Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe
    Guadeloupe

    BERTINA

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Guadeloupe

    Why dive here

    With 331+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and manta rays - BERTINA offers some of Cousteau Reserve's richest wreck 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
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Bertina isn't just a wreck; it's a testament to nature's power and its resilience. This dredger, driven ashore by Hurricane Hugo back in '89, now lies in the shallows, a skeletal outline against the blue. We love how accessible it is, literally starting at 0m, making it perfect for snorkelers and newer divers alike, but there's enough character for experienced folks too. What you'll find here is less about penetration and more about exploration around the edges. Her stern rises closest to the surface, and as you fin along the remaining hull plates, you’ll spot parrotfish grazing on algae, their beaks scraping audibly if you listen closely. Schools of juvenile snapper often shelter within the broken sections, darting in unison as you approach. It's a slow dive, a place to really take your time, looking for the tiny nudibranchs that cling to the rusting metal or watching the damselfish fiercely guard their patches of coral growth. The way the light plays through the gaps in the wreck, especially on a sunny afternoon, paints the sand in shifting patterns of gold and blue. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, less about the deep mystery and more about the ongoing story of a ship reclaimed by the sea.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today05:5817:5011h 51m daylightGolden hour 17:21

    BERTINA Wreck History

    Year Sunk

    1989

    Vessel Type

    barge

    Cause

    storm

    The Bertina was a 70-meter dredger that fell victim to one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record. On September 17, 1989, the catastrophic force of Hurricane Hugo swept through the Caribbean, and the Bertina was unable to escape its wrath. The hurricane's immense winds and storm surge drove the massive vessel ashore, leaving it stranded where it lies to this day.

    Located within Guadeloupe's famous Cousteau Reserve, the Bertina is an incredibly accessible and photogenic wreck. With a depth of 0 meters, its superstructure breaks the surface, making it an ideal site for snorkelers, freedivers, and divers of all levels. The wreck acts as an artificial reef, attracting schools of colorful fish and other marine creatures typical of the reserve. Its dramatic backstory and its transformation into a vibrant marine habitat make the Bertina a must-see landmark for anyone exploring the underwater world of Guadeloupe.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BERTINA

    BERTINA Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for BERTINA, 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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