Cousteau Reserve Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Discover one of Guadeloupe’s most famous marine sites aboard Les Nautilus. Departing from Malendure Beach, this 1h15 glass-bottom boat tour takes you to the Pigeon Islets in the heart of the Cousteau Reserve.

Observe tropical fish and coral reefs through the panoramic underwater viewing deck before enjoying an approximately 20-minute swimming stop. A waterslide is also available during the stop.

Boarding at Malendure

Nautilus boats are accessed from the end of the pontoon located on Malendure beach in Bouillante, near the diving clubs and Les Nautilus agency.

On arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the crew; simply present your ticket to board. Once inside the Nautilus, you’ll be impressed by its vast space, specially designed to ensure your comfort and well-being during your trip to Îlets Pigeon.

The two boats, the New Nautilus and the Ti Nautilus, are arranged on three separate levels:

the main deck with its bar and cockpit
the upper deck with slide and solarium
the glass lower deck submerged under 1.5m of water for a 360° view of the seabed

Departure for the Cousteau reserve

All passengers are on board and it’s time to cast off for a 1h15 excursion. Thanks to its bow thrusters, the Nautilus pulls away from the pontoon with the same ease as a car leaving its parking space. And so the boat trip begins. In just five minutes, the Nautilus will reach the famous Pigeon Islets of the Cousteau Reserve. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to admire Guadeloupe’s leeward coastline and observe the magnificent variations in color as you move further out. It’s also on this crossing that you might be lucky enough to spot turtles surfacing and, with a bit of luck, dolphins.

A visit to the seabed in the Cousteau reserve

It’s time to get down to business. The crew invites passengers to go to the lower deck. Comfortably seated in front of the large windows, 1.5 meters underwater, the tour of the seabed can begin. You don’t have to be a scientist or biologist to marvel at the splendor of the seabed at Guadeloupe’s îlets Pigeon, a treasure trove comparable to the world’s most beautiful destinations. You’ll discover a varied fauna: Colas fish, Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, Sergeants Major, Maniocs, Demoiselles, Angels, Platax, Barracudas, Grouperfish, Thazards, Bourses, and many others, not forgetting the fixed fauna such as corals and sponges that adorn these depths. All this, together with detailed commentary from the expert crew, will make your underwater visit to Guadeloupe’s Cousteau Reserve even more fascinating.

Relaxation and swimming at Îlets Pigeon

After exploring the seabed of the îlets Pigeon in the Cousteau Reserve, the Nautilus drops anchor near the Aquarium for a 30-minute break. It’s the perfect opportunity to cool off in the crystal-clear, warm waters. Put on your mask and dive among the multicolored fish, so close you can almost touch them. You’ll also have the chance to play on the slide, sliding directly into the water from the upper deck, or relax in the almost constant sunshine from the solarium, also located on the upper deck. And since all this makes you thirsty, the crew will offer you a planteur, with or without alcohol.

The return to Malendure

The return journey is identical to the outward journey, with a five-minute sail back to the Malendure pontoon. Stay alert and keep your eyes open, because the adventure may not be quite over yet.

As on the outward journey, you may be lucky enough to spot turtles and, with a little luck, dolphins. All accompanied by beautiful music that we’re sure will inspire you to sing along and maybe even dance just before you disembark.

Landing at Malendure

Once the boat had arrived at the pontoon, it was time to disembark and head for Malendure beach.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Cousteau Reserve boat tour?

The Les Nautilus glass-bottom boat tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including an approximately 20-minute swimming stop at the Pigeon Islets.

Do you need to swim to enjoy the tour?

No. Marine life can be observed directly from the panoramic underwater viewing deck, making the tour suitable for non-swimmers.

Where does the glass-bottom boat depart from?

Les Nautilus departs from Malendure Beach in Bouillante, on the west coast of Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The glass-bottom boat experience is particularly suitable for families and children, as underwater life can be observed without snorkeling or diving.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The excursion includes an approximately 20-minute swimming stop near the Pigeon Islets. A waterslide is also available during the stop.

Le matériel de snorkeling est-il fourni ?

Le matériel pour la pause baignade n'est pas fourni. En revanche, un rafraîchissement (planteur avec ou sans alcool) vous est sera offert sur le retour.