Jardin de Corail - Cousteau Reserve

Jardin de Corail, or Coral Garden, is the kind of site we always recommend for a relaxed afternoon dive, particularly if you’re newer to diving or just want an easy cruise. Dropping down, you’re greeted by sprawling table corals and sea fans, creating these lovely, intricate structures. It’s shallow, only reaching 18m at its deepest, which means excellent light penetration, illuminating the reef in bright, clear blues and greens. We especially love the sheer density of parrotfish here – they’re constantly munching away, and you can practically hear the crunching if you listen carefully. You’ll spot a fair few green sea turtles too, usually just hanging out near the bigger coral heads. Keep an eye out for keel-tail needlefish just beneath the surface; their long, slender bodies are quite striking. The current is generally negligible, making it a truly peaceful drift. It’s not about huge pelagics or dramatic drop-offs, but rather a gentle exploration of a healthy, bustling reef. Perfect for photographers and those who appreciate the smaller details.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.170000, -61.792000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-18m
Difficulty
Beginner

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 Jardin de Corail

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 Jardin de Corail

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