Deep Turtle Plongee

Located in the heart of Anse d'Arlet, Deep Turtle Plongée sits directly facing the Grande Anse pier. This prime location allows for seamless transfers from the shore to the boats, making your departure for the day effortless. The centre is established in a region known as the nursery for green sea turtles, offering immediate access to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

The centre operates with a professional team of instructors dedicated to both recreational and technical diving. They maintain a strict ratio of one guide for every four divers, ensuring close supervision and safety during every immersion.

As a dual-affiliated centre, they hold both PADI 5 Star and FFESSM status, allowing them to cater to international divers and those following the French national federation curriculum. Their commitment to the environment is evident in their daily operations, from waste management to the use of non-destructive mooring systems.

The training programme is extensive, covering everything from initial Discover Scuba Diving and PADI Open Water courses to professional levels such as PADI Dive Master. They also offer the full range of French FFESSM certifications, including Niveau 1, Niveau 2, and Niveau 3, as well as specialized ENS Scaphandriers B classes.

For technical divers, the centre provides advanced training in Nitrox, Trimix, and rebreather operations. They also offer the RIFAP qualification, making this a versatile destination for those looking to advance their technical skill set.

The Turtle Rain is a semi-planing vessel with a capacity for 30 divers. It is equipped with a taud to provide shade on deck, ensuring you stay protected from the sun between dives.

The Turtle Haze is a semi-rigid boat designed for up to 20 divers. Both vessels are well-maintained and equipped with essential safety gear, including VHF marine radio, GPS, and depth sounders. On board, you can enjoy tea, coffee, fresh fruit, and local refreshments after your dives.

The shore-based facilities include a dedicated club house with a climate-controlled classroom for theory sessions. You will find rinsing tanks, showers, and toilets available for use to ensure you can clean your kit and refresh after a day at sea.

The centre uses a Coltri MCh 36 Silent compressor to provide high-quality air, with six 80-litre cylinders kept at 300 bars. For those looking to extend their bottom time or dive deeper, Nitrox and Trimix are available on-site. Full kit hire is also provided, featuring recent Scubapro equipment including BCDs, regulators, and torches for night dives.

The reefs are home to a constant presence of green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. You will frequently encounter large pelagics and schooling fish, including great barracuda, jacks, and various species of snapper and surgeonfish.

On the deeper walls and rocky outcrops, look for eagle rays, southern stingrays, and leopard rays. The biodiversity is further enriched by the presence of parrotfish, angelfish, and various species of moray eels, including the sand moray.

For macro enthusiasts, the sites offer plenty of interest with octopus, common octopus, and various species of shrimp and crabs, such as spider crabs and arrow crabs. You may also spot seahorses, garden eels, and various species of nudibranchs and molluscs among the corals.

The seascape is defined by vibrant gorgonians, barrel sponges, and various types of soft corals and sea fans, providing a complex habitat for the resident reef fish.

Conditions vary depending on the site, with currents ranging from none to very regular. While many sites in the south of the Caribbean experience low to moderate currents, certain locations like the Rocher du Diamant or the deeper walls can encounter more sustained water movement.

Swell can be a factor at specific sites, such as the Sec du Diamant, which is more exposed to ocean conditions.