The hugely popular TV drama, Death in Paradise, is currently back on UK screens, showcasing locations around Guadeloupe. But what awaits a tourist treading in the footsteps of the crime-busting characters and what are the travel risks in Guadeloupe?
Firstly, it’s worth appreciating the TV programme has rather escaped attention in Guadeloupe and there is no huge tourism bubble around it. Instead, you might have to use your fan-based knowledge and spot key locations yourself.
To do that, head to fictional ‘Saint-Marie’s’ main hub of ‘Honoré’, actually in and around the town of Deshaies. This is on one of the archipelago of islands making up Guadeloupe – Basse-Terre. As for the travel risks in Guadeloupe, well there may be many a murder in Saint-Marie, but more commonplace risks might apply to you, despite an increase in gang-related violence.
Travel risks in Guadeloupe
Most commonly tourists are victims of crimes such a bag-snatching and pickpocketing. It pays to apply common sense and not wear expensive jewellery or flash valuables around. Carry as little cash as possible and leave valuables and passport in a hotel safe. Do not walk around alone at night and take care when it falls dark. If you want to eat out at ‘Catherine’s Bar’, you will find it in Deshaies and called Le Madras. Just take good anti-mosquito precautions, by applying DEET-based repellent and wearing long sleeved clothing and trousers. Keep the repellent applied by day too, as there is a risk of dengue on the island.
Take care with your valuables if hiring a car and be cautious on poor, narrow or unlit roads. Avoid getting caught up in any demonstrations or protests. Try to learn some useful phrases in French too, although the very unique Creole language is also spoken here.
Guadeloupe activities and the travel risks that might arise from them
Much of your time in Guadeloupe will probably be spent either relaxing by the shore or taking advantage of the numerous hiking opportunities, if slipping on the walking boots is your thing. But, remember, both activities can involve travel risks in Guadeloupe.
Whichever of the islands you decide to visit – Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, Terre-de-Haut, Terre-de-Bas or La Désirade – there will be glorious beaches to discover and a plethora of water-based activities. This could be the paradisiacal beach of Pain de Sucre on Terre-de--Haut, which nestles at the foot of a volcanic rock, or equally Fifi Beach on La Désirade, or Souffleur Beach on Grande Terre.
Many of the beaches, like the latter, and Grande-Anse Beach on Basse-Terre, are lined with coconut trees. Take care if seeking shade under them! Falling coconuts kill 150 people a year and coconuts can cause of head traumas, back injuries and other reasons to seek medical attention.
Sun and sea safety in Guadeloupe
Whilst finding a less dangerous place to shade is advisable, make sure you apply suncream, of a high SPF rating and which is also coral-friendly. Exercise good sun safety, to avoid severe sunburn. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and wear sunglasses with good levels of eye protection. If on a beach that has shaded ‘carbets’ (wooden shelters), make the most of those.
Very many of the beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards, unless it is somewhere like Bourg Beach in Sainte-Anne. Around Guadeloupe, at certain times of year, the waters may become dangerous with sea swells. Only swim where it is safe to do so, and never alone, and familiarise yourself with sea safety rules. Take great care in hurricane season – June to November. If travelling at that time, there is even more reason to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book, just in case a serious hurricane causes plans to be cancelled or altered.
Sporting activities and travel insurance checks
If tempted, on a beach like Souffleur, to take to the water in a jet ski or canoe, or on a paddleboard or kitesurfer, make sure your travel insurance would cover you for any injury or accident that resulted. Make all relevant checks on the water sports provider, to ensure strong safety measures are in place, particularly if scuba diving. Use your common sense and, if something doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. Check out certificates and credentials, rather than taking a risk.
Hiking options are aplenty across Guadeloupe’s islands. You might be keen to do the 3-4 hour round trip hike up the La Soufrière volcano, climbing to a height of 1467 metres to reach the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles. Or maybe a 45-minute trek to the Carbet Falls on Basse-Terre is your thing? On Grande-Terre, the temptation could be the walk to the 10-metre-high Great Cross (La Croix), to look out over the ocean and maybe spot whales.
Wherever you decide to trek or hike in Guadeloupe, make sure your travel insurance policy will cover you and take precautions. Wear the right footwear, keep applying lots of sunscreen and have a hat or sun umbrella. Be very aware of the temperature and do not attempt a long trek in the blazing heat. Carry energy snacks and lots of water too and do not walk alone. Tell others where you are heading and keep your phone is charged. Have waterproofs and a light jacket, if heading to the top of the volcano. If planning on seeing the sunrise at Great Cross, you will probably need a headlamp or torch, to guide you in the dark.
Staying safe in crowded places
If Guadeloupe beckons to you during Carnival season, which runs from January to Ash Wednesday, be extra careful about your possessions when in the crowds. The main event is on Fat Sunday in Pointe-à-Pitre, where petty crime is typically most common anyway. On Basse-Terre, the bigger events and parades are on Fat Monday and Fat Tuesday but every island will have its celebrations.
The same caution should be exercised around colourful street markets, as in Sainte-Anne, and Pointe-à-Pitre. But do still enjoy yourself and take in the unique vibe of Guadeloupe, with its array of pleasures across different islands. Breathe in the Creole culture and admire colourful street art and murals, rainbow-coloured houses, red metal rooftops, the unique quadrille style of dancing and Guroka music played by ka drums. Just always scan your environment and be aware of the actions of others, as part of safeguarding against the travel risks in Guadeloupe.
Avoid unnecessary risks and soak up the joys
Another thing that could lead you astray is a visit to one of the numerous rum distilleries. Sample the wares in moderation and do not drink if driving. Alcohol consumption can invalidate your travel insurance but also leave you more exposed to travel risks.
If heading to Terre-de-Haut, do not miss out on a visit to Fort Napoleon and its museum or skip the chance to sample Tourment d’amour. This cake of coconut, vanilla and rum is rooted in local heritage and once served as the treat for sailors returning from their voyages. The same sense of connection to the sea can be found in the seaside cemetery where graves are lovingly adorned with sea shells.
On Grande Terre, on the other hand, you may wish to reflect on the tragedies associated with the slave trade. Visiting the Memorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre will put everything in perspective.
From ceramic sessions to indigo workshops, and from walks with hummingbirds to sampling refreshing coconut sorbets, a lot of precious memories can be made in Guadeloupe. Just remember that medical care may not be available on an island – or any of the islands – potentially requiring air evacuation to another location or country, if you fall ill. At that point, you would need to be able to call upon a travel insurance policy.
Where to find your favourite TV locations
But if you want to track down the shack where the likes of Richard, Humphrey, Neville and Melvin have co-habited with Harry the lizard, head to Anse de la Perle beach, three miles north of Deshaies. The shack may not be there if there is no filming, or fenced off if there is, but either way, you can experience what each detective has seen as they have gazed out at the sea. Their police station can be found beside St Peter and St Paul Church in Deshaies, whilst the Commissioner’s office is about 20 minutes away, at the Town Hall in Pointe-Noire.
Cover all adventures in Guadeloupe with comprehensive travel insurance from Europesure, available to travellers from the UK and across Europe, whether European residents wanting a policy in English or expats now living on the Continent. Three levels of cover are available and the worldwide cover you need for Guadeloupe comes as either a single trip policy, for one holiday only, or an annual policy covering various holidays or trips during the year.
As Death in Paradise shows us, anything can happen on this island and it’s far better to be prepared for the travel risks in Guadeloupe than become part of a real-life drama.
