Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe
    Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin de la Guadeloupe

    Aplysina

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin de la Guadeloupe

    Why dive here

    With 331+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and manta rays - Aplysina offers some of Cousteau Reserve's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeJan–Apr
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Manta Rays · 331+ species recorded
    Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Aplysina

    Aplysina Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Aplysina, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (16.17, -61.78) (8km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    86°F · Range: 29.2–31.2°C

    Air Temperature

    27°C

    81°F

    Wind Speed

    3.54 m/s

    6.9 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1013.4 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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