GROTTES DE FERRY - Cousteau Reserve

Bukabuka Lighthouse, off Sulawesi, offers a mellow drift along a sloping reef that gives way to a rather impressive Cabbage Coral garden. It’s neatly arranged, almost manicured, which is a bit unusual to see. We’ve spotted Blacktip Reef Sharks cruising by and even an Eagle Ray or two on a good day. It’s a comfortable dive, maxing out around 21m, with good visibility, often over 30m. Great for a relaxed afternoon float, especially if you appreciate healthy hard coral formations.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.281800, -61.805400
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Gros Morne - Grande Anse

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 GROTTES DE FERRY

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 GROTTES DE FERRY

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 depth range for diving at Grottes de Ferry?
The typical depth range for diving at Grottes de Ferry is from 8 meters deep, where the caves become accessible, down to a maximum depth of 16 meters near the herbarium. This makes it a great site for exploring the unique underwater formations of the Cousteau Reserve.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Grottes de Ferry?
Divers at Grottes de Ferry can expect to explore fascinating underwater caves and navigate between unique rock formations, leading to a herbarium at 16 meters. Within these caves, you'll encounter vibrant marine life, including schools of hatchet fish, lion fish, and numerous schools of blue trevally. This site also features a reef environment, adding to its biodiversity.
Is Grottes de Ferry considered a difficult dive site, suitable for beginners, or only for experienced divers?
Grottes de Ferry is considered an easy dive site, making it highly suitable for beginners. Divers can comfortably explore the caves and navigate between the rocks, reaching a maximum depth of 16 meters. It's an excellent location to gain confidence and experience in the Cousteau Reserve.
What is the best time of year to dive at Grottes de Ferry for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Grottes de Ferry for optimal conditions or seasonal visibility. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 15 meters at this site. For general information on diving seasons in the Caribbean, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive in the caves at Grottes de Ferry?
The data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive in the caves at Grottes de Ferry. Given it's described as an "easy dive site for beginners," a standard Open Water Diver certification is typically sufficient for exploring these accessible formations. Always consult with your local dive operator in the Cousteau Reserve for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at Grottes de Ferry?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current or water conditions, such as temperature or surge, at Grottes de Ferry. However, divers can generally anticipate an average visibility of 15 meters at this site. For up-to-date local conditions, it's always best to check with a dive center in Cousteau Reserve.