Source chaude - Cousteau Reserve

The Source Chaude is one of those dives that sticks with you, not just for the visual, but for the *feel* of it. Descending into the Cousteau Reserve, you start to notice the temperature shift in the water, those plumes of warm, almost bath-like water bubbling up from the seabed. It’s like swimming through a natural spa. We love finding a good patch and just hovering there, feeling the different currents swirl around you – cool ocean water mixing with the warmer volcanic output. The heat means certain critters congregate here. We often see a good number of snappers hanging around, maybe a few blue doctors weaving through the warmer zones. Look closely at the substrate itself, around the vents, and you’ll spot those vibrant red heart urchins. Visibility can vary a bit if the vents are really active, but for us, it just adds to the unique atmosphere. This isn't a dive for chasing big pelagics, it’s for experiencing something truly different, a geological marvel that’s also a thriving ecosystem. Perfect for a leisurely second dive, or when you want something a little mellow but still utterly memorable.

Location
Cousteau Reserve, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Coordinates
16.169243, -61.790913

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 Source chaude

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 Source chaude

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