BERTINA - Cousteau Reserve

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.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.267500, -61.599167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BERTINA

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.

Marine Protected Area: 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 BERTINA

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 BERTINA

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