Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie - Cousteau Reserve

The Nursery, as its name suggests, is a relatively shallow spot, topping out at 15 metres. It’s a coral-covered pinnacle that starts close to the surface, making for a relaxed multi-level dive. We’ve found it’s a good place to slow down and really look closely, especially for macro life; we’ve spotted tiny adorning dwarfgobies and even the elusive threespot righteye flounder tucked into the coral. Anemones practically carpet sections of the reef, full of their resident anemonefish, but keep an eye out for blacktip reef sharks circling the edges too. Visibility often sits around 10 metres here, so stick close to the reef and enjoy the details.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.511400, -61.466600
Type
reef

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 Tunnel de la Grande Vigie

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 Tunnel de la Grande Vigie

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 maximum depth for diving at Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie?
The maximum depth for diving at Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie is 20 meters. This makes it an accessible reef dive suitable for divers comfortable with this depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie?
Divers at Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie can explore a superb arch, a 20-meter-long tunnel, and a vibrant coral reef. The site is teeming with marine life including lobsters, sponges, multicolored corals, barracudas, angelfish, shrimp, jacks, and spider crabs. Lucky divers might even spot dolphins.
What is the difficulty level for diving Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie, and is it suitable for beginners?
The difficulty level for diving Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie is classified as intermediate. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners, but rather for divers with some experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie, considering weather and sea conditions?
Diving at Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie is possible only between June and October, and only under very specific conditions. It's advisable to check when to dive for the region and local forecasts before planning your trip during this window.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie?
The specific diving certifications required or recommended for Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie are not explicitly stated in the provided data. However, given its intermediate difficulty, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie dive site?
At Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie, divers can expect an average visibility of 15 meters, offering clear views of the underwater formations and marine life. Information regarding typical current conditions at this specific dive site is not provided in the available data.