Bouée Anticyclonique - Cousteau Reserve

Bouée Anticyclonique in Cousteau Reserve is a solid drift dive, a really pleasant way to see some classic Caribbean reef. We’ve found the currents here are usually gentle, just enough to carry you along without much effort. The drop-off is particularly nice, sloping down to about 25 metres, and the visibility often hits 20 metres or more. We especially like the sandy patches in between the coral bommies; they’re often home to Heart Urchins and we’ve spotted Orangespotted Filefish flitting about. It’s not a dramatic wall, but the coral coverage is healthy, mostly brain corals and some big barrel sponges. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for juvenile snappers. We also often see schools of Blue Runners and Round Scad hanging in the blue, just off the reef. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin pod passing by – it’s rare, but we’ve had friends see both Bridled and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins here. This site is great for divers who enjoy a relaxed drift and appreciate the smaller details of a healthy reef. It’s perfect for photography or just an easy, enjoyable cruise.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.169733, -61.789540

Marine Protected Area: Anse A La Barque

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 Bouée Anticyclonique

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 Bouée Anticyclonique

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