Just 3km (2 miles) east of Pointe-à-Pitre is the tourist area of Le Bas du Fort, near Gosier. This is the best place to stay if you'd like to be near (but not in) the capital and if you'd like a location near the international airport. Although it has some good sandy beaches, there are far better ones farther out from the center. One drawback is that the area is rather built up and you may not find the tranquility here you'll enjoy in other parts of Guadeloupe.
Aquarium de la Guadeloupe, place Créole, Marina Gosier (tel. 590/90-92-38), is one of the most modern aquariums in the Caribbean, and it can be visited in about an hour. Just off the highway near Le Bas du Fort Marina, the aquarium is home to tropical fish, coral, underwater plants, huge sharks, and other sea creatures. Hours are daily from 9am to 7pm. Admission is 8.50€ ($12) for adults, 5€ ($7) for children 5 to 12, and free for kids 4 and under.
