Plage de Malendure, Black sand beach in Bouillante, Guadeloupe, France.
Malendure Beach is a black sand shore in Bouillante facing the Pigeon Islands with direct access to Caribbean waters. The seafloor here belongs to a marine reserve known for its coral reefs and tropical fish populations.
Jacques Cousteau explored the underwater world of this area in the 1950s, drawing attention to its marine wealth. The discovery led to the creation of a protected marine reserve in the early 1970s to safeguard the natural environment.
The restaurants near the shore serve Creole dishes made with fresh catches from local fishermen living in nearby villages. You can experience how the community's daily life centers around the sea and its resources.
Several diving centers on the beach rent equipment and organize guided tours through the reserve to see marine life up close. Mornings are ideal for visiting when water conditions are calmest and visibility is best.
The water clarity lets you spot coral gardens and fish from the shore without needing to dive deep. Sea turtles regularly appear in the shallow waters off the Pigeon Islands, making them easy to observe.
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