Deep-sea diving on Guadeloupe : Water sports

Water sports : Deep-sea diving on Guadeloupe

Deep-sea diving

It is impossible to leave Guadeloupe without taking at least one glimpse of its magnificent seabed, and the advantage is that it isn’t even necessary to descend to great depths to be able to profit from all there is to see. The warm waters of the Caribbean are of exceptional transparency, revealing grandiose sites of dazzling colours, where you’re bound to shed your fears and marvel at nature’s beauty. Schools of multicoloured fish and corals can be perceived even in shallower waters, so if you’re not comfortable with scuba diving, snorkelling with just a mask and tuba will acquaint you well enough with local aquamarine life. Guadeloupe is surrounded by coral reefs, its leeward coast displays fabulous shipwrecks, the Pigeon islands, also referred to as “the Cousteau reserve” are of international fame, the Grand-Cul-de-Sac-Marin reserve is a wonder on its own, and the lagoon of Saint-Francois is the best spot for beginners. The Saints archipelago is also a delight divers, head for the area of “Sec Pate” for the most fascinating sites.

Humpback whales pass through the canal of the Saints between the months of March and May, and you have all the chances to spot sea turtles on their way to lay their eggs on the beach of Grande Anse on Terre de Haut during the summer months.

A holiday on Guadeloupe is also a splendid occasion to discover those famous corals. Also referred to as “polyps”, these creatures are close relatives of sea anemones. They form a sort of colony clustered around a particular “skeleton”, which gives them a mineral aspect. Others take shape around a soft skeletal frame, these corals are referred to as “gorgons” and are a very typical sight in the West Indies, though often mistaken for plants. And if by now you’d still have any doubts: yes, Guadeloupe is the place to discover the world of Nemo, in the best conditions imaginable.

Not to mention the temperature of the water, ideal whatever the season may be.

In order to ensure your total security, take time to consider certain precautions. If you’re an amateur, it is best to choose a certified diving centre with qualified instructors. It is by all means better to be safe than sorry, so we would recommend that even those with some diving experience don’t venture to discover the greater depths of the Caribbean without a competent guide to point them in the good direction. Diving clubs are everywhere on the island, so choose the one closest to the site you’re planning to visit, as what you will see depends on where you dive, the seabed varies from one location to the other.

Underwater fishing is possible only on authorisation by the department’s Maritime Affairs Directorate. It is forbidden under the age of 16, and is authorised only while free-diving, without any breathing equipment and mechanical propulsive equipment. You may take a Sandow gun or harpoon and must be out of the water by nightfall, as the activity is permitted only between sunrise and sunset.

Clubs

PLAISIR PLONGÉE CARAIBES Adresse : Plage de Malendure 97132 Pigeon-Bouillante Tel : 05 90 98 82 43 Fax : 05 90 98 82 84 Send an email

OBJECTIF PLONGÉE Adresse : Rocroy 97119 Vieux Habitants Tel : 06 90 65 94 77 Fax : 05 90 98 63 96 Send an email  Website

LES HEURES SAINES Tel : 05 90 98 86 63 Fax : 05 90 98 77 76 Send an email  Website