Basse-Terre Island is the name of the western-half of Guadeloupe proper, in the Lesser Antilles. Despite its name, Basse-Terre Island (literally "Low Land" Island, "Down Land" Island) is the highest island of Guadeloupe, rising to 1,467 metres (4,813 feet) above sea level at the Soufrière volcano.

Above the city of Basse-Terre on a mountain road, is the village of Saint-Claude, at the base of the Soufrière volcano. The village is noted for its coffee and banana plantations & stately homes. Tours to ascend the Soufrière can be arranged.

A few beaches are located along the coast, north and south of the city of Basse-Terre. There are also fishing areas.