Making the most of Pointe a Pitre
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at the central Saint-John Perse cruise terminal, from which downtown Pointe a Pitre is a 15 minute walk.
The new terminal cost 1.4 million euros. Its capacity rose to 2,000 people, luggage space doubled and clearer new pedestrian paths were created; added amenities include a bar and a local crafts village.
A printable map to take with you.
Pointe-à-Pitre is the island’s economic capital and, with neighbouring parishes, has about 100 000 inhabitants. Its name derives from "Pointe à Peter", the wharf of a fisherman named Peter who settled there in the 17th century. Guadeloupe briefly belonged to England before becoming French territory in the 18th century; the city then grew in importance partly because freebooters based their headquarters there. It has repeatedly been destroyed by earthquake, burning and hurricane, leaving few old houses and no architectural uniformity. Today it is a very animated town, at daytime and…
Getting around
Several private bus lines link Pointe-à-Pitre or Basse-Terre to every village. There are no timetables; stop on sign.
Taxi fares are government-set, but become quite expensive once you leave the cities.
There are many rental-car providers, though reservations are advisable, especially between December and April.
Nearby places
Ferries leave Pointe-a-Pitre throughout the day for the Guadeloupean island of Marie-Galante, taking 60 minutes each way. There, Chateau Murat is a restored 17th century sugar plantation and rum distillery, and there are lovely beaches.
Food and shopping
Markets include Darse Market, Market Saint-Antoine, Market Saint-Jules and the Flower market on square Gourbeyre. Spices, fruit, vegetables and tropical flowers are sold amid colourful noise.
Shopping is found on Frébault, Nozières and Schoelcher streets, and on the small side streets, where adjoining luxury boutiques, general stores and souvenir shops create a noisy, colourful, animated atmosphere.
Money
The currency is the Euro, and most banks and bank machines accept most international credit cards.
Credit cards are welcome almost everywhere; Visa is the best known.
Staying connected
For police assistance, dial 17.
The cruise terminal has free wifi.
French is the official language and most people speak creole. English is also spoken in big tourist centres and on the northern islands of Saint-Martin and Saint-Bartholomew.
Opening Hours and
Stores generally open from 8.00 am to noon, then 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Businesses close on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, holidays and, very often, Wednesday afternoons.