Guadeloupe or Martinique for early spring?

[Sandrine1982]

We'd love to visit one of these islands in early spring and we can't decide which (flights are almost the same price at the moment). I've heard that both are beautiful, but if you've been to both, what are the differences? We're really into nature, wildlife, jungle/rainforest and nice beaches. We're not into big all-inclusive hotels and areas that are too touristy: we'd much rather meet and interact with locals, even if it means that the area is a bit more rough and ready. We'd love to visit authentic small towns. Have you been to either Martinique or Guadeloupe and would you recommend it? Thanks

Anyone?

@Sandrine1982 - I came on here looking for an answer to the same question! Did you decide where you’re going or have you gone in a completely opposite direction? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Thank you!

I haven’t been to Guadeloupe but spent some time sailing in Martinique and found it a bit underwhelming - we ended up doing two extra nights in St. Lucia and that was by far the best part of the trip!

Thank you for that, @holdingittogethr3. For my own reasons, I’d like to visit a French-speaking island rather than an English-speaking one, which is why my choice is between Guadeloupe and Martinique!

I have been to Guadeloupe and absolutely loved it. Quite understated , not a lot of big developments, which I loved! Beaches were stunning . It’s quite lush and beautiful in the centre of the island (iirc) . But wouldn’t say there was loads of wildlife .

Yes, Guadeloupe booked for next month!!
I can't wait!! @Sunshinedahlias what were your favourite places / things to do? We're doing a few nights in Le Gosier, then Port Louis and finally Bouillante. Can't wait to visit Deshaies as well. :)

Ooh, @Sunshinedahlias, that sounds just up our street. The only thing deterring us is the long journey.
@Sandrine1982 - I’d love to hear all about it when you get back! Have a wonderful time!

Have you been to Dominica? It’s supposed to be very beautiful and unspoiled by tourism.

We are going to try to fit Dominica in, again for personal reasons. It looks as if we can take a boat there from Guadeloupe.

@Sandrine1982
please come back and post after you’ve come back and share how you got on and as much of your itinerary as you feel comfortable sharing.

Thank you @Zipidydodah and @Jaichangecentfoisdenom - I will report :)

@Sandrine1982@Jaichangecentfoisdenomwe stayed in Deshaies! It was fab :) we hired a car and drove around quite a bit , went into the centre of the the island to see the waterfalls . But also stayed a few nights on Les Saintes , one of the little islands off Guadeloupe …which is like a little slice of paradise … no cars, just walked to a different beautiful beach every day!

I’ve always wondered about going back or trying Martinique instead! Onyx travel have some good info on both