Diving in Cousteau Reserve

Explore 63 dive sites in Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Cousteau Reserve

The warmest water temperatures in Cousteau Reserve occur in January, averaging 27.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • February: 27.5°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • March: 27.5°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • April: 27.5°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • May: 27.5°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • June: 27.5°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • July: 27.5°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • August: 27.5°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 27.5°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.5°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • November: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • December: 27.5°C (air: 25.3°C)

Marine Life in Cousteau Reserve

Home to 345 recorded species including 259 reef fish, 27 hard corals, 16 whales & dolphins, 12 other, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 sea urchins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Cousteau Reserve

Cousteau Reserve has 18 beginner, 2 intermediate, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Cousteau Reserve

Based on average water temperature of 27.5°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Cousteau Reserve

  • Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin de la Guadeloupe - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Guadeloupe - National Park - Core Area (IUCN Category II)
  • Guadeloupe [Aire D\'Adhésion] - National Park - Buffer zone/Area of adhesion (IUCN Category V)
  • Terre-De-Haut - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Iles De La Petite Terre - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilet Kahouanne - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Anse A La Barque - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Gros Morne - Grande Anse - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointe Allegre - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointe De La Perle - Anse Tillet - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Le Pain De Sucre - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Le Fer A Cheval - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Morne Morel - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointe Menard - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointe A L\'Eau - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • La Batterie - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bois Joli - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointe De Miquelon Gros Cap - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointe De L\'Anse Bertrand - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Couronne Conchou - Anse Salmon - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointe Du Trou A Meynal - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilots De Sainte Rose - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilet Caret - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Les Trois Pointes - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • La Désirade - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilet Gosier - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Guadeloupe - Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Agoa - Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Petite Terre - Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention) (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Cousteau Reserve - Nearest Airports

  • Maryse Condé International Airport (PTP), Pointe-à-Pitre - 20 km away, approx 37 min travel time
  • John A. Osborne Airport (MNI), Gerald's Park - 85 km away, approx 108 min travel time
  • V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU), Osbourn - 106 km away, approx 130 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility like for diving in the Cousteau Reserve?
The Cousteau Reserve offers pleasant water conditions, with the best water temperatures recorded at a warm 27.5°C during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. While specific visibility details are not provided in the data, the generally calm Caribbean waters often promise excellent clarity. This makes for comfortable and enjoyable diving experiences in this protected marine reserve.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Cousteau Reserve?
While specific marine life species are not detailed in the provided data for the Cousteau Reserve, divers can explore a variety of habitats including numerous vibrant reefs, dramatic walls, and intriguing wrecks. These diverse environments typically support a rich array of Caribbean marine life. For general information on regional species, you might consult our wildlife database.
Which are the most recommended dive sites in the Cousteau Reserve for different interests?
For beginners, recommended reef sites include Rocroy, Pointe Lézarde, and Snorkeling Park. Intermediate divers have a wide selection, such as the reef sites POINTE AUX FOUS and GROTTES DE FERRY, the wall dive PAUL THOMAS, or the fascinating wrecks like Epave Le Franjack and Epave Le Gustavia. Advanced divers can challenge themselves at the wall site Pointe Barque. With 61 dive sites, there's something for every interest in the Cousteau Reserve.
What diving experience levels are suitable for the Cousteau Reserve, from beginners to advanced?
The Cousteau Reserve is suitable for all diving experience levels, from beginners to advanced divers. Beginners can enjoy sites like Rocroy and Jardin de Corail, which are classified as reef dives. Intermediate divers have a vast selection of both reef and wreck dives, including POINTE AUX FOUS and Epave Le Gustavia, while advanced divers can explore the challenging wall dive at Pointe Barque.
How can travelers get to the Cousteau Reserve for diving?
Specific travel logistics to the Cousteau Reserve are not detailed in the provided data. However, as it is located in Guadeloupe, travelers would typically fly into the island and then arrange local transportation to one of the 8 dive centres operating in the area. These centers can facilitate access to Jacques Cousteau's favorite dive area.
What are the best and worst times of year to dive in the Cousteau Reserve, considering weather and sea conditions?
The best time of year to dive in the Cousteau Reserve, based on water temperature, is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water averages a comfortable 27.5°C. Information regarding the "worst" times of year or specific weather and sea conditions is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on diving seasons, you can consult our when to dive guide.
Are there any unique underwater features or attractions specific to the Cousteau Reserve, such as shipwrecks or geothermal vents?
Yes, the Cousteau Reserve boasts unique underwater attractions, including several fascinating shipwrecks. Divers can explore wrecks like Crazy coral, Epave Le Franjack, and Epave Le Gustavia. Additionally, the reserve features impressive wall dives such as PAUL THOMAS and Pointe Barque, all within Jacques Cousteau's favorite dive area.
What are the typical depths of dive sites in the Cousteau Reserve, and are there any sites with strong currents or advanced technical requirements?
The provided data does not specify typical depths or details about strong currents or advanced technical requirements for dive sites in the Cousteau Reserve. However, the presence of "wall" dives like PAUL THOMAS and advanced sites such as Pointe Barque suggests a range of depths and potentially varying conditions suitable for different experience levels. Divers should consult local dive centers for site-specific information.