Lake Gaschet is Created in the early 1990s as part of an irrigation project to support local agriculture, it extends over some 100 hectares and is 4 km long at its longest point. Therefore, it is considered to be the largest freshwater lake in Guadeloupe. This lake is home to many aquatic species and a diverse range of bird species, including the Ruddy Duck, Crested Grebe, and Moorhen. A 290 ha area, encompassing the lake and its immediate surrounds, has been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. For that reason, the lake is now well-protected by the Guadeloupe government but is still open to visitors from all over the World.

Being well–protected, Lake Gaschet is closed to any type of water activities. You can’t swim, ride a boat or play in the water. You also can’t camp and do anything that might have a bad effect on the natural wild of the lake. However, this is a perfect place for those who are interested in biodiversity, especially birdlife. Visiting this lake, you can witness many different bird species, and drown yourself in the beauty of nature. Just remember to strictly follow all the rules there to join hands in the protection of the biodiversity of the lake.

Lake Grand Etang is a naturally water-filled crater of one an extinct volcano. You can get to the lake on the road to the Carbet Falls, on the slopes of the Soufrière, in the Guadeloupe National Park. Or you can join a one-hour tour to explore the national park, walk in the heart of the hygrophilous forest, and enjoy the stunning view while walking around the lake.

Lake Grand Etang is the largest natural body of water in the Lesser Antilles and is an ornithological observation site. If your main interest is birding, you won’t be disappointed when visiting this lake. Walking around the lake, you will be able to see many kinds of tropical birds, including gallinules, grebes, and herons in the water; warblers, woodpeckers, cuckoos, bullfinches, and more in the woods. This lake is also an area with a very rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is a very nice trekking destination that allows you to spend some nice time in the middle of the greenery.

However, the trail to lake Grand Etang could be challenging for some, as it’s in a primeval forest setting: Lots of (indeed, all) up and down, rocky steps, and slippery going. Lots of trees, tree roots, vines, leaves, big rocks, and moss. Be careful and be well-prepared, but don’t forget to enjoy nature along the way.

The third lake on our list is the Blue Bassin, or “Bassin Bleu”, located in the town of Gourbeyre in Basse Terre, Guadeloupe. This beautiful place lies in the heart of the tropical and humid forest. This is a natural water site of lakes, or “pools” made up of seven waterfalls naturally carved into the cliffside along with some caves, surrounded by mountains and forests.

The turquoise color of Bassin Bleu is stunning and perfect for people who want to take great pictures. Beneath the inviting turquoise surface, there’s much more than what meets the eye. This is an incredible location for floating meditation and offers the deep tranquility and peace that flotation tanks can only dream of. As you drift, suspended, the stone of the mountain beneath your feet gives way, and the unusual mix of minerals in the pool buoys you up, creating the sensation that you are floating through the air.

Access to Bassin Bleu is very easy and can be done with even young children. You just have to be very careful in rainy weather because the ground becomes quite slippery. This place is for sure worthwhile to see as it is also one of the favorite weekend spots of the locals.