PAUL THOMAS - Cousteau Reserve

Scotts Head Drop Off is a solid second dive, often paired with something deeper. We like the wall here; it’s genuinely colorful and provides plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Expect to spend time peering into crevices, where you'll often spot lobsters, crabs, and various shrimps. The Yellowhead Jawfish is a regular here, and if you’re lucky, a ray or turtle might cruise by. It’s a good spot for macro enthusiasts, and generally quite sheltered, though we have hit a bit of current when drifting outside the main bay. Maximum depth clocks in at 21 meters, so it’s a nice, relaxed profile.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.284700, -61.803500
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
15-40m

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 PAUL THOMAS

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 PAUL THOMAS

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 scuba diving at the Paul Thomas dive site?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at the Paul Thomas dive site is 17 meters. This makes it an accessible site for a variety of certified divers looking to explore the vibrant underwater world of Guadeloupe.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Paul Thomas dive site?
Divers at the Paul Thomas dive site can expect a dive rich in encounters, exploring multiple coral spots and a wall type feature. You are almost sure to observe fascinating marine life such as green turtles, captain, diodons, and french angel fish, alongside a very rich macro environment. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is the Paul Thomas dive site considered suitable for beginner or advanced scuba divers?
The Paul Thomas dive site is considered to have an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certification, offering a rewarding experience without being overly challenging.
When is the best time of year to dive at the Paul Thomas site for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at the Paul Thomas dive site for optimal conditions. However, you can often find general information about diving seasons in Guadeloupe on our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Paul Thomas?
While the specific certifications required are not detailed in the provided data, given the Paul Thomas dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, a certification beyond Open Water Diver, such as Advanced Open Water, would likely be recommended. This would ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience for the site's characteristics.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Paul Thomas dive site?
At the Paul Thomas dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 16 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life and coral spots. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site.