This dive site, Roche Nord, is a vibrant reef located approximately 40 minutes by boat from St François in Guadeloupe, France. Situated on the banc des vaisseaux reef, the site features a series of reefs stretching about 100 meters, beautifully interspersed with pristine white sandy patches. Its relatively shallow maximum depth of 18 meters and an average depth of 9 meters make it accessible and easy to navigate for divers of varying experience levels, particularly beginners.
The diverse marine ecosystem at Roche Nord boasts a wide array of fish species and invertebrates. Divers can expect to encounter colorful Butterflyfish, Damselfish, Sergeant major, Balloonfish, and Trunkfish. Larger inhabitants include Barracuda, Wrasse, Grouperfish, Gruntfish, and Squirrelfish. The reef and sand areas are also home to interesting invertebrates such as Lobster, Shrimp, the unique Eiffel Crab, and the visually striking Flamingo tongue snail.
Roche Nord offers a rewarding diving experience, particularly for those interested in diverse reef life and macro opportunities. While the best time to visit isn't specified, the Caribbean generally offers good diving conditions year-round with warm waters and good visibility. Its shallow to moderate depth range makes it ideal for both scuba divers and freedivers looking to explore a healthy reef system with ample marine biodiversity. The sandy patches provide excellent contrast for photography and offer a chance to spot benthic creatures.
