Log This Dive

Source chaude

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.