Cousteau Reserve: everything you need to know for a boat trip

With its beautiful white sand beaches and numerous rivers, Guadeloupe has no shortage of reasons to justify its name as the island of beautiful waters. And the marine environment is no exception, with plenty of beautiful sites to discover, including the Cousteau Reserve. Would you like to take a boat trip there? We'll share all the information you need for a beautiful, eco-friendly boat trip to the Cousteau Reserve. 

How to get to the Cousteau Reserve by boat? 

On the leeward coast, opposite the towns of Bouillante and Pointe-Noire, the Cousteau Reserve is a must-see diving and snorkeling site in Guadeloupe.

If you plan to visit the reserve by boat, you can sail towards Malendure Beach in Bouillante. Pigeon Islands and their rich marine life are located opposite this beach. 

Why discover the Cousteau Reserve?

During a day trip to the Cousteau Reserve, you can: 

• Snorkel at the Coral Garden, Aquarium, and Pool spots, with an abundance of fish species (triggerfish, parrotfish, sergeant majors, captains, lionfish, pouches, barracudas, among others), crustaceans, and even rays.
• Encounter green turtles in the seagrass beds along Malendure Beach and hawksbill turtles in the coral reefs, without touching them and keeping your distance;
• Observe the diversity of colorful corals, gorgonians, and sponges thanks to the clear, shallow waters;
• Take a short trip to the Grand Îlet des Îlets Pigeon to enjoy a beautiful view of the town of Bouillante and its hills, or simply relax on one of the two small beaches on either side of the islet. 
• See the bust of Commander Cousteau, sunk 13 meters below the surface; 
• Discover the wrecks of the Franjack and Gustavia, both over 50 meters long, and the marine life that has made them their home.
• Hear the songs of whales that come to breed between December and May. 

You can also rent a kayak on Malendure Beach, book a scuba diving session (there are no fewer than six dive sites to explore!), go snorkeling or snorkeling, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or go on a marine mammal watching trip with trained and licensed professionals whose offices are located on the beach. And, of course, you can swim and enjoy a meal at one of the beach's restaurants or snack bars. 

As an added bonus, if you head south from Bouillante, you will arrive in the town center where there are sulfur springs in the sea, one of the few hot spring spots in the municipality. 

What are the regulations governing the Cousteau Reserve? 

As part of the heart of Guadeloupe National Park, the Cousteau Reserve is protected and subject to regulations designed to preserve its seabed. The protected area stretches from Pointe Mahault to Pointe Noire, Pointe à Lézard in Bouillante, and north to the Pigeon Islets. Below are the rules to follow for responsible boating in the Cousteau Reserve. 

Regulations concerning anchoring in the Cousteau Reserve

The first thing to note is that anchoring is strictly prohibited in the Cousteau Reserve. Mooring is permitted, provided that you tie up to the buoys provided for this purpose. They are white for recreational boaters and pink for professionals.

Therefore, motorized vessel navigation is prohibited in the exclusion zone located in the channel between the islets. 

Regulations concerning species in the Cousteau Reserve

In this protected area, direct contact with underwater flora and fauna is prohibited, as is recreational fishing and hunting. In order not to disturb the species, it is also forbidden to illuminate the area at night, whether on the islets or at sea.

All of Guadeloupe's waters are part of the Agoa Sanctuary, a marine protected area dedicated to the protection of marine mammals, so you must keep your distance from any dolphins or whales you may see. Sanctuary regulations require that you do not approach cetaceans within 300 meters, whether on the water, under the water, or above the water. 

Flying a drone or aircraft also requires a permit. If you want to take videos with a drone, you will therefore have to refrain from doing so or take the necessary steps! 

Compliance with these regulations is the best way to help preserve the ecosystems of the Cousteau Reserve. Enjoy your boat trip! 

Article written by : Axelle DORVILLE