This underrated Caribbean island wants Americans to visit in 2026

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Forget Punta Cana and its overdeveloped resort zones, Jamaica and its barely authentic tourist traps, the cruise-dominated coasts of Cozumel:

If you’re craving the overcrowded Caribbean clichés and would like to experience the quieter part of the Caribbean this year, this is where you should go:

Guadeloupe, a picturesque, butterfly-shaped island in the eastern Caribbean, is one of those truly untouched tropical paradises straight out of NatGeo.

We’re talking lush landscapes, thriving wildlife and pristine white sand beaches the kind you’ve only ever seen in glossed-over Insta photos.

It’s also much less crowded than the average Caribbean hotspot, and better yet: after a far from impressive 2025, with an unexpected drop in visitor numbers, it actually wants more Americans who will visit in 2026:

Guadeloupe calls on North Americans to visit in 2026

After a disappointing 2025, with an unexpected drop in tourism, the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe has high hopes for 2026, and is counting on Americans (and Canadians) to give the tourism sector a much-needed boost.

According to Yves Jacquent, a local tourism official who heads the prestigious Fort Fleur d’Épée au Gosier Hotel, visitor numbers have pick up the pace again after a moderate early winter.

Although not on the average American traveler’s radar when it comes to Caribbean destinations, Guadeloupe has plenty to offer adventure seekers and beach lovers alike. Oh, did we have the non-existent crowds?

Guadeloupe is unlike any other Caribbean island you have ever experienced

If you’re tired of the old all-inclusive model and are looking for something more authentic to make your sunny holiday worth it, then you’ve come to the right place.

To start with, Guadeloupe is not the usual tropical island. Also, don’t expect street vendors to shout at you in Spanish empanadas sold on the street corner panaderías: this is a French island.

As in: it’s part of France, just like Paris. The locals speak French (as well as their own version of Creole), have French passports, the euro is the currency in circulation, and it is the French tricolor that flies above historic forts and government buildings.

It’s no wonder it’s one of the safest Caribbean destinations around.

However, Guadeloupe isn’t your usual French territory either: needless to say, it feels considerably more tropical and wild than the mainland European continent it administers.

Volcanoes and lush jungles in the south…

The archipelago is dominated by La Grande Soufrierea towering volcano that can be hiked for epic views of the surrounding islands. It is also the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles, and one of several volcanic peaks to be conquered around Guadeloupe.

The trails here can be difficult to follow, as the jungle takes up parts of the route and there are detours off the route. We therefore strongly recommend that you book a guided walk if you plan to venture into nature.

But we are with the relaxation team: instead of hours-long, challenging climbs, you can find us at Bains Jaunesthe thermal baths right on the slopes of the volcanowith spring water reaching a temperature of approximately 95°F, and massages offered on site.

The volcano is located in the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park, in the southernmost western tip of Guadeloupe.

You could spend to soften at the end exploring the jungle here, and still haven’t seen all it has to offer, but if we were to pick our favorite spots they would definitely be there Chutes du Carbetthree waterfalls surrounded by a green landscape, Bains des Amoursthe river pools heated by volcanoes, and Maison de la Forêtperhaps the most popular tourist-friendly forest trail in the archipelago.

…Sandy beaches and surf spots in the north

In northern Basse-Terre, make sure you leave plenty of time to relax on Grande-Anse Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with golden sand and calm, swimmable waters.

While crossing the artificial road that connects Basse Big one-Terre, the lush, mountainous landscapes begin to flatten out and make way for sand dunes and picture postcard beaches lined with relaxed fishing villages.

A peaceful stretch of sand surrounded by an azure sea, Plage de la Caravellenear Sainte-Anne, is among the most visited beach spots in Guadeloupe.

In Le Moule, on the wilder Atlantic side, epic waves and endless miles of golden dunes await surfers and water sports enthusiasts.

A picturesque capital that you should not miss

The picturesque guadeloupeenne capital, Point-a-Pitre is your favorite destination to experience local culture and sample ethnic food without having to drive several long hours to a remote coastal town.

Marché Centralthe central market, is known for its countless herbs and exotic fruitsand if you’re into souvenirs, you can even find craft items for sale.

Place de la Victoire is the heart of the capital, and a lively central square flanked by historic colonial buildings. Just a few steps away, Saint Pierre and Saint Paul is a beautiful historic church with a brightly colored, yellow-washed facade.

For a casual eatery with Creole classics, and that won’t burn a hole in your wallet – they use the euro here, remember? – make sure you add Le Kiosque a Manger on your Point-à-Pitre bucket list. Think delicious accras, grilled fish and freshly squeezed juice at modest prices.

How to save money on a holiday in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe isn’t the cheapest Caribbean getaway out there, but you can visit with a stricter budget:

Tips to save money when visiting Guadeloupe

• Order lunch menu because they are usually cheaper than ordering individual dishes (most places have prices between €10 and €15)
• Keep your eyes peeled for the nearest one bokit scaffolding: that is a local term for a bread stall from Guadeloupe, usually found near a market
• Most major cities are connected by affordable bus services. They are not that common, but if you are changing accommodation or traveling between different cities, check if public transport is an option
• Island hopping around Guadeloupe can be expensive, but from Point-à-Pitre or Sainte-Anne there are regular ferry services (€29 one way) to beautiful smaller islands with sandy beaches and cute villages nearby*

*Options are included Îles des Saintes, famous for its cycleable coastal routes and authentic settlements, Marie-Galante, dotted with historic sugar cane fields and rum distilleries, and La Désirade, for its quiet, rugged beaches and picturesque lighthouses

Fly non-stop from the US to Guadeloupe

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.