POINTE FERRY - Cousteau Reserve

Sharon’s Serenity on Klein Bonaire feels like a quiet corner, even when other boats are around. We love dropping in here, particularly on a calm morning, and letting the mild current drift us north. The reef really starts to bloom around 10-12 metres; you’ll see some truly impressive stands of Yellow Pencil Coral and Lettuce Coral, reaching out from the main structure. Keep an eye out for the Hourglass basslets, darting in and out of crevices, and we’ve often spotted the tiny Cherub Pygmy Angelfish here, a real treat for macro fans. Our favourite part is the sandy patches interspersed with the coral, perfect for spotting loggerhead turtles grazing on the turtlegrass. The visibility is consistently good, usually around 20 metres or more, which makes for some lovely wide-angle shots of the reef structure. It’s an easy dive, perfectly suited for a relaxed second tank or for newer divers looking to build confidence without strong currents.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.271800, -61.809800
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 FERRY

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 FERRY

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 diving at Pointe Ferry?
The typical depth range for diving at Pointe Ferry is between 3 and 17 meters, with a stated maximum depth of 15 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with various experience levels, though it's classified as intermediate.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can be seen when diving at Pointe Ferry?
At Pointe Ferry, divers can explore multiple fascinating underwater canyons. The site is teeming with marine life, very likely hosting the majority of fish from the West Indies, including frequent sightings of schools of trevally. It's also noted for being very rich in macro life, offering diverse photographic opportunities.
How difficult is the Pointe Ferry dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Pointe Ferry dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty. While its depth range of 3-17m might seem accessible, the potential for strong currents on some days means it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers. Divers should have some experience managing currents.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at Pointe Ferry for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal conditions at Pointe Ferry. However, it notes that there can be a lot of current on some days, which is an important factor to consider. For general guidance on diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Pointe Ferry?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data for Pointe Ferry, its classification as an intermediate dive site suggests that an Open Water Diver certification is likely the minimum. However, due to potential strong currents, advanced certifications or experience in similar conditions would be beneficial. Always check with your local dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Pointe Ferry dive site?
At the Pointe Ferry dive site, divers can expect excellent visibility, averaging 19 meters. Regarding currents, it's important to note that there can be a lot of current on some days, which contributes to its intermediate difficulty rating. Divers should be prepared for varying current conditions.