Guadeloupe: Death in Paradise Tour & Catherine’s Bar Lunch

Summary

Death in Paradise filming locations, Catherine’s Bar lunch, botanical garden walk

You’ll step into familiar Death in Paradise scenes around Guadeloupe with a guide who knows all the stories (and secrets). Feed parrots at Deshaies’ lush botanical garden, wander through Honoré village past filming spots, then relax over lunch or drinks at Catherine’s Bar by the sea. It’s more than sightseeing — it feels like walking through your favorite episodes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Death in Paradise filming locations tour

• Meet driver at Pointe-à-Pitre terminal
• Scenic coastal drive past Inspector’s house
• Visit botanical garden in Deshaies village
• Explore Port Honoré and take photos
• Walking tour of Honoré village filming sites
• Photo stop at Honoré police station
• Introduction at Catherine’s Bar
• Lunch or free time at Catherine’s Bar
• Scenic coastal drive with photo stops
• Return to Pointe-à-Pitre cruise terminal

Top questions

Is pickup included from Pointe-à-Pitre cruise terminal?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from Terminal 1 at Pointe-à-Pitre cruise terminal.

Can I have lunch at Catherine’s Bar during this tour?

You can book lunch ahead at Catherine’s Bar (except Wednesdays and public holidays), or just enjoy drinks/free time if you prefer.

Are tickets to Guadeloupe Botanical Gardens included?

Yes, entry tickets to the botanical gardens are included in your tour price.

Is this Death in Paradise tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, due to uneven ground and steps, this tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchairs.

Will we see inside filming locations like the police station?

You’ll stop outside for photos; entry depends on whether it’s open (usually December–April) and requires paying on site.

How long does this day trip last?

The tour runs from about 8:30am until around 2:30–3pm depending on your cruise departure time.

Do I need to bring my own water?

Yes, please bring your own reusable water bottle as plastic bottles aren’t provided.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Pointe-à-Pitre cruise terminal, guided transport along scenic coastal roads with commentary from an extra from Death in Paradise, entry tickets to Guadeloupe Botanical Gardens where you can feed birds and explore lush grounds, plus pre-booked table reservations for lunch at Catherine’s Bar if selected—though lunch itself isn’t included—before returning comfortably by minibus in time for your ship.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down a winding coast road before I realized our guide, Alain, had actually been on the set of Death in Paradise — as an extra! He pointed out the exact stretch of sand where the Inspector’s shack appears every season (it’s only there for a few months, which I didn’t know). The sea was that kind of blue you want to bottle up. Alain told us how hot it gets during filming and how the actors always end up with sand in their shoes. I tried to imagine myself wearing a suit in that heat. Nope.

The botanical garden in Deshaies (or “Honoré” if you’re a fan) was next — parrots screeching somewhere above us, koi swirling under lily pads. There was this faint smell of hibiscus and something sweet I couldn’t place. We fed some lorikeets; one landed on my shoulder and wouldn’t leave until Alain bribed it with fruit. He showed us the villa where Richard Poole’s character met his end (can’t go inside, but you get close enough to feel the TV magic). I caught myself looking for cameras out of habit — silly.

Walking through Honoré village felt like being let backstage at a play you’ve watched for years. The church bells echoed off faded pastel walls. At Catherine’s Bar, we squeezed onto a table right by the water — not guaranteed unless you book lunch ahead, apparently. I ordered grilled fish; someone else tried to pronounce “colombo” and got a laugh from the bartender. The air tasted salty and there was reggae playing low behind us. It didn’t feel like a tour at that point — more like we’d wandered into someone else’s story.

I keep thinking about that last view over the bay, standing near Port Honoré where all those boat scenes are shot. It was quieter than I expected — just wind and distant voices from the bar drifting over. On the drive back to Pointe-à-Pitre, Alain pointed out which hotel the film crew stays at (“not as glamorous as it looks,” he said). The whole day felt like peeking behind a curtain but somehow still being part of it.