On our way to the Botanical Garden in Deshaies, we make a quick stop at the cozy fishing village of Deshaies to have a look around. There is supposed to be a good snorkeling spot right behind the marina.

We drive to the Jardin Botanique (€15.50 adults, €10.50 children, 2014 prices) and take our time exploring the flora of Guadeloupe and the neighboring islands. The park is beautifully landscaped and invites you to linger. The koi carp in the huge pond practically pile on top of each other when you feed them. In the walk-in aviary, we want to feed the adorable parrot-like birds. Unfortunately, the feed dispenser is broken. And just before we reach the end of the grounds, it finally arrives — the Caribbean rain of the rainy season — and it comes down in buckets... After three hours in the park, we decide to drive on to a small beach a bit further south.

We reach the beach at Pointe Ferry near the village of the same name. A picturesque bay invites swimming and snorkeling. As has become the norm by now, we have the beach all to ourselves. For those who enjoy beach walks, there is also a lovely trail called the Sentier de découverte.