Cousteau Reserve in Guadeloupe: diving and snorkeling
The Cousteau Reserve, a national park in Guadeloupe located on the west coast of Basse-Terre, is one of the archipelago's best-kept secrets. Between Bouillante and the Pigeon Islets, this site attracts travelers for the clarity of its waters, the richness of its biodiversity, and the beauty of its seabed.
More than just a diving site, it is an invitation to explore and discover a fragile and fascinating world. Let our destination experts guide you to make the most of your adventure in the heart of the Marine Reserve.
A must-see site on the leeward coast
Easily accessible
Located opposite Bouillante and a short walk from Malendure Beach, the Cousteau Reserve is easily accessible from both Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. This proximity allows visitors to fully enjoy the site, whether they are taking a few hours' excursion during their stay in Basse-Terre or spending a whole day there. The quick boat trip to the Pigeon Islets makes it an ideal destination for all visitors.
Excursions for all levels
Boat trips to the Pigeon Islets take only a few minutes and provide access to Guadeloupe's most renowned snorkeling and diving sites. Even novices can admire marine life from the surface, while supervised divers explore deeper, more spectacular areas. Each dive offers a different perspective on underwater life, making every visit unique and memorable.
Diving and snorkeling in Guadeloupe: immersion in a preserved marine world
Scuba diving in Guadeloupe is a popular water sport, and the Cousteau Reserve offers experiences for all levels, thanks to several diving centers located on Malendure Beach, opposite the Pigeon Islets. They offer introductory dives for beginners, guided tours, and dives several meters deep for experienced divers, allowing you to discover different aspects of underwater life.
The water, warm and clear all year round, makes every dive particularly enjoyable. For those who prefer to stay on the surface, snorkeling offered by diving clubs around the Pigeon Islets allows you to admire colorful corals, tropical fish, gorgonians, and sometimes sea turtles. Accessible to all, this activity is ideal for a family vacation or for those who simply want to marvel at the beauty of the seabed.
The Cousteau Reserve is a fascinating place for exploration and water sports, offering a variety of experiences that are always unique with every dive.
When to make the most of the reserve
The dry season: ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling
The best time to visit the Cousteau Reserve is from December to May, during the dry season. The sea is calmer, visibility is optimal, and conditions are perfect for boat trips, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The exceptional seabed of the Caribbean Sea offers an unforgettable spectacle of coral reefs, multicolored fish, and incredible marine wildlife.
Now is the perfect time to see the clarity of the turquoise waters. You can also observe colorful corals and enjoy the richness of marine life.
The wet season: more lush tropical nature
Even during the wet season, from June to November, the reserve retains all its appeal. The seabed remains visible, and the surrounding tropical vegetation is at its peak, offering a different but equally captivating setting. Visitors can enjoy a calmer atmosphere and an immersive experience in an intensely vibrant natural environment.
A protected natural site
A fragile reserve to be preserved
The Cousteau Reserve is a fragile natural area where marine and coastal biodiversity deserves special attention. Certain areas are regulated, fishing is restricted, and boat anchoring is controlled in order to protect reefs and marine habitats.
Preserving the beauty of the seabed for the future
These measures help visitors enjoy an immersive and lasting experience. They also ensure the protection of underwater species and landscapes.
Exploring the reserve is also an opportunity to understand the importance of natural balance. It reminds us how essential it is to respect this unique heritage. In this way, its beauty will remain intact for future generations.
An essential part of any trip to Guadeloupe
Visiting the Cousteau Reserve is a chance to discover Guadeloupe from a different perspective. Here, the sea becomes the main area of exploration, and the experience is as much a visual feast as it is an emotional one. Accessible to all, the reserve combines wonder, learning, and respect for nature, and is one of the most memorable excursions in Guadeloupe during a Caribbean vacation.
The Cousteau Reserve, located on the west coast of Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe, is a protected natural area offering diving and snorkeling experiences accessible to all levels in the heart of an exceptional marine biodiversity.
