Diving in Guadeloupe

Cousteau Reserve

Cousteau Reserve, off Pigeon Island, isn’t just famous because the man himself loved it; it’s genuinely great diving. We’ve spent weeks here, and it still pulls us back. Dropping onto the reef, you often find yourself swimming through schools of horse-eye jacks, a silver curtain parting around you. We’ve seen batfish gliding lazily over the sponges and, if you keep your eyes peeled in the sandy patches, the peculiar Longarm Brotula peeking out. Our favourite dive here is the wreck of the Franjack, a small cargo ship lying on its side. It’s an easy penetration for those with the right training, but even from the outside, it’s alive with bicolor damselfish flitting among the coral growth. Current can pick up a bit around the pinnacles, so keep an eye on the dive flag, but mostly it’s a gentle drift. Visibility generally hovers around 20-25 metres, and the water stays warm, usually 26-29°C. If you’re lucky enough to be there between January and May, you might even hear the haunting calls of humpback whales, a real thrill underwater. It’s accessible for all levels, and the sheer number of sites means you won't get bored quickly.