This dive site is the shallow channel separating the islets of Petite Terre, located 12 miles offshore from Saint-François, Guadeloupe. Accessible only by boat tours, it offers a unique and sheltered environment within a pristine lagoon. Divers and snorkelers explore its calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxed underwater observation rather than deep or complex navigation.
The site boasts a remarkable concentration of marine life. Visitors can expect to encounter lemon sharks in very shallow waters, along with various rays, green sea turtles, and a vibrant 'whole host of tropical fish' that inhabit the coral-rich lagoon. While specific coral types aren't named, the healthy ecosystem suggests a diverse array of reef-building corals.
The best time to visit Petite Terre is generally during the dry season (December to May) when weather conditions are most stable, offering optimal visibility and calm seas. Due to its maximum depth of 6 meters and average depth of 3 meters, it is exceptionally suitable for snorkeling and freediving, providing ample opportunity for close encounters with marine fauna in sunlit waters. Scuba divers will find it an excellent site for beginner training or relaxed, long bottom times.
