La Plongée Caribéenne - Cousteau Reserve

La Plongée Caribéenne might not have the dramatic drop-offs of some other Caribbean sites, but don't let that fool you. This is a wonderfully relaxed dive, perfect for just exploring the nooks and crannies. We love drifting over the sandy patches, keeping an eye out for the odd Bottleneck Sea Cucumber inching along or a flash of a Cowfish darting into the seagrass. The reef itself is a pretty, low-lying affair, often punctuated by sizable coral heads. Peer into the crevices and you'll find Spiny Brittle Stars tucked away, their arms waving gently, or maybe even a shy Caribbean Hermit Crab scuttling across the substrate. It’s not about big pelagics here; it's about slowing down and appreciating the smaller, often overlooked inhabitants. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, just as the sun gets high enough to really illuminate the greens of the Sturdy Needleweed and the deeper reds of the Red Cushion Sea Star. Visibility here is generally quite good, making it a brilliant spot for newer divers to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. If you enjoy a leisurely pace and the thrill of discovery in the small things, this is a real treat.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.253530, -61.268010

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 La Plongée Caribéenne

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 La Plongée Caribéenne

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