Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin: an ecological treasure in the heart of the Caribbean

The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin is a natural reserve classified by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. There are several important ecosystems such as mangroves, swamp forests, seagrass beds, covering an area of about 15,000 hectares, but also coral reefs about 40 km long with very important ecological functions.

Biodiversity to be protected

Various visits raise awareness about the conservation of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, a place where many species coexist. In addition, the reserve is complemented by coral reefs, which are also protected. However, it is possible to see around 900 species of flora and fauna in the wild. You thus have the opportunity to see corals, numerous molluscs and crustaceans, fish and tropical birds.

The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin also has many paradisiacal islets. Only Caret Island can be docked. Its name comes from the turtle that breeds there.

An exceptional nature reserve

The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, which connects the north of Basse-Terre and the north of Grande-Terre, includes an area classified as a nature reserve since 1987. These areas are classified as” Wetlands of international importance for waterbirds ” by the Ramsar Convention since 1993 and have been part of the Guadeloupe Archipelago Biosphere Reserve since 1994.

The Reserve has been an integral part of the Guadeloupe National Park since 1991 and includes six sectors of the lagoon. The creation of the reserve aims to protect fragile ecosystems and biodiversity. One of the goals is to allow all animals in this region to live and reproduce peacefully.

On the land side, mangrove areas are real breeding grounds for a rich fauna of resident and migratory seabirds, 255 species of fish, turtles, shells, shellfish, crustaceans and reptiles.

On the ocean side, 50 species of corals serve as sanctuaries and breeding grounds. Some islands in the lagoon are completely free of human presence. This is the case of the Îlets Carénages, the Îlet Blanc or the Îlet à Fajou.

A life-size aquarium

A large coral reef 25 km long that complements the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin makes this unique space a real nursery for aquatic life. Due to the excellent biodiversity of the region, the seabed is full of numerous fish species.

The highly fertile, critically endangered Caret sea turtle breeds on the island's beaches at various times of the year. Not only birds, but also crabs, molluscs, starfish, and sea cucumbers live here.

Lush, calm and serene flora

The lagoon ecosystem and the resulting biodiversity are so rich that they are a major asset of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve, whose balance ensures the sustainability of plant and animal species. Thus, tropical vegetation and rare plants still make up the flora of this enchanting island.