Guadeloupe’s wild and lush western island of Base-Terre is a volcanic island that is home to the still-active La Grande Soufrière, which rises dramatically above the verdant landscape.
Hot water springs heated by volcanic activity are scattered throughout the island, creating a natural wonder that attracts both tourists and locals alike. The town of Bouillante is particularly known for its hot springs- the name translates to “boiling”!
The mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, making them a popular choice for relaxation.
Several natural geothermal sources have been developed into popular hot water basins and offer visitors an opportunity to experience the soothing thermal baths while enjoying the greenery of the surrounding rain forest.
Bains Jaunes
Tucked into the foot of La Grande Soufrière, Bains Jaunes is probably one of the more popular hot springs in Guadeloupe.
The Bains Jaunes, or “Yellow Baths” are so named for their hot sulphuric water, which can have a yellowish tinge.
Following the narrow winding road up the mountain will lead to a small parking lot, but depending on the time of day you arrive, it will likely be full! Try arriving before 11am or after 4pm for the best chances of a quiet visit. The early bird gets the worm- or best parking in this case.
We parked on the side of the road and hiked up to the springs, which wasn’t fun in the rain, but we had the promise of a nice hot bath to look forward to.
Just a short walk from the parking area, the water from these hot springs are collected in two manmade pools separated by a low wall.
The water is shallow enough to sit comfortably in, but not deep enough to swim. It’s important to avoid submerging your head or drinking these waters as the hot water can breed disease.
It wasn’t quite as hot as I’d expected the water to be, but the intense rain shower on our drive to the site may have contributed to a lower temperature. Hot water is piped in on the far side of the baths.
This area is also a popular starting point for hikes in the area- it’s common to see hikers pop by for a dip before or after their hike.
Bains Thomas
If you’re looking for a more natural hot spring, Les Bains de Thomas is the one for you!
Parking is located at the top of a hill. Follow the path down to the shore, past a small hut, and towards the cliffs. There wasn’t much signage on our visit, but we were lucky to spot just two other bathers to mark the location of the spring.
The hot water flows out from underneath the cliffs and into the sand on the shoreline. Visitors have added rings of stones to help collect the hot water and make a deeper bathing area.
This water was extremely hot- especially when you dug down into the sand! The cold ocean waves splashing into our little pool was a welcome relief.
The hot spring is very small and cannot accommodate many bathers, so try to time your visit to off-peak hours and low tide.
Bains des Amours
Bains des Amours is another popular manmade hot spring basin. The heart-shaped bath is just a short walk from the parking lot.
Be careful walking down the stairs to the springs as they can be slippery!
Hot water is piped into the pool at a height, creating warm waterfalls great for a luxurious back massage, and the side of the pool has built in ledges for comfortable seating. Still try to keep the water away from your face, though!
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