LE STANIOR - Cousteau Reserve

Nudibranch City lives up to its name, a slow drift over a sandy bottom peppered with small coral heads, all within a shallow 11 meters. We’ve found a surprising number of flatworms and sea hares here, alongside the various nudibranchs. Keep an eye out for frogfish tucked into the soft corals. Visibility usually sits around 8 meters, so it’s not about grand vistas, but rather getting up close and personal. This site is a macro photographer’s happy place and a great spot for newer divers looking for a relaxed bottom time.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.285900, -61.808700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Gros Morne - Grande Anse

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 STANIOR

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 STANIOR

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 range at Le Stanior, and are there any particularly deep or shallow areas of interest?
The typical diving depth range at Le Stanior starts at 15m and extends up to 30m, with a maximum recorded depth of 26m. Divers will navigate around two rocky peaks, which are key areas of interest within this depth range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Le Stanior?
At Le Stanior, divers can expect to explore a vibrant reef featuring two distinct rocky peaks and enormous barrel sponges. The site is teeming with marine life, including numerous schools of cassava fish or trevally. Keep an eye out for regular sightings of stingrays, large barracudas, and king mackerel during your dive.
How challenging is diving at Le Stanior, and is it suitable for beginner, intermediate, or advanced divers?
Diving at Le Stanior is classified as intermediate difficulty. This makes it an excellent site for divers who have some experience beyond their initial certification. While not suitable for absolute beginners, it offers a rewarding experience for those comfortable with moderate conditions.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Le Stanior for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season to dive at Le Stanior for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive at Le Stanior?
Given that Le Stanior is an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is highly recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures you are comfortable and proficient enough to safely navigate the site's depths and features.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Le Stanior, and how do they vary?
At Le Stanior, divers can generally expect good visibility, with an average of 16m. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions or how they may vary at this site. Always check with local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before your dive.