POINTE BATTERIE - Cousteau Reserve

Shark Rock feels like diving a giant's marble collection. South-east of Praslin, it's a 30 to 40-minute boat ride, depending on how choppy the ocean feels that day. The site itself is a jumble of massive granite boulders, stacked and scattered, creating tunnels and swim-throughs you can spend an entire dive exploring. We've often found ourselves in a silent procession through a narrow gap, a soft light filtering down from above, before popping out into a sun-drenched amphitheater. What we love here are the encrusting corals and sponges that paint every surface of those boulders. They are vibrant, a real contrast to the grey rock. Look closely, and you'll spot the little residents: tiny Slender Groupers tucked into crevices, Palespot Eviotas darting about. We’ve had great luck finding Hawksbill Turtles munching on sponges, seemingly oblivious to us. The schools of yellowfin soldierfish here are dense, creating shimmering walls of silver and gold that swirl and part as you approach. Keep an eye out for the Giant Trevallies, they often cruise the edges of the rock formations, looking for an easy meal. This site is a great choice for divers who enjoy intricate topography and macro life, though the occasional white-tip reef shark does cruise through, adding a bit of pelagic excitement.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.304400, -61.802100
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 POINTE BATTERIE

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 BATTERIE

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 depth range for scuba diving at Pointe Batterie?
At Pointe Batterie, the depth typically doesn't exceed 15m, making it a relatively shallow dive. The maximum recorded depth for this site is 17m. This makes it suitable for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Pointe Batterie?
Pointe Batterie is renowned for its rich macro fauna, particularly offering excellent opportunities to observe shrimps and nudibranchs. While it's a reef dive, from January to April, divers might also be lucky enough to encounter groups of bottlenose dolphins. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Pointe Batterie dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Pointe Batterie is classified as an intermediate dive site. However, it is considered relatively simple due to its lack of exposure to strong currents and its shallow depth. While beginners with proper guidance might manage, it's generally best suited for divers with some experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Pointe Batterie for optimal conditions and visibility?
While specific data for optimal conditions and visibility throughout the year isn't provided, the period from January to April offers a unique opportunity to encounter groups of bottlenose dolphins at Pointe Batterie. The average visibility at this site is a good 14m. For general guidance on diving seasons, check our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving at Pointe Batterie?
Given that Pointe Batterie is an intermediate dive site, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient, though some experience is recommended. Divers with an Advanced Open Water certification will find it very comfortable. No specific advanced certifications are explicitly required due to its relatively simple nature and shallow depth.
What are the typical current strengths and underwater visibility conditions experienced at Pointe Batterie?
Divers at Pointe Batterie can expect very calm conditions as the site is not exposed to strong currents. The underwater visibility is typically quite good, averaging around 14m. This combination contributes to a relaxed and enjoyable diving experience.