La pointe à vache - Cousteau Reserve

Nawawa Bay is a bit of a quiet hero. We'd call it our favourite "slow dive" site, perfect for shaking off travel jitters or really getting into the details. It's a shallow, sloping sandy bottom, and while the name might not scream "epic," it's absolutely brilliant for a relaxed exploration. We love Nawawa for its half-dozen bommies, each a little world of its own, sitting around 10-12 metres. The visibility averages about 8 metres, which means you’re focused on what's close, and that's usually where the good stuff is. We’ve spent whole dives just circling one bommie, finding Blackbelly Pygmygobies peeking out or spotting a Jebb's Siphonfish sifting through the sand. It’s also one of our go-to spots for spotting Hawksbill turtles munching on the corals, especially the Staghorn and Cauliflower varieties that dominate here. Honestly, if you're into macro, this is your jam. Look for the tiny Christmas Blennies popping their heads out of holes, or the subtle beauty of a Finespot Eviota. We often use it for Open Water courses or navigation specialties when the northerly winds pick up, as it’s incredibly sheltered. Come here to slow down, practice your buoyancy, and really appreciate the smaller wonders of the reef.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
15.868700, -61.637800
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Pointe De Miquelon Gros Cap

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 pointe à vache

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 pointe à vache

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 at La Pointe à Vache in Guadeloupe?
The dive at La Pointe à Vache in Guadeloupe offers a gentle descent from around 5m, leading to a sandy bottom at 20m. The maximum depth for this site is 19m, making it suitable for a range of divers.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter at La Pointe à Vache?
Divers visiting La Pointe à Vache can expect a very dense fixed fauna, showcasing all the characteristic corals of the Caribbean. Notably, a beautiful Elan's Horn coral is situated right under the boat, offering an excellent photo opportunity.
Is La Pointe à Vache considered a challenging dive site for scuba divers?
La Pointe à Vache is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests it's suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level, offering an engaging yet manageable underwater experience.
When is the best time of year to dive at La Pointe à Vache in Guadeloupe for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at La Pointe à Vache for optimal conditions. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 20m at this site. For general information on diving seasons in the Guadeloupe region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at La Pointe à Vache?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, given that La Pointe à Vache is an intermediate difficulty dive site, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to comfortably explore depths up to 19m.
What are the typical current and water conditions at the La Pointe à Vache dive site?
At La Pointe à Vache, divers can typically expect excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 20m. The provided information does not detail specific current strengths or water temperatures for this site.