Cascade aux Écrevisses Guadeloupe
A stunning 10-meter waterfall in Guadeloupe's lush rainforest, offering a refreshing natural pool for swimming and easy access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Cascade aux Écrevisses Guadeloupe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 10-meter waterfall in Guadeloupe's lush rainforest, offering a refreshing natural pool for swimming and easy access.
"A beautiful hidden paradise, easily accessible with a refreshing natural pool for a perfect dip."
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is limited and fills fast. Be patient, as turnover is quick due to short visits.
🥾 Easy Access Walk
Enjoy a short, paved 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the main cascade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Cascade
Main viewing area
A picturesque 10-meter waterfall cascading into a cool, inviting natural pool.
Natural Swimming Pool
Base of the waterfall
Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush tropical forest.
Hidden Paradise
Behind the main waterfall
Discover a secret, tranquil spot tucked away behind the main cascade for a more secluded experience.
Downstream River Exploration
Across the road from parking
Venture downstream from the picnic area to find another waterfall and a wider, serene river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Serene Dip
Explore Beyond the Main View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is limited and fills fast. Be patient, as turnover is quick due to short visits.
🥾 Easy Access Walk
Enjoy a short, paved 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the main cascade.
🏊♀️ Refreshing Swim
The natural pool is perfect for a cool dip, but check local advisories before swimming.
🧺 Picnic Spot
There's a designated picnic area across the road, perfect for a post-swim snack.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is limited and fills fast. Be patient, as turnover is quick due to short visits.
🥾 Easy Access Walk
Enjoy a short, paved 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the main cascade.
🏊♀️ Refreshing Swim
The natural pool is perfect for a cool dip, but check local advisories before swimming.
🧺 Picnic Spot
There's a designated picnic area across the road, perfect for a post-swim snack.
🌿 Explore Further
Walk downstream from the picnic area for more secluded waterfalls and river spots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the easy access and refreshing natural pool at Cascade aux Écrevisses, calling it a beautiful and accessible slice of paradise. While parking can be a challenge due to its popularity, the short walk and free entry make it a worthwhile stop for a quick dip and stunning photos in the lush rainforest.
"Short walk from the parking lot. Very nice little waterfall with crisp refreshing water. Get there early and you may have the place to yourself."
Alexander Sullivan-Parker
"Free parking, short walk, lovely view, nice place to bathe. There is a lovely hidden paradise BEHIND the waterfall."
B D
"Worth a stop if you're in the area. Small waterfall with a calm pool in which you can cool off. The path from the carpark is short (200m), flat and paved. There's an official picnic area directly across the road from the car park.
The car park is too small for such a popular attraction, but as most people only stay for 10 minutes there is plenty of turnover."
Graham Barry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cascade aux Écrevisses is located in Petit-Bourg on Basse Terre island. It's easily accessible by car, with a dedicated parking area. The drive itself is often described as scenic and cinematic.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it's quite small for such a popular attraction. Expect it to fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
The drive to the waterfall is part of the experience, winding through lush tropical forests. Many visitors describe it as a beautiful and scenic journey.
Yes, Cascade aux Écrevisses is situated within the Guadeloupe National Park, surrounded by incredible biodiversity.
Public transport options to reach this specific waterfall might be limited. Renting a car is generally recommended for exploring Basse Terre and its natural attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Cascade aux Écrevisses is generally free of charge, making it an accessible natural attraction for all visitors.
The waterfall is a natural site and is typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times posted.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously, but arriving early is advised due to parking limitations.
Yes, the path from the parking lot to the main cascade is short, flat, and paved, making it accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility issues. 
The walk from the parking area to the main cascade is very short, typically taking only about 5 minutes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the beautiful waterfall, take photos, swim in the natural pool (check advisories), and explore the surrounding tropical forest.
Yes, swimming in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall is a popular activity. However, always be aware of water conditions and any local advisories.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting as the sun aligns with the river, creating a magical atmosphere for photography.
Yes, exploring downstream from the picnic area reveals another waterfall and a wider river, offering a more secluded experience.
Expect lush tropical vegetation, vibrant plant life, and the sounds of the forest. The cool waters also support various aquatic species.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The main cascade and the natural pool are obvious highlights. For unique shots, try exploring behind the waterfall or downstream for different perspectives.
Late afternoon can provide beautiful light. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and its surroundings. Consider a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water.
The contrast between the lush green forest and the white water is striking. Capture the vibrant flora and the refreshing pool.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and guidelines for flying drones in national parks before your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The natural pool at the base of the waterfall is a huge hit with children, offering a safe and refreshing place to splash around and cool off. While the main area can get busy, exploring a bit further downstream can offer quieter spots for families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The drive through the lush rainforest is also an adventure in itself, adding to the overall family experience.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Hikers
While not a strenuous hike, the surrounding forest offers opportunities for nature observation. Consider combining your visit with other nearby attractions in Guadeloupe National Park. If you enjoy exploring, make sure to walk downstream from the picnic area. This offers a chance to discover a secondary waterfall and a more expansive river setting, providing a slightly more adventurous feel than the main, easily accessible cascade.
📸 Photographers
+1 Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to capture softer light and potentially fewer people in your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lush Tropical Environment
+1The cool, clear waters of the cascade are vital to this environment, nourishing various species of fish, amphibians, and insects. The volcanic rock formations have been sculpted over time by the relentless flow of water, creating the natural pool at its base. It’s a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of Guadeloupe’s natural landscapes, offering a stark contrast to the island's more developed coastal areas.
Many visitors highlight the drive to the waterfall as a significant part of the experience, describing it as 'cinematic.' This emphasizes the immersive journey through the dense, green interior of Basse Terre, setting the stage for the natural wonder that awaits.
Accessibility and Visitor Experience
+1 This ease of access contributes to its popularity, as it allows many to experience the beauty of a Guadeloupean waterfall without a strenuous hike. Despite its popularity, many visitors find ways to enjoy a more peaceful experience. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the peak crowds.
Beyond the main cascade, there are opportunities for further exploration. A short walk downstream from the picnic area across the road leads to another waterfall and a wider, more tranquil section of the river, offering a chance to escape the main gathering and find a more secluded spot.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit