Le Canon - Cousteau Reserve

Norah Head, specifically Cabbage Tree Bay, is a standout for us, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing shore dive close to Sydney. Don't let the "beginner" label fool you; this spot consistently delivers. We love the easy entry from the boat ramp, a real bonus when you’re lugging gear. Drop in and follow the wall, which gently slopes down to a sandy bottom at around six metres. It’s a great depth for soaking up the scenery without feeling rushed. Keep your eyes peeled amongst the kelp and rocks for resident octopus peering out from crevices, and we’ve often seen banjo sharks resting on the sand, sometimes even a stout southern eagle ray gliding past. Nudibranchs are plentiful here, and the Aegean tube worms add a splash of colour against the grey rock. Visibility averages six metres, which, for a shore dive, feels perfectly adequate – it keeps things intimate. We’d suggest heading out during a high tide for the easiest entry and exit, and watch for schools of little fish darting around the kelp fronds. It's an excellent spot for photographers wanting to practice macro work or simply for those days you just want an easy, rewarding splash.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.443700, -61.541100
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Pointe De L\'Anse Bertrand

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 Le Canon

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 Le Canon

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 Le Canon dive site?
The Le Canon dive site typically offers dives to a maximum depth of 16 meters, making it suitable for most recreational divers. While the site description mentions it descends to 20m, the primary maximum depth for typical diving is 16m. Divers can explore the wall and plateau within this range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Le Canon?
At Le Canon, divers can expect to encounter unique underwater features such as a small arch, also known as “la petite arche d’Antigues,” and the intriguing remains of an old cannon on the plateau. The site is a wall dive, often frequented by barracudas, especially under the arch. You'll also spot a variety of marine life including angelfish, sand urchins, tropical sole, schooling squid, moray eels, and crayfish. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Le Canon, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at Le Canon is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is best suited for certified divers with some prior experience, rather than absolute beginners. While not overly challenging, divers should be comfortable with their skills and potentially varying conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Le Canon for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Le Canon for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on diving seasons in Guadeloupe and the Caribbean, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving Le Canon?
Given that Le Canon is an intermediate dive site, a minimum of Open Water Diver certification is typically required. However, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is highly recommended to comfortably navigate the site's features and depth. Divers should be confident in their buoyancy control and general diving skills.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Le Canon dive site?
Divers at Le Canon can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 25 meters, offering clear views of the site's features and marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this dive site. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time conditions.