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Bassin Bleu

A blue river pool in the forest above Gourbeyre, reached by a short walk from the road.

Updated 14 October 2026

Typeriver pools
WhereBasse-Terre
Nearest cityGourbeyre
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowTwo hours
Getting thereAbove Gourbeyre in southern Basse-Terre; short walk from the parking
EntryFree

Bassin Bleu is a pool on a river in the forest above Gourbeyre, where the water gathers in a basin deep enough that it takes on a strong blue-green colour against the pale rock, with a small fall running into it. It is reached by a short walk from a roadside parking area and is used for swimming by local families. The surrounding forest is dense and the water is cold.

Highlights

  • The blue pool - deep water taking a strong colour against the pale rock.
  • The small fall - the drop feeding the basin.
  • The short approach - a walk of a few minutes from the road.
  • The forest - dense growth enclosing the river.

When to go

December to April is the driest. The colour is strongest in clear water after a dry spell. After rain the river runs brown and rises fast.

Practical notes

The river rises quickly after rain in the hills and the pool becomes dangerous. There is no supervision or facilities. Parking is a narrow roadside pull-in.

Nearby

Gourbeyre is below, and Basse-Terre is west.

What to pack for Bassin Bleu

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
  • Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
  • Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
  • Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Bassin Bleu is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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