Buste du Commandant Cousteau - Cousteau Reserve

Alright, so you’re diving the Cousteau Reserve in Guadeloupe and someone mentions the Buste. Our take? It's a nice easy dive, often bundled with other spots, but it's more about the history than the big pelagics. You’ll drop down and there he is, the bronze bust of the man himself, resting on a rocky ledge at about 12 metres. The feeling of being there, next to Cousteau’s memorial, is surprisingly poignant. We’ve been a few times and it always makes us pause. Look closely around the bust itself; little damselfish and chromis dart in and out, and we’ve often seen parrotfish munching on the nearby rocks. The site isn't particularly deep or challenging, making it a good choice for newer divers or for a relaxed second dive. We'd suggest aiming for early morning if you can; the light filters down beautifully through the water, illuminating the statue and the surrounding reef, and you avoid the midday boat rush. Don’t expect screaming currents or huge schools of jacks, but for a gentle dive with a cool story, it’s worth a dip.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.166704, -61.788334

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 Buste du Commandant Cousteau

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 Buste du Commandant Cousteau

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