Guadeloupe: Discover a Different Side of the Islands with a Passionate Local Guide
What if your trip to Guadeloupe took you beyond the beaches? From tropical forests and the Carbet Falls to encounters with Creole traditions, discovering the islands also means taking the time to listen to those who know them best. Join Daryl Gerson Brudey, founder of Maranatha Tours, for an introduction to a vibrant, welcoming Guadeloupe with deep ties to its natural environment.
Through Maranatha Tours, Daryl Gerson Brudey shares his passion for Guadeloupe’s nature and heritage.
A Different Way to Discover Guadeloupe
Feet in the sand, eyes on the sea… Guadeloupe naturally invites you to relax. But curious travellers will find plenty more to discover.
On Basse-Terre, tropical forests, volcanic landscapes and waterfalls beckon you to explore. With a guide, a walk takes on a new dimension: you learn to observe the vegetation, understand the landscapes and discover the stories that connect local people to their surroundings.
This is the approach championed by Daryl Gerson Brudey: making travel an opportunity for discovery and meaningful exchanges.
“We want to reconnect people with what matters most: their land, their history and their environment,” he explains.
Walk, Observe… and Take Your Time
Ecotourism can begin with something simple: slowing down.
Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, take the time to look, ask questions and understand your surroundings. At the Carbet Falls or around Grand Étang, the scenery becomes a starting point for a deeper discovery of Guadeloupe’s natural world.
Why is the vegetation so lush? How can we protect the places we visit? What do they reveal about life on the islands?
This is part of a guide’s role too: encouraging curiosity and helping visitors explore natural environments with care.
Daryl Gerson Brudey: A Passion for His Homeland
During our meeting, Daryl Gerson Brudey spoke about more than thirty years devoted to exploring and showcasing Guadeloupe’s heritage.
With training in ecotourism and several outdoor disciplines, he brings together knowledge of the terrain, a desire to share and a strong sense of commitment. His work was recognised with France’s Bronze Medal of Tourism in 2014.
Above all, it is his enthusiasm for sharing that gives his approach meaning. A hike is about more than the distance covered: it offers a chance to better understand an island, its history and the people who bring it to life.
Nature and Culture Throughout Your Stay
Founded in 1998 under the name Nature Experience, Maranatha Tours combines encounters with nature and discoveries of local cultural heritage.
Nature walks, introductions to Creole traditions and themed stays all follow the same idea: creating an experience suited to each visitor’s interests.
When planning your outing, explain what you are looking for: a first introduction to the forest, a more challenging hike or an experience combining nature and culture. Mention your walking ability and the ages of those taking part so that an appropriate route can be selected.
A Few Simple Ways to Explore Responsibly
Travelling differently also means being mindful of your impact. During your excursions:
- Stay on authorised trails and follow your guide’s instructions.
- Take your rubbish with you and leave plants, flowers and wildlife undisturbed.
- Bring water, suitable footwear and protection against the rain.
- Check weather conditions and route accessibility before setting off.
- Take the time to talk with local residents and tourism professionals.
These simple habits help protect the landscapes you have come to discover.
Make Room for a Local Encounter
Between a day at the beach and a stroll through a market, why not set aside some time for a guided excursion?
You could return with more than beautiful pictures: a story to share, a deeper understanding of Guadeloupe and the desire to keep exploring.
That is part of the joy of travel too: discovering a landscape and meeting the people who give it a voice.
Watch Our Interview
To learn about available excursions and plan an experience that suits your interests, visit the Maranatha Tours website.
*Adapted from an interview originally published in January 2025.*
