Aplysina - Cousteau Reserve

Aplysina. Even the name whispers “sponges,” and trust us, it delivers. We love how this site, shallow as it is at just 11 metres, just feels… *soft*. It’s not about dramatic drop-offs or roaring currents here. It’s a gentle wander through fields of those fantastic rope sponges, golden and purple, some as thick as your arm, others twisting upwards like corkscrews. You’ll also spot plenty of barrel sponges and pipe sponges, creating a maze of nooks and crannies. The light filters through the water beautifully, dappling the sand and making the sponges glow. We’ve found cowfish peeking out from behind a particularly chunky barrel sponge, and those red cushion sea stars just pop against the muted corals. Keep an eye out for brittle stars too, their tiny arms waving from every crevice; there are so many varieties here. This is a perfect site for photographers, especially macro fans, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed, detailed exploration. It’s also our pick for a really pleasant second dive, or for those days when you just want to take it slow and soak it all in.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.393700, -61.535100
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin de la Guadeloupe

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cousteau Reserve

Nearest Dive Centres to Aplysina

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aplysina

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Aplysina dive site?
The Aplysina dive site typically offers a depth range of around 9 to 12 meters. The maximum depth recorded for this site is 11 meters, making it a relatively shallow and accessible reef dive.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Aplysina dive site?
Divers at the Aplysina dive site can expect to explore a vibrant reef rich in sponges, including numerous rope sponges, bariques, and pipes. These formations create excellent hiding places for abundant marine life such as angelfish, diodon, barracuda, and tarpon.
How difficult is the Aplysina dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Aplysina dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a lovely reef walk, its intermediate rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
When is the best time of year to dive at the Aplysina dive site for calmest conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at the Aplysina dive site for the calmest conditions. For general information on optimal diving seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required to dive at the Aplysina site?
The provided information does not specify the exact dive certifications required for the Aplysina site. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 11 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is typically sufficient for similar sites, but it's always best to confirm with a local dive operator in Cousteau Reserve.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Aplysina dive site?
Divers at the Aplysina dive site can generally expect good visibility, with an average of 12 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this site.