ISMINI - Cousteau Reserve

The *Ismini* isn't a deep dive, not even close. We're talking a foot of water, maybe two on a high tide, yet it’s one of our favourite spots in the Cousteau Reserve for something completely different. This old steamer, built in '29, ran aground in '65 and eventually caught fire, leaving its bones scattered across the reef crest. You’re not diving it so much as snorkelling or, frankly, just wading. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it's boring. We love how the water laps over the rusty plates, creating this rhythmic, metallic whisper. Look closely and you'll see crabs scuttling in the shadows of the hull plates, tiny blennies peeking out of crevices, and juvenile parrotfish nibbling at the algae-covered metal. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially with a wide-angle lens, capturing the wreck’s stark outline against the sky. We'd suggest going at low tide, when more of the structure is exposed and the light really plays off the shallow water. It’s a fantastic spot for history buffs or anyone who appreciates how nature reclaims even the most substantial man-made objects.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.159782, -61.544400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Ilet Gosier

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 ISMINI

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 ISMINI

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