{"id":30068,"date":"2025-11-25T16:44:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T15:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/the-cousteau-reserve-in-guadeloupe-a-marine-sanctuary-to-be-preserved\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T11:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T09:37:35","slug":"the-cousteau-reserve-in-guadeloupe-a-marine-sanctuary-to-be-preserved","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lesnautilus.fr\/en\/the-cousteau-reserve-in-guadeloupe-a-marine-sanctuary-to-be-preserved\/","title":{"rendered":"The Cousteau Reserve in Guadeloupe: a marine sanctuary to be preserved"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to the heart of Guadeloupe<\/strong>, on the leeward coast<\/strong>, where the R\u00e9serve Cousteau<\/strong> rolls out its thousand-colored seabed<\/strong>. Opposite Malendure beach<\/strong> ( Bouillante<\/strong> commune), the \u00eelets Pigeon<\/strong> form a protected natural area<\/strong>, part of the National Park<\/strong>. Here, thewater<\/strong> is clear, the coral reef<\/strong> unique<\/strong>, and the tropical<\/strong> flora<\/strong> and fauna<\/strong> magnificent<\/strong>. We come to see<\/strong>, explore<\/strong> and preserve<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Whether you’re a visitor<\/strong>, a child<\/strong>, a beginner diver<\/strong>, asnorkeling<\/strong> enthusiast or a glass-bottom<\/strong> boatexcursionist<\/strong>, the site<\/strong> is accessible<\/strong> and enjoyable<\/strong>. Our aim is to provide you with all the information<\/strong> and advice<\/strong> you need for an enjoyable,<\/strong> responsible experience<\/strong>, far removed from over-tourism<\/strong> and close to nature<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Want to explore<\/strong> without getting wet? Try our glass-bottom boat tour<\/strong>. Set course for an unspoilt<\/strong> marine<\/strong> world<\/strong> in the heart of the<\/strong>Guadeloupe archipelago<\/strong> national park<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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What is the Cousteau Reserve in Guadeloupe?<\/h2>\n\n

The R\u00e9serve Cousteau in Guadeloupe<\/strong> refers to the protected<\/strong> marine site<\/strong> around the \u00eelets Pigeon<\/strong><\/a>located opposite Malendure beach<\/strong> ( Bouillante<\/strong> commune, Basse-Terre<\/strong>). It’s an exceptional natural area<\/strong> with a spectacular seabed<\/strong>, where you can gently discover<\/strong> the fauna and flora<\/strong> of the Caribbean<\/strong>: coral<\/strong>, tropical fish<\/strong>, turtles<\/strong> and sometimes rays<\/strong>. A famous, accessible spot<\/strong>, ideal for a visit<\/strong> by boat<\/strong>,snorkeling<\/strong> or scuba diving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

A protected area in the heart of a tropical island<\/h3>\n\n

Here, protecting<\/strong> theecosystem<\/strong> is a priority. Marked zones<\/strong>, mooring buoys<\/strong> and a prefectoral decree<\/strong> regulate navigation<\/strong>, fishing<\/strong> and other activities. The aim is to preserve<\/strong> coral reefs<\/strong>, species<\/strong>habitats<\/strong> and marine<\/strong> biodiversity<\/strong>. The reserve<\/strong> is part of a major natural<\/strong> complex in theGuadeloupe archipelago<\/strong>, renowned for its underwater scenery<\/strong> and clear, highly visible<\/strong> waters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

A marine heritage… and a legendary name<\/h3>\n\n

Commandant Cousteau<\/strong> made this spot<\/strong> world-famous<\/strong>. Its name<\/strong> evokes the world of silence<\/strong>, diving<\/strong> andexploration<\/strong>. Today, you can observe coral gardens<\/strong>, multicolored tropical fish<\/strong> and, if you’re lucky<\/strong>, a turtle<\/strong> grazing on the sea grass. It’s a unique<\/strong>, enjoyable<\/strong> and unforgettable<\/strong> experience<\/strong> for all visitors<\/strong>, from children<\/strong> to beginners<\/strong> and experienced<\/strong> divers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Visiting without impacting: responsible choices<\/h3>\n\n

Global warming<\/strong> is making reefs more fragile ( coral bleaches<\/strong> during hot<\/strong> spells). Hence the importance of respecting<\/strong> the rules: don’t touch<\/strong> the coral<\/strong>, keep your distance from the animals<\/strong>, avoid trampling<\/strong> the seabed<\/strong>. The glass-bottom boat<\/strong> allows you toobserve<\/strong> without paddling. A great<\/strong> way to enjoy<\/strong> the site<\/strong> while protecting<\/strong> it. <\/p>\n\n

Want to see<\/strong> the reserve<\/strong> without getting wet? Discover our excursion to the R\u00e9serve Cousteau<\/strong> and contact our team<\/strong> for practical information<\/strong>(time<\/strong>, duration<\/strong>, equipment<\/strong>, access<\/strong>). <\/p>\n\n

Why is R\u00e9serve Cousteau a marine sanctuary worth preserving?<\/h2>\n\n

Here, everything is about nature<\/strong> and biodiversity<\/strong>. The R\u00e9serve Cousteau<\/strong> is part of the Parc national<\/strong> de la Guadeloupe<\/strong>, in the heart of the national park<\/strong> on the Basse-Terre<\/strong> side ,<\/strong> between Bouillante<\/strong><\/a> and Pointe-Noire<\/strong>. A prefectoral decree<\/strong> regulates navigation<\/strong>, anchoring<\/strong> and fishing<\/strong>. The aim is to preserve the seabed<\/strong>, coral reefs<\/strong> and marine<\/strong>ecosystems<\/strong> that make the site<\/strong> so beautiful<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Unique ecological value<\/h3>\n\n

Coral gardens<\/strong>, tropical fish<\/strong> and turtles turtles<\/strong><\/a>and the occasional stingray<\/strong>. Seagrass beds, rocky areas and tropical<\/strong> sand. Each habitat<\/strong> is home to an abundance of<\/strong> marine<\/strong> flora and fauna<\/strong>. It’s a truly<\/strong> protected<\/strong> area<\/strong> where life<\/strong> abounds. For divers<\/strong> and snorkelers<\/strong>, it’s a magical<\/strong> spot<\/strong>. For Guadeloupe<\/strong>, it’s a heritage<\/strong> to be preserved<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Real environmental pressures<\/h3>\n\n