Pointe Barracuda - Cousteau Reserve

Pointe Barracuda, for us, is all about the feel of the current. It’s not always a screamer, but it’s often enough to make you feel alive, particularly along the wall that drops into the blue. We love drifting here, letting the water do the work, eyes peeled for what emerges from the gloom. You’re not here for static coral gardens, though there are plenty of healthy patches. This spot shines when the pelagics decide to show up. We’ve had a few incredible encounters with barracuda – proper big ones, not the shy juveniles – hanging motionless in the flow, just watching us. Spot snapper school here consistently, a shimmering wall of silver that parts as you approach. Keep an eye out into the deeper blue, too. We’ve been lucky enough to see a few bridled dolphins pass through on occasion, a truly magical sight. The site is best for intermediate divers comfortable with a bit of drift and who appreciate the thrill of the open water. Go on a rising tide if you can, the visibility often sharpens up nicely then.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.167350, -61.792377

Marine Protected Area: Anse A La Barque

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 Pointe Barracuda

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 Pointe Barracuda

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