Cnar Sarl- Noa Plongee

Noa Plongée is a multi-affiliated dive centre based in the Saint-François marina, serving as a gateway to the Caribbean waters of Guadeloupe. The centre operates with a focus on variety, covering the protected reefs of the Petite-Terre Nature Reserve, the Pointe des Châteaux, and the waters around La Désirade.

Daily schedules are organised around 'bi-plongées', which consist of two successive dives on different sites. These trips typically depart at 7:30, allowing you to complete your dives and return by midday, leaving the afternoon free for land-based exploration. For those looking for something different, night dives are available upon request.

The team is led by experienced professionals Jean-Christian ROTGER and Jérémy BOUCHER. Both are qualified SSI Instructors and Nitrox instructors, with additional technical expertise in visual inspection. Their qualifications span across the FFESSM and SSI systems, ensuring a high standard of training and safety.

The centre maintains a ratio of maximum four divers per guide. Instruction is available in both French and English, making it accessible for international divers. For younger divers, the centre offers specialised programmes including Jeunes plongeurs and discovery dives in the lagoon for children as young as six.

The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum through both SSI and FFESSM affiliations. Beginners can start with Scuba Diver or SSI Open Water Diver courses, while those looking to advance can pursue SSI Advanced Adventurer, Divemaster, or Dive Guide certifications.

Specialised training is also available to refine specific skills, including SSI Perfect Buoyancy, SSI Deep Diver, and SSI Computer Diving. For those following the French system, training covers levels from Niveau 1 through to Niveau 3, as well as RIFAP and PE40.

The centre operates two fast boats to reach different dive environments. THE NOA is an 11-metre vessel powered by a 350hp diesel engine, with a capacity for 20 divers, making it the primary choice for offshore trips to sites like the Banc des Vaisseaux.

THE AMAYA is a 9-metre boat, also featuring a 350hp diesel turbine hydro jet engine and a 20-diver capacity. This boat is used for closer coastal sites and for conducting discovery dives and baptêmes within the Saint-François lagoon. Both vessels are equipped to provide snacks and hot or cold drinks during the surface intervals.

Full rental kit is available on-site, including shorty wetsuits, BCDs, regulators, and various cylinder sizes. The centre ensures that all equipment is renewed annually to maintain reliability.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. Safety is a priority on shore, with oxygen availability provided for emergency use.

The marine life in the Saint-François area is diverse, with frequent sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, and various shark species including lemon sharks. You will often see large pelagics and reef residents such as great barracuda, southern stingrays, and various species of angelfish, parrotfish, and sergeant majors.

In the reef structures, look for colourful inhabitants such as damselfish, cardinalfish, and trumpetfish. The colourful presence of surgeonfish and various coral species provides a vibrant backdrop to every dive.

Macro life and smaller residents include various species of crabs and other crustaceans that inhabit the reef crevices. The biodiversity of the Petite-Terre reserve ensures a constant variety of life to observe during your excursions.

Dives are conducted in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which can bring varying currents depending on the site and tide. The centre's use of fast boats allows for efficient transit to offshore sites even when conditions require moving quickly between locations.