot springs, especially in Bouillante. The town has some in which it is pleasant and relaxing to immerse yourself!

The Thomas fountain

Among the few hot springs of Bouillante, the Thomas hot bath is the hottest spring with water at 70°C. This small seaside pool, at the end of Anse Thomas, can accommodate just under 10 people.

Le Bain du Curé

Located on the beach of Anse à Sable, the bath of the Curé is a hot water basin whose source comes out of the rock. It has been fitted out to receive visitors in the best conditions.

Petite-Anse hot spring

Petite-Anse beach also has a hot spring. The spring springs directly from the bottom of the sea, under the sand, at the edge of the rocks present.

Geothermal source

A geothermal power plant located at the seaside pumps hot water deep into the sea and releases it (after cooling) at the level of the pebble beach. The bathers benefit then from a very hot and sulfurous bath.

How to get to Bouillante from the airport ?

To get to Basse-Terre quickly from Pointe à Pitre airport, located 48 km from Bouillante, it is advisable to rent a car.

As the road is hilly, it is preferable to opt for a vehicle with a good engine. Europcar offers a fleet of SUVs and sedans for rent in Guadeloupe that will allow you to make the trip easily and comfortably.

During the trip, take the opportunity to enjoy the lush scenery along the Route de la Traversée, which connects the east and west of Basse-Terre through the tropical forest.