Diving

…llante offer several daily trips, from introductory dives to exploration and training (N1, N2, PADI, etc.).

On the Atlantic coast, between Le Moule and Saint-François, the more turbulent lagoon has sandy bottoms and sparser coral reefs, but sometimes attracts stingrays or colorful boxfish. Local clubs often recommend these spots to intermediate divers because of the waves and stronger currents. On Marie-Galante, the spectacular drop-offs, exceeding 30 meters in depth, reveal impressive gorgonians, groupers, Caribbean spiny lobsters, and sometimes encounters with spotted dolphins.

Diving clubs and services

Guadeloupe has more than 30 diving clubs spread across the two main islands (Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre) as well as some of the smaller islands (Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, La Désirade). These clubs are often affiliated with the FFESSM, PADI, or SSI, ensuring that training courses comply with international standards. The instructors, who are state-certified, generally speak several languages (French, English, sometimes German or Italian) and are very familiar with the sites, tidal conditions, and underwater topography. The equipment, which is regularly renewed, includes 12-liter steel or aluminum tanks, serviced regulators, buoyancy compensators, and 3 to 5 mm neoprene wetsuits depending on the season. Some clubs also offer rental of dive computers and waterproof lamps. The price of an exploration dive varies between $40 and $60, while a first dive costs around $50 to $70, including briefing, equipment, and supervised immersion.

The sites are accessible by speedboat, usually departing from the ports of Bouillante, Malendure, Deshaies, Saint-François, or Trois-Rivières. The crossings take between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the distance. Once there, the instructor gives a full briefing: maximum depth, estimated duration (between 30 and 50 minutes), wildlife to observe, safety instructions, and hand signals. After the dive, a debriefing allows participants to share their impressions, identify the species they encountered using illustrated charts and guides, and record the parameters in their logbook.

Introductory dives and beginner courses

The introductory dive in Guadeloupe is suitable for beginners aged 8 years old or older, according to FFESSM standards, or 10 years old or older, according to international organizations, provided they are in normal health. The introductory dive takes place in shallow water (between 2 and 6 meters) in a sheltered area, with one instructor for one or two divers maximum. The equipment phase, adaptation to breathing through a regulator, and ear equalization are done gradually. The first dive lasts about 20 minutes underwater, offering a first encounter with tropical fish, corals, and anemones. Some clubs award a symbolic certificate at the end of the session.

After this first step, it is possible to take a complete training course, from Level 1 (N1) to Level 4, or PADI certifications (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue), in order to gain autonomy and access deeper or more technical sites. The training courses, spread over several days, include theory lessons, exercises in a protected environment, and practical dives in waters with excellent visibility.

Wrecks and themed dives

Guadeloupe has a few shipwrecks that are accessible to divers. One of the most famous is the wreck of the Gustavia, a merchant ship lying at a depth of 15 meters near Pointe-Noire. Corals and sponges have colonized it, and schools of trevally and triggerfish find refuge there, creating a mystical atmosphere. Remains of cannons, anchors, and pottery can also be found in certain coastal areas, bearing witness to the colonial era. These wreck dives often require a minimum Level 2 certification, as they sometimes involve entering structures, precise buoyancy control, and good air consumption management.

Some clubs offer night dives to observe lobsters, cleaner shrimp, scorpion fish, moray eels outside their shelters, and admire the fluorescence of plankton. Drift dives, where the current carries divers over a drop-off, are also popular, saving effort and allowing divers to focus on observation. Underwater photographers will appreciate the clarity of the water, the chromatic variety of the reefs, and the presence of iconic species such as boxfish, eagle rays, and hawksbill turtles.

Seasons and weather conditions

Diving can be enjoyed all year round in Guadeloupe, although there are seasonal differences. The dry season, from December to May, often offers calmer seas, maximum visibility, and ideal conditions for beginners. During the wet season (June to November), squalls and increased swells can reduce visibility or make access to certain sites more difficult. Clubs adjust their outings according to weather forecasts. In case of bad weather, they offer dives in sheltered areas or postpone the outing.

Preservation and regulation

Guadeloupe is committed to protecting its reefs. Fishing is regulated, and collecting corals, sea urchins, or shells is prohibited. In the Cousteau Reserve, moorings are set up to prevent direct anchoring on corals, and guards monitor compliance with the rules. Instructors educate divers not to touch the coral, to limit contact with the seabed, and to respect the wildlife. Endangered species, such as eland horn coral (Acropora palmata), are the subject of restoration programs. Sea turtles, which are protected, must not be pursued or fed.

Diving clubs participate in clean-up operations, scientific surveys (fish counting, coral health assessments), and environmental education initiatives. This eco-responsible approach ensures the sustainability of the activity and the preservation of ecosystems for future generations.

Logistics, equipment, and related services

Divers can bring their own equipment or rent it on site. Clubs have well-maintained compressors and provide tanks filled with filtered air, sometimes with Nitrox for certified divers. The nearest hyperbaric chambers are generally located at the Pointe-à-Pitre University Hospital, less than 1 hour away from most dive sites. Instructors inform divers about safety stops, compliance with tables or computers, and slow ascent protocols. In the case of repeated dives, surface intervals are respected, often for at least 1 hour, to avoid nitrogen saturation.

There are numerous accommodations, lodges, hotels, and residences located near the diving centers. Packages combining accommodation, diving, and car rental are available, making it easy to organize your stay. Local restaurants offer the opportunity to discover Creole cuisine after a morning underwater and to sample specialties such as fish court-bouillon or cod acras.