Platax - Cousteau Reserve

Shane’s isn't a deep dive, topping out around 17 metres, but it always delivers something unexpected. We rate it highly for the sheer weirdness factor, the kind of place where you’ll spend an entire dive in a small area, just scanning the nooks and crannies. This is our pick for macro photographers, or anyone who just loves to hunt for the truly unusual. We've found a staggering array of tiny, camouflaged critters here: weedy scorpionfish that look like a patch of algae, leaf fish swaying with the surge, and the always-entertaining ghost pipefish. Keep an eye out for harlequin shrimp, their colours popping against the coral, and the notoriously difficult-to-spot seahorses. Visibility averages 14 metres, which is fine for close-up work, but it's the sheer density of rare finds, like the Blood-stained frog shell or the Common comet star, that makes Shane's so special. If you're into big pelagics, this isn't your spot, but for those who find joy in the intricate details of the reef, Shane's is consistently rewarding.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.393400, -61.542000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin de la Guadeloupe

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 Platax

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 Platax

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 are the typical diving depths at the Platax dive site?
The Platax dive site is a beautiful deep site, suitable for explorations with or without deco. Divers can expect to find rich coral between 40 and 25 meters, after a long descent into the blue. The maximum recorded depth for this site is 39 meters, though it is described as suitable for depths up to 50 meters.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Platax?
Divers at Platax can look forward to a very rich coral reef, featuring overlapping coral, large barrel-sponges, rope sponges, and black coral, especially between 40 and 25 meters. The site is also known for abundant gorgonians and frequent sightings of marine life such as stingrays and eagle rays.
How challenging is diving at Platax, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Platax dive site is rated with an intermediate difficulty, making it more suitable for experienced divers rather than beginners. Its nature as a deep site, reaching up to 50 meters and suitable for explorations with or without decompression, suggests it requires more advanced diving skills.
What is the best time of year to dive Platax for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Platax for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific certifications required to dive at Platax, beyond Open Water?
Given that Platax is a deep site, reaching up to 50 meters, and rated with an intermediate difficulty, certifications beyond Open Water - such as Advanced Open Water or Deep Diver - would likely be recommended or required. This allows for safe exploration of its deeper coral reefs and potential decompression dives.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Platax dive site?
Divers at the Platax dive site can typically expect good visibility, with an average of 19 meters. The provided information does not specify the typical current conditions at this dive site.