Crazy coral - Cousteau Reserve

The HMAS Swan is our pick for a superb wreck dive in Western Australia. We love how accessible it is, sitting upright in Geographe Bay, with its bow at around five metres and stern dropping to 26. You can really get a sense of its scale as you descend, watching the mast structures emerge from the blue. The ship was scuttled in 1997, and the growth on it now is thick and colourful – soft corals have completely draped some sections. Keep an eye out for southern blue-ringed octopus tucked into crevices, their iridescent warnings flashing if you get too close. Crested weedfish often blend perfectly with the encrusting growth, requiring a keen eye to spot them. Our favourite part is exploring the intact bridge and engine room, where schools of silver fish shimmer through the doorways. Visibility averages 14 metres, which is usually plenty to appreciate the wreck's impressive outline and the surprising amount of life it now supports. It’s a site that rewards multiple dives; you’ll always find something new.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.252700, -61.266000
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Couronne Conchou - Anse Salmon

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 Crazy coral

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 Crazy coral

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth range at the Crazy Coral dive site?
The Crazy Coral dive site offers a typical maximum diving depth of 19-20 meters, making it accessible for recreational divers. This depth range allows for excellent exploration of the beautiful coral valleys and diverse marine life.
What specific types of corals and marine life can divers expect to encounter at Crazy Coral?
Divers at Crazy Coral can expect to encounter beautiful valleys of coral massif, notably a large patch of stag coral (Acropora cervicornis). The site is teeming with marine life including Butterflyfish, Damselfish, Sergeant major, Barracuda, Lobster, Shrimp, and the unique Eiffel Crab. You might also spot Balloonfish, Trunkfish, Lionfish, Wrasse, Grouperfish, Gruntfish, Squirrelfish, and Flamingo tongue; explore more species in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Crazy Coral dive site, considering currents and visibility?
The Crazy Coral dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Divers can generally enjoy clear views of the vibrant coral and marine life with an average visibility of 13 meters. While specific current information isn't detailed, an intermediate rating suggests divers should be comfortable with varying conditions.
When is the best time of day or year to dive Crazy Coral for the clearest visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of day or year to dive Crazy Coral for the clearest visibility. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 13 meters at this site. For general guidance on optimal diving seasons in the Guadeloupe region, please consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications recommended or required for diving at Crazy Coral?
Given that Crazy Coral is an intermediate-difficulty dive site with a maximum depth of 19-20 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is typically sufficient. Divers should be comfortable with their skills and experience for intermediate conditions. Always consult with your local dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the usual water conditions and currents like at the Crazy Coral dive site?
The Crazy Coral dive site typically offers an average visibility of 13 meters, providing good conditions for exploring the reef. While specific details on water temperature or currents are not provided, the site is rated as intermediate in difficulty, suggesting divers should be prepared for potentially moderate conditions.