La Soufriere Volcano — Local services in Basse-Terre

Take a tour guide if you want to get up close to the craters like we did. We took KarukeraTours with Aurelie as our tour guide. She's a pro. We were given a gas mask and used before we got to craters. Without a tour guide and a gas mask, you cannot go inside the craters area

I found that the track was not too easy. Steep, rocky, narrow. Couldn't imagine when it's raining. Must be slippery. But I saw loads of kids under 10 yo taking 'le chemin de Dame' (touristic pathway). We took le chemin géologue. Alot quicker

Make sure you take long pants to avoid scratches and bruises on your legs, bring jacket. It gets cold once you're on top.

Essentials to bring : water, juices in small packages, snack bars, sandwiches, small tissues, plastic bag for your rubbish, hat, arnica cream, doliprane or paracetamol(just incase).

No public toilets

Parking is challenging.

Good experience for the kids. They enjoyed it so much. We had a good time...

Super windy at the top - take a jacket! This isn't exactly an easy hike. If you want to make it to the top, be prepared. Bring snacks and water. The sulfur smell from the volcano is gross but the experience of seeing an active volcano - and hiking a mountain! - is totally worth it. Because the larger parking lot is closed, parking is a bit of a challenge... Once you start seeing cars, it's time to park, don't make the mistake of cruising to the top to see if you can get closer! Also, be prepared for a bit if a scary drive. Totally worth it though. Amazing views of the city and...

If you are on the island, then it is essential that you do this, so long as you are in moderate health. The climb to the top is very well signed and in good condition, with plenty of places to catch your breath along the way as you admire the view and the amazing scope of nature on display. After a spectacular climb to the summit, you can look down across the island while inhaling some sulfur fumes. Highly recommended, even for kids of...