Explore Cousteau’s Nationalpark

Located off the coast of Bouillante in Guadeloupe, Cousteau’s Nationalpark, also known as the Pigeon Islands, offers an unforgettable diving experience. This enchanting location is steeped in history, as it served as a filming site for Jacques-Yves Cousteau's iconic documentary, "Le Monde du Silence," in 1955. The park is a testament to Guadeloupe's commitment to marine conservation, showcasing the vibrant biodiversity of the Caribbean. Divers can explore a stunning coral garden, home to an underwater statue of Commander Cousteau, which adds a touch of history and intrigue to the dive. The diving experience here is varied and exciting, with options to explore colorful reefs, dramatic walls, and even historic wrecks. Whether you prefer shore dives, boat dives, or liveaboard adventures, Cousteau’s National Park caters to all preferences. The waters are teeming with life, from vivid coral formations and playful turtles to schools of tropical fish darting in every direction. Seasonal visitors might even spot majestic whales migrating through these waters, making each dive feel like a new adventure. Guadeloupe's warm, clear waters and rich marine diversity make the Cousteau Reserve a must-visit for divers of all levels. The combination of accessible dive sites and the promise of encountering both common and rare marine species creates an atmosphere of wonder and discovery. This dive destination not only offers a glimpse into the vibrant underwater world but also stands as a tribute to the legacy of exploration and conservation championed by Cousteau himself.

Courses and Events

Open Water Instructor ( Instructor Training Course ITC )

Start today - You need to be a Divemaster or equivalent to join SSI´s 3-Step Instructor Training Approach. The training process starts with joining the Assistant Instructor / Instructor Training Course combination accompanied with Digital Learning. After successful completion of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) you will enroll in an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to qualify as an SSI Open Water Instructor. This 10 day training program entitles you to teach various key SSI programs independently like Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue and Dive Guide. For those who want to take more time to learn and to gain valuable teaching experience between the training programs the 3 parts can also be taken as single steps - Assistant Instructor, Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) one after the other at own pace and with a flexible schedule.

30 May +2 More
€1,800.00

Open Water Instructor ( Instructor Training Course ITC integration )

Are you certified by another recognized organization and would like to join the SSI Instructor family? Because you're preparing for the future today, take part in the Instructor Integration Course from June 5 to 11, 2026, with the final exam (Instructor Evaluation) on June 12, 13 and 14 in Guadeloupe. If you hold an OWSI PADI or BPJEPS or BEES1 or BEES2 or DEJEPS or DESJEPS or MF1 or MF2 or any other recognized certifying body, go ahead and join the world's 2nd largest certifying body in the recreational diving industry. Access the world's largest database of job opportunities and travel the world with your certification in hand. Information, registration by e-mail, private message or whatsapp. More info: https://www.bleupassionguadeloupe.com/pages/divepro/passerellepro.html REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 2026 #wearessı #instructor #divepro #diveprofessional #instructortrainingcourse #diving #scubadiving #padi #gopro #getapro #ssipro See less

05 June +2 More
€1,365.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Cousteau’s Nationalpark

Pigeon Islands, part of Cousteau’s Nationalpark, offer some of the best diving experiences in the Caribbean. A top site is the "Franjack Wreck," a cargo ship that attracts diverse marine life, perfect for exploration by both beginners and experienced divers. The "Japanese Garden," known for its colorful corals and vibrant fish, is a popular shore dive, offering easy access and stunning views.

Dive travelers can enjoy the "Aquarium," famous for its night dives where bioluminescent creatures light up the waters. The park combines shore and liveaboard diving, catering to various preferences. Whether exploring shipwrecks or observing unique marine behaviors, Cousteau’s National Park provides unforgettable underwater adventures.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Cousteau's Nationalpark

Cousteau's Nationalpark, surrounding the Pigeon Islands in Guadeloupe, is teeming with vibrant marine life, attracting divers from around the world. The coral reefs here are home to a plethora of reef fish, such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, which are abundant throughout the year. These colorful species are easily encountered by divers exploring the shallow reefs and are known for their striking patterns and hues. Seasonal highlights include the occasional sightings of reef sharks and sea turtles, particularly during the warmer months of May to September. Divers may also encounter eagle rays gliding gracefully through deeper waters. While shark and turtle encounters are less frequent, they offer an exhilarating experience when they occur. For those visiting in the cooler months, whale watching is an added attraction, with humpback whales sometimes passing through the area.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
1.5k Sightings
J
184
F
173
M
158
A
137
M
111
J
87
J
170
A
135
S
18
O
66
N
120
D
181

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
1.1k Sightings
J
131
F
124
M
143
A
106
M
84
J
32
J
121
A
95
S
28
O
24
N
44
D
124
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
541 Sightings
J
82
F
73
M
56
A
59
M
28
J
22
J
45
A
44
S
13
O
26
N
26
D
67
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
396 Sightings
J
33
F
39
M
54
A
57
M
47
J
27
J
45
A
58
S
18
O
4
N
2
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
1.8k Sightings
J
195
F
185
M
196
A
173
M
150
J
79
J
166
A
191
S
35
O
50
N
139
D
214

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
1.7k Sightings
J
140
F
207
M
211
A
180
M
129
J
102
J
183
A
169
S
39
O
58
N
133
D
170

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
1.2k Sightings
J
103
F
114
M
119
A
117
M
111
J
65
J
113
A
121
S
12
O
38
N
117
D
146

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
1.1k Sightings
J
81
F
105
M
146
A
120
M
87
J
49
J
94
A
144
S
37
O
46
N
83
D
114

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
1.1k Sightings
J
124
F
123
M
126
A
109
M
88
J
55
J
106
A
120
S
11
O
42
N
92
D
102

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
1k Sightings
J
110
F
107
M
122
A
107
M
63
J
44
J
102
A
117
S
13
O
24
N
86
D
106
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
700 Sightings
J
70
F
88
M
86
A
79
M
50
J
34
J
43
A
68
S
3
O
23
N
75
D
81

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
617 Sightings
J
74
F
70
M
82
A
56
M
65
J
28
J
83
A
46
S
7
O
27
N
33
D
46

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
510 Sightings
J
47
F
57
M
45
A
61
M
21
J
12
J
85
A
99
S
6
O
7
N
32
D
38

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
374 Sightings
J
26
F
54
M
57
A
37
M
20
J
12
J
33
A
79
S
3
O
18
N
33
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
335 Sightings
J
45
F
41
M
46
A
47
M
32
J
5
J
11
A
52
S
1
O
4
N
11
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
289 Sightings
J
33
F
30
M
46
A
31
M
31
J
8
J
31
A
30
S
5
O
4
N
1
D
39

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
273 Sightings
J
19
F
63
M
35
A
2
M
22
J
14
J
40
A
46
S
3
O
0
N
9
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
248 Sightings
J
33
F
44
M
30
A
34
M
16
J
4
J
10
A
24
S
3
O
1
N
5
D
44

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 55

k

Lobster
237 Sightings
J
66
F
35
M
13
A
17
M
9
J
20
J
5
A
9
S
3
O
8
N
29
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
230 Sightings
J
24
F
25
M
57
A
24
M
5
J
6
J
24
A
5
S
3
O
10
N
3
D
44

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
200 Sightings
J
13
F
15
M
41
A
19
M
6
J
4
J
15
A
35
S
3
O
7
N
15
D
27

The best Months to Dive in Cousteau’s Nationalpark

Cousteau’s Nationalpark at Pigeon Islands offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F. The tropical climate ensures warm waters, making diving possible throughout the year. Visibility is generally good, often reaching 20–30 meters/66–98 feet, providing divers with a clear view of the vibrant marine life.

Diving conditions remain favorable most of the year, though the rainy season from June to November can bring stronger currents and reduced visibility. During this period, occasional tropical storms may temporarily hinder diving activities. However, even during the rainy season, many divers find enjoyable conditions on calm days. Overall, Cousteau’s National Park is a reliable destination for divers, offering diverse underwater experiences throughout the year.

Dive Centers

PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE

PLAGE DE MALENDURE, 97125 BOUILLANTE, Guadeloupe

ECOLE DE PLONGEE BLEU PASSION GUADELOUPE

ZAC de Lostau, 97125 BOUILLANTE, Guadeloupe

LES HEURES SAINES

Rocher de Malendure, 97125 BOUILLANTE, Guadeloupe

CIP Guadeloupe

PLAGE DE MALENDURE, 97125 BOUILLANTE, Guadeloupe

ALIZEE PLONGEE

Plage de Malendure, 97125 BOUILLANTE, Guadeloupe

Dive Sites

PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

La Piscine (★4.6)

What will jump out at you when you arrive at this site is the crystal clear water and the turquoise blue everywhere. A beautiful shallow sandy area to learn greets you. Three possible courses start from the same place, that’s what’s magical about this site.
ECOLE DE PLONGEE BLEU PASSION GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Tour du Petit Ilet (★4.5)

The tour of the little island can be done from 2 different dive sites: Swimming Pool or the Coral Garden. This dive can be done at different depths on a drop-off that descends to 40 meters. Beginners, as well as experienced divers, can dive this site in complete safety.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Le Jardin de Corail (★4.5)

Welcome to the most famous site in the Guadeloupe National Park and its Cousteau Reserve. Under the boat a real coral garden of all colors awaits you. At 12m, a statue of Commander Cousteau was placed on the sand at the end of the 2000s.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

La Caye (★4.5)

A long time ago, the Malendure rock collapsed into the ocean, creating this shallow dive site. La Caye is Malendure’s nursery. Depths range from 4m to 18m for the more adventurous; this site is accessible to all.
ECOLE DE PLONGEE BLEU PASSION GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Pointe Carangue (★4.5)

The Carangue Point is located between 2 dive sites. It can reached from the Swimming Pool or the Coral Garden sites, and averages 10 to 30 meters. There is a moderate to strong current. When it is strong, it is advisable to lie on the ground to observe the big eyed jackfish broom.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Pointe Barracuda (★4.4)

Experienced divers will be able to dive along the drop-off, although the 15 - 25-meter zone is still the ideal place to meet bonitos, barracudas, diodons, triggerfish, turtles, and other angelfish, lobsters, and surgeons.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Anse Négresse (★4.6)

Anse Negressee is the best-hidden dive site in Malendure. Overhung by cliffs, this site offers a gentle slope between corals and sandbanks that allows a nice dive.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Pointe Lézarde (★4.3)

Last dive site of the National Park towards the south of Bouillante. This site consists of a rocky ridge, which will allow you to navigate between small rocky peaks and also down to 40 m. Most of the diving is done between 15 and 25 meters for beauty and visibility.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Epave Franjack, wreck (★4.7)

This hourglass freighter 50 m deep was built in Denmark in 1958. It sailed to Copenhagen and then to La Rochelle in the 70s. The Franjack lies flat on her keel on a sandy bottom at 24 m in good general condition except for the forward cabin which is collapsed.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

L’ Aquarium Ilet Pigeon (★4.6)

A gently sloping wall with human-sized barrel sponges. Move away from the wall and let yourself be bewitched by the deep blue of the water. Whether you dive to the left or right, you will be amazed by the beauty of this site that never ceases to amaze.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Bouée Anticyclonique (★4.6)

Bouée Anticyclonique is THE drop-off of Guadeloupe National Park. Droping from 10 to 45 m deep, you must not be afraid of heights. Various hot springs from the Montserrat volcano are also found here. Nitrox is recommended.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Pointe Malendure (★4.5)

The pearl of Malendure. Just mention the name of this site to a local Instructor and see the flame in their eyes. It is possible to make this a drift dive towards Japanese Garden or Anse Négresse.
ECOLE DE PLONGEE BLEU PASSION GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

LA CHAISE (★4.4)

Located in the open water with a descent along a rope, the site begins to draw around 12 meters and extends to 30 meters. It is composed of two platforms: one in the 15 meter zone, perfect for open water diver, the other separated by about 30 meters and diving to 30 meters.
PPK PLONGEE GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Epave du Gustavia (Wreck) (★4.4)

This hourglass freighter of 49 m by about 7.50 m was launched in 1953 under the name of GEOCEANIQUE and renamed GUSTAVIA in 1982. After a thorough clean-up, she was sunk as an artificial reef in 1991 about 1 mile from the Malendure rock at Bouillante, the wreck lies upright on a sand bottom at 40 m.
ECOLE DE PLONGEE BLEU PASSION GUADELOUPE, 97125 BOUILLANTE

Pigeon Island (★4.1)

This dive site is suitable for everyone, from basic divers to divers specialized in deep diving, with the possibility of diving on a plateau of a few meters, but also with a steep drop-offs to the 40-meter zone.