{"id":25241,"date":"2025-06-23T22:38:44","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T20:38:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/where-to-explore-the-seabed-in-guadeloupe\/"},"modified":"2025-09-22T15:55:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T13:55:45","slug":"where-to-explore-the-seabed-in-guadeloupe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/where-to-explore-the-seabed-in-guadeloupe\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to explore the seabed in Guadeloupe?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Guadeloupe<\/strong> is an island to be discovered as much underwater as on the surface.<br\/>Rich in lagoons, coral reefs and marine reserves, it offers privileged access to <strong>some of the most beautiful seabeds in the Caribbean<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Whether you&#8217;re an experienced diver, a snorkeling enthusiast or just curious enough to keep your feet dry, the archipelago offers a multitude of <strong>ways to explore underwater life<\/strong>.<br\/>From the calm waters of <strong>Malendure beach<\/strong> to the dizzying drop-offs of <strong>Sec P\u00e2t\u00e9<\/strong>, not to mention a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/\">trip aboard the <strong>Nautilus<\/strong><\/a>, each experience reveals a different facet of this fascinating universe.<\/p>\n\n<p>Discover <strong>the best places to explore the seabed in Guadeloupe<\/strong>, whatever your level, age or desire for adventure.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Cousteau Reserve: Guadeloupe&#8217;s underwater jewel<\/h2>\n\n<p>Located off the coast of <strong>Bouillante<\/strong>, the <strong>R\u00e9serve Cousteau<\/strong> is an emblematic marine sanctuary, protected for its exceptional biodiversity.<br\/>This site, named after the famous explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, offers one of the <strong>most beautiful underwater spectacles in the West Indies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore the \u00eelets Pigeon by snorkeling or diving<\/h3>\n\n<p>At the heart of the reserve, the <strong>\u00eelets Pigeon<\/strong> attract divers and snorkelers from all over the world.<br\/>The water is crystal-clear, the currents gentle, and the seabed incredibly rich.<br\/>Snorkel and mask are all you need to swim among :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>tropical fish<\/strong> by the hundreds,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>giant gorgonians<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>multicolored corals<\/strong> in perfect condition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>For the more experienced, there are <strong>scuba diving<\/strong> sites just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/boat-trip-in-the-cousteau-reserve\/\">a few minutes&#8217; boat ride<\/a> away, where you can explore drop-offs, natural arches and even a <strong>submerged statue of Captain Cousteau<\/strong> at a depth of 12 metres.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/iStock-1206480195.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21862\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/iStock-1206480195.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/iStock-1206480195-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/iStock-1206480195-200x150.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch turtles and tropical fish in complete safety<\/h3>\n\n<p>As the area is protected, the fauna is abundant and shy.<br\/>It&#8217;s not unusual to come across a <strong>green turtle<\/strong> or a <strong>leopard<\/strong> ray, gliding peacefully between the corals.<br\/>Visibility, often in excess of 20 meters, makes observation easy and magical, even for the youngest.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>To visit the R\u00e9serve Cousteau<\/strong> is to plunge &#8211; literally or symbolically &#8211; into a vibrant world of color and life.<br\/>An <strong>absolute must<\/strong> for anyone wishing to explore the <strong>seabed in Guadeloupe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Snorkeling at Malendure beach: easy and accessible to all<\/h2>\n\n<p>Nestling on the west coast of Basse-Terre, <strong>Malendure beach<\/strong> is much more than just a place to swim.<br\/>Facing the <strong>\u00eelets Pigeon<\/strong> and the <strong>R\u00e9serve Cousteau<\/strong>, it&#8217;s the ideal starting point for <strong>discovering the seabed<\/strong>&#8230; even without a boat.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A perfect spot for beginners and families<\/h3>\n\n<p>Malendure&#8217;s <strong>calm lagoon<\/strong>, <strong>shallow waters<\/strong> and protected areas make it an ideal spot for<strong> independent<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/where-to-go-snorkeling-in-guadeloupe\/\"> <strong>snorkeling<\/strong><\/a>.<br\/>All you need is a mask, a snorkel and a little curiosity. From the very first meters, you can see : <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>schools of <strong>colorful fish<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>black sea urchins<\/strong> with long spines,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sometimes even a <strong>turtle<\/strong> grazing on the sea grass.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>No need to be an experienced swimmer: the <strong>gentle relief<\/strong> and <strong>transparency of the water<\/strong> make it easy and safe to observe, even for accompanied children.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try scuba diving in Guadeloupe?<\/h2>\n\n<p><strong>Guadeloupe<\/strong> is one of the best places in the Caribbean to make your <strong>first scuba dive<\/strong>.<br\/>Its warm, clear, calm waters offer a reassuring setting for discovering the <strong>seabed in complete safety<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A supervised first experience, accessible to all<\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>Baptism scuba diving<\/strong> requires no diploma or previous experience.<br\/>Supervised by a certified instructor, you generally descend to a depth of between <strong>3 and 6 metres<\/strong>, with equipment provided on site.<br\/>The objective: breathe underwater, relax&#8230; and marvel.<\/p>\n\n<p>From the very first minutes, we meet :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>butterfly fish<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>undulating gorgonians<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sometimes a <strong>small barracuda<\/strong> at a respectful distance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">At what age can a person be baptized?<\/h3>\n\n<p>In Guadeloupe, some clubs accept children from the age of <strong>8<\/strong> for <strong>adapted baptisms<\/strong>.<br\/>The equipment is adjusted to their morphology, and the duration is often shorter.<br\/>It&#8217;s an <strong>unforgettable experience<\/strong>, perfect for awakening the desire to protect the oceans.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to have a christening in Guadeloupe?<\/h3>\n\n<p>The most famous spots are located :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/les-ilets-pigeon-a-natural-treasure-in-the-heart-of-guadeloupe\/\"><strong>\u00eelets Pigeon<\/strong>,<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>in the bay of <strong>Deshaies<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or near <strong>Saint-Fran\u00e7ois<\/strong>, on the Grande-Terre side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Most diving clubs have <strong>FFESSM or PADI<\/strong> certification, a guarantee of seriousness and safety.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>A scuba diving experience in Guadeloupe<\/strong> means diving into a fascinating world, accessible to all, and coming out changed.<br\/>A unique memory to be experienced solo or shared with the whole family.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best diving spots around the island for observing the seabed<\/h2>\n\n<p><br\/>Here is a selection of the archipelago&#8217;s <strong>most emblematic dive sites<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Cousteau Reserve and \u00eelets Pigeon (Bouillante)<\/h3>\n\n<p>A must-see spot with the rich coral gardens we mentioned earlier.<br\/>Accessible in just a few minutes from Malendure beach. Perfect for a peaceful dive in the heart of a <strong>preserved ecosystem<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The wreck of the Franjack (near the \u00eelet \u00e0 Goyaves)<\/h3>\n\n<p>Sunk deliberately to create an artificial reef, this wreck lies at a depth of <strong>24 metres<\/strong>.<br\/>Entirely colonized by marine fauna, it is home to :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>schools of lutjans,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>barracudas,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and sometimes turtles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Accessible with <strong>a minimum of Level 1<\/strong>, this is a fascinating site for divers who are already certified.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Le Sec P\u00e2t\u00e9 (between Les Saintes and Dominica)<\/h3>\n\n<p>A <strong>mythical site<\/strong>, reserved for experienced divers.<br\/>Three underwater volcanic peaks rise from the seabed to over 80 metres.<br\/>Pelagic species such as :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>jacks<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>kingfish<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and sometimes even <strong>manta rays<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Sensations guaranteed in a landscape worthy of the great documentaries.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Atlantic dives (Saint-Fran\u00e7ois, Petit-Canal)<\/h3>\n\n<p>Less frequented, these spots offer a <strong>different atmosphere<\/strong>, with :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>massive corals,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sandy areas inhabited by scorpion-fish and lion-fish,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and a more diffused light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The<strong>east of the island<\/strong> is often more technical, with more swell, but is still rich in discoveries for experienced divers.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Observe sea turtles and local wildlife<\/h2>\n\n<p>To explore <strong>Guadeloupe&#8217;s seabed<\/strong> is to plunge into a vibrant world, populated by fascinating species.<br\/>These include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/where-can-you-see-turtles-in-guadeloupe\/\"><strong>sea turtles<\/strong><\/a> majestic, discreet and often moving to observe.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to swim with turtles in Guadeloupe?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Certain beaches and protected areas offer ideal conditions for encountering these peaceful creatures:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Malendure beach<\/strong>, especially in the early morning,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The calm waters around <strong>\u00eelets Pigeon<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And sometimes even in shallow seagrass beds near <strong>Deshaies<\/strong> or <strong>Petite-Terre<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Wearing a mask and snorkel, you can catch a glimpse of them <strong>quietly grazing on algae<\/strong>, or coming up to the surface to breathe.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A rich and accessible marine fauna<\/h3>\n\n<p>In addition to turtles, Guadeloupe abounds in easily observable underwater life:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Butterfly fish<\/strong>, <strong>angelfish<\/strong> or <strong>sergeant majors<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stingrays<\/strong> gliding across the sand,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black sea urchins<\/strong>, <strong>sea cucumbers<\/strong> and <strong>small moray eels<\/strong> hidden in the rocks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Even in a meter of water, the wonder is often immediate.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Observe without disturbing<\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>Guadeloupe<\/strong> protects several of its coastal zones to guarantee the tranquility of species.<br\/>It is therefore essential to adopt responsible behavior:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do not touch animals<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not follow or block them<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not step on coral or sea grass<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>These simple gestures allow everyone to enjoy a powerful experience, while <strong>preserving a fragile ecosystem<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover the seabed without diving: glass-bottom boat<\/h2>\n\n<p>Diving is not the only way to discover <strong>Guadeloupe&#8217;s underwater riches<\/strong>.<br\/>For those who don&#8217;t want to get wet &#8211; or who are traveling with young children &#8211; there is a magical alternative: the <strong>glass-bottomed boat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See the seabed&#8230; without putting your head under water<\/h3>\n\n<p>Aboard these specially-designed boats, passengers observe underwater life through <strong>large, submerged portholes<\/strong>.<br\/>Coral, tropical fish and sometimes even turtles pass before their eyes, in the <strong>comfort and safety of<\/strong> the boat.<\/p>\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a <strong>sensory<\/strong> experience <strong>accessible to all<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No need to know how to swim,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal for families,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perfect for people with reduced mobility or who are uncomfortable in the water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boarding the Nautilus from Malendure<\/h3>\n\n<p>Among the most popular excursions is that of the <strong>Nautilus<\/strong>, a glass-bottomed boat based on <strong>Malendure beach<\/strong>, opposite the Cousteau Reserve.<br\/>On board, the crew guides visitors to discover :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>colorful coral reefs<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>free-roaming tropical fish<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and sometimes even <strong>sea turtles<\/strong> in their natural habitat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>For the more inquisitive, the excursion can be extended with a <strong>supervised snorkeling session<\/strong> (optional), so you can go from glass to water in complete confidence.<\/p>\n\n<p>To observe the <strong>seabed in Guadeloupe<\/strong> is to experience a suspended moment.<br\/>A t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate with the turtles, a silent dance among the corals, a gentle or sporty exploration to suit your mood.<\/p>\n\n<p>The island abounds in <strong>accessible, unspoilt spots<\/strong>, perfect for marvelling without having to go far.<br\/>And if you&#8217;re looking for an <strong>original, accessible<\/strong> way to discover this world without diving<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/reservation\/\">, <strong>Le Nautilus<\/strong><\/a> opens the doors to a vibrant marine universe, from the comfort of your own boat.<\/p>\n\n<p>Mask, snorkel&#8230; or panoramic porthole: there&#8217;s a way to explore the sea for everyone, as long as you&#8217;re in awe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;re an experienced diver, a snorkeling enthusiast or just curious enough to keep your feet dry, the archipelago offers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11044,"featured_media":23554,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"","ocean_second_sidebar":"","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"","ocean_custom_header_template":"","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"","ofc_enable_fullscreen":"disable","ofc_fullscreen_speed":0,"ofc_fullscreen_nav":"enable","ofc_fullscreen_nav_pos":"right","ofc_fullscreen_nav_color":"","ofc_fullscreen_nav_tooltip_color":"","ofc_fullscreen_responsive":0,"osh_disable_topbar_sticky":"default","osh_disable_header_sticky":"default","osh_sticky_header_style":"default","osh_sticky_header_effect":"","osh_custom_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_retina_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_sticky_logo_height":0,"osh_background_color":"","osh_links_color":"","osh_links_hover_color":"","osh_links_active_color":"","osh_links_bg_color":"","osh_links_hover_bg_color":"","osh_links_active_bg_color":"","osh_menu_social_links_color":"","osh_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-non-categorise","entry","has-media","owp-thumbs-layout-horizontal","owp-btn-normal","owp-tabs-layout-horizontal","has-no-thumbnails"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11044"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25241"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25241\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":t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