Diving and Snorkeling in Guadeloupe

The famed  Jacques Cousteau called the waters surrounding Pigeon Island, Guadeloupe one of the top diving spots in the world.  You can explore this site, and many others, when you plan a diving or snorkeling trip in Guadeloupe. 

When it comes to the islands of the French Caribbean, Guadeloupe is the most popular country for diving and snorkeling.  Not only are the waters that surround Guadeloupe relatively calm, but the government has taken certain measures to ensure protection of the area's marine life.  This allows coral, fish, and other sea creatures to thrive, and gives divers and snorkelers the opportunity to see them at their finest.

Before you can go diving in Guadeloupe, you've got to learn the ropes.  Many hotels offer what are called “resort dive courses,” in which you spend a day focusing on instruction and practicing your newfound skills in the hotel pool.  This way you gain your certification, and can hire someone to take you out to dive.  Local dive companies also offer these courses, and the price of the course usually includes your first real dive into the sea.

If the idea of spending part of your vacation in a “classroom” is too intense for you, stick to snorkeling, a sport that can be just as rewarding as diving.  The same dive shops that offer diving courses and day trips will also rent or sell you snorkeling equipment.  This typically includes a snorkel, dive mask, swim fins, and sometimes a life jacket to use as a flotation device. 

Be aware that because the official language of Guadeloupe is French, it can be hard to find an English speaking instructor.  Your hotel concierge desk should be able to direct you to someone that speaks your language.

Sites with Sights

Although you can snorkel at practically any beach along Guadeloupe's 150 miles of coastline, there are not nearly as many designated sites to seek out as divers have.  

The Réserve Cousteau is located off Basse-Terre.  There are several dive sites that make up the reserve, all of which are marked with buoys.  Glass bottom boat tours are available for those who aren't quite ready to dive in.  Nearby Pigeon Island is also home to two wreck sites.

The Reserve of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin is an area that become protected in 1990.  Located within the reserve is a barrier reef measuring about 29 km long.  The area also features mangrove swamps and seagrass beds. 

The eastern and southern shores of Marie-Galante Island are surrounded by reefs and seagrass beds.  To the west is a submerged coral bank worth checking out.  La Desirade is another small island also fringed with slight reef formations. 

Other dive sites in Guadeloupe include Aquarium, Bay of Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin, Caret, Piscine, Fajou, Jardin de Corail, Jardin Japonais, Pointe Barracuda, and Pointe Carrangue.

Tips

Regardless of where you choose to dive, you will encounter a wide array of gorgeous sea life, from healthy coral to plump fish, and maybe even a sea turtle of two.  Use the following tips to keep you, and Guadeloupe's marine creatures, safe.

• Be aware of currents and stay watchful of your location. Getting too far off course can make returning difficult.
• Wear a watch so you don't lose track of time - it's easy to do underwater.
• Don't feed the fish or touch the animals or coral. Their protective layers can be stripped away.
• Never stand or walk on a reef, and tread carefully in shallow water around reefs. (Shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays, and watch out for sea urchins, spines.)
• Never wear jewelry. Caribbean fish, barracudas especially, seem to be drawn to shiny objects that look like their natural prey, small silver fish.
• Avoid jellyfish, fire coral, and other stinging creatures.
• Never reach into holes or crevices; animals - especially moray eels - like to make their homes in them.
• Shark spottings are rare, and sharks that are spotted are usually passive. If you do see a shark, stay calm, and if necessary, move slowly out of the water.
• Never remove anything from dive sites and reefs; it is illegal to do so.

Whether you're looking forward to snorkeling, diving, or both, of the French Caribbean countries, Guadeloupe is your best choice.  Don't miss out on the exhileration, the awe, and the wonderment that comes as you dip your head from the human world down into the marine world.