Guadeloupe is an island to be discovered as much underwater as on the surface.
Rich in lagoons, coral reefs and marine reserves, it offers privileged access to some of the most beautiful seabeds in the Caribbean.
Whether you’re an experienced diver, a snorkeling enthusiast or just curious enough to keep your feet dry, the archipelago offers a multitude of ways to explore underwater life.
From the calm waters of Malendure beach to the dizzying drop-offs of Sec Pâté, not to mention a trip aboard the Nautilus, each experience reveals a different facet of this fascinating universe.
Discover the best places to explore the seabed in Guadeloupe, whatever your level, age or desire for adventure.
The Cousteau Reserve: Guadeloupe’s underwater jewel
Located off the coast of Bouillante, the Réserve Cousteau is an emblematic marine sanctuary, protected for its exceptional biodiversity.
This site, named after the famous explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, offers one of the most beautiful underwater spectacles in the West Indies.
Explore the îlets Pigeon by snorkeling or diving
At the heart of the reserve, the îlets Pigeon attract divers and snorkelers from all over the world.
The water is crystal-clear, the currents gentle, and the seabed incredibly rich.
Snorkel and mask are all you need to swim among :
- tropical fish by the hundreds,
- giant gorgonians,
- multicolored corals in perfect condition.
For the more experienced, there are scuba diving sites just a few minutes’ boat ride away, where you can explore drop-offs, natural arches and even a submerged statue of Captain Cousteau at a depth of 12 metres.
Watch turtles and tropical fish in complete safety
As the area is protected, the fauna is abundant and shy.
It’s not unusual to come across a green turtle or a leopard ray, gliding peacefully between the corals.
Visibility, often in excess of 20 meters, makes observation easy and magical, even for the youngest.
To visit the Réserve Cousteau is to plunge – literally or symbolically – into a vibrant world of color and life.
An absolute must for anyone wishing to explore the seabed in Guadeloupe.
Snorkeling at Malendure beach: easy and accessible to all
Nestling on the west coast of Basse-Terre, Malendure beach is much more than just a place to swim.
Facing the îlets Pigeon and the Réserve Cousteau, it’s the ideal starting point for discovering the seabed… even without a boat.
A perfect spot for beginners and families
Malendure’s calm lagoon, shallow waters and protected areas make it an ideal spot for independent snorkeling.
All you need is a mask, a snorkel and a little curiosity. From the very first meters, you can see :
- schools of colorful fish,
- black sea urchins with long spines,
- sometimes even a turtle grazing on the sea grass.
No need to be an experienced swimmer: the gentle relief and transparency of the water make it easy and safe to observe, even for accompanied children.
Try scuba diving in Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe is one of the best places in the Caribbean to make your first scuba dive.
Its warm, clear, calm waters offer a reassuring setting for discovering the seabed in complete safety.
A supervised first experience, accessible to all
Baptism scuba diving requires no diploma or previous experience.
Supervised by a certified instructor, you generally descend to a depth of between 3 and 6 metres, with equipment provided on site.
The objective: breathe underwater, relax… and marvel.
From the very first minutes, we meet :
- butterfly fish,
- undulating gorgonians,
- sometimes a small barracuda at a respectful distance.
At what age can a person be baptized?
In Guadeloupe, some clubs accept children from the age of 8 for adapted baptisms.
The equipment is adjusted to their morphology, and the duration is often shorter.
It’s an unforgettable experience, perfect for awakening the desire to protect the oceans.
Where to have a christening in Guadeloupe?
The most famous spots are located :
- around îlets Pigeon,
- in the bay of Deshaies,
- or near Saint-François, on the Grande-Terre side.
Most diving clubs have FFESSM or PADI certification, a guarantee of seriousness and safety.
A scuba diving experience in Guadeloupe means diving into a fascinating world, accessible to all, and coming out changed.
A unique memory to be experienced solo or shared with the whole family.
The best diving spots around the island for observing the seabed
Here is a selection of the archipelago’s most emblematic dive sites.
The Cousteau Reserve and îlets Pigeon (Bouillante)
A must-see spot with the rich coral gardens we mentioned earlier.
Accessible in just a few minutes from Malendure beach. Perfect for a peaceful dive in the heart of a preserved ecosystem.
The wreck of the Franjack (near the îlet à Goyaves)
Sunk deliberately to create an artificial reef, this wreck lies at a depth of 24 metres.
Entirely colonized by marine fauna, it is home to :
- schools of lutjans,
- barracudas,
- and sometimes turtles.
Accessible with a minimum of Level 1, this is a fascinating site for divers who are already certified.
Le Sec Pâté (between Les Saintes and Dominica)
A mythical site, reserved for experienced divers.
Three underwater volcanic peaks rise from the seabed to over 80 metres.
Pelagic species such as :
- jacks,
- kingfish,
- and sometimes even manta rays.
Sensations guaranteed in a landscape worthy of the great documentaries.
Atlantic dives (Saint-François, Petit-Canal)
Less frequented, these spots offer a different atmosphere, with :
- massive corals,
- sandy areas inhabited by scorpion-fish and lion-fish,
- and a more diffused light.
Theeast of the island is often more technical, with more swell, but is still rich in discoveries for experienced divers.
Observe sea turtles and local wildlife
To explore Guadeloupe’s seabed is to plunge into a vibrant world, populated by fascinating species.
These include sea turtles majestic, discreet and often moving to observe.
Where to swim with turtles in Guadeloupe?
Certain beaches and protected areas offer ideal conditions for encountering these peaceful creatures:
- Malendure beach, especially in the early morning,
- The calm waters around îlets Pigeon,
- And sometimes even in shallow seagrass beds near Deshaies or Petite-Terre.
Wearing a mask and snorkel, you can catch a glimpse of them quietly grazing on algae, or coming up to the surface to breathe.
A rich and accessible marine fauna
In addition to turtles, Guadeloupe abounds in easily observable underwater life:
- Butterfly fish, angelfish or sergeant majors,
- Stingrays gliding across the sand,
- Black sea urchins, sea cucumbers and small moray eels hidden in the rocks.
Even in a meter of water, the wonder is often immediate.
Observe without disturbing
Guadeloupe protects several of its coastal zones to guarantee the tranquility of species.
It is therefore essential to adopt responsible behavior:
- Do not touch animals,
- Do not follow or block them,
- Do not step on coral or sea grass.
These simple gestures allow everyone to enjoy a powerful experience, while preserving a fragile ecosystem.
Discover the seabed without diving: glass-bottom boat
Diving is not the only way to discover Guadeloupe’s underwater riches.
For those who don’t want to get wet – or who are traveling with young children – there is a magical alternative: the glass-bottomed boat.
See the seabed… without putting your head under water
Aboard these specially-designed boats, passengers observe underwater life through large, submerged portholes.
Coral, tropical fish and sometimes even turtles pass before their eyes, in the comfort and safety of the boat.
It’s a sensory experience accessible to all:
- No need to know how to swim,
- Ideal for families,
- Perfect for people with reduced mobility or who are uncomfortable in the water.
Boarding the Nautilus from Malendure
Among the most popular excursions is that of the Nautilus, a glass-bottomed boat based on Malendure beach, opposite the Cousteau Reserve.
On board, the crew guides visitors to discover :
- colorful coral reefs,
- free-roaming tropical fish,
- and sometimes even sea turtles in their natural habitat.
For the more inquisitive, the excursion can be extended with a supervised snorkeling session (optional), so you can go from glass to water in complete confidence.
To observe the seabed in Guadeloupe is to experience a suspended moment.
A tête-à-tête with the turtles, a silent dance among the corals, a gentle or sporty exploration to suit your mood.
The island abounds in accessible, unspoilt spots, perfect for marvelling without having to go far.
And if you’re looking for an original, accessible way to discover this world without diving, Le Nautilus opens the doors to a vibrant marine universe, from the comfort of your own boat.
Mask, snorkel… or panoramic porthole: there’s a way to explore the sea for everyone, as long as you’re in awe.