Sint Maarten is the perfect destination for learning new SCUBA skills while enjoying colorful underwater environments and a memorable vacation above the water. Divers in Sint Maarten can expect warm tropical waters which range from 79-82°F (26-28°C) and variable visibility depending on the site.
Where can I dive in St Maarten?
Located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, Simpson Bay is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. Explore caverns, colorful reef landscape, and several shipwrecks teeming with marine life. Visit Gregory Wreck, one of the most well-known dive sites, and be prepared to discover a wide range of sea creatures.
What Caribbean island has the best scuba diving?
- Cozumel & Riviera Maya, Mexico. Excellent Drift Diving, Beautiful Corals & Diverse Marine Life!
- Jardines de la Reina, Cuba. WORLD-CLASS SHARK DIVING, SALTWATER CROCODILES & PRISTINE REEFS.
- Cayman Islands.
- Bahamas.
- Roatan, Honduras.
- Turneffe Atoll, Belize.
- Silver Bank, Dominican Republic.
- Turks and Caicos.
Is St Maarten good for snorkeling?
The Caribbean island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten offers some great snorkeling opportunities for all levels of experience. Warm crystal clear waters, teeming with colourful marine life, is what you’ll encounter on a St Martin snorkeling adventure.
Is there good scuba diving in St Maarten? – Related Questions
Which is better Sint Maarten or Saint Martin?
Dutch Sint Maarten is popular to many because it is more developed. This means that there are more amenities and services on this side of the island. On the other hand, those who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere stay at French Saint Martin. Aside from that, it has a more Caribbean feel to it.
What is the best month to go to St. Maarten?
The best time to visit St. Maarten is between January and April because during this time the temperature is warm and sunny. Although the island’s weather is pleasant year-round, these are times when rain showers are less likely, and the hotels also offer their best rates.
Are there coral reefs in St. Maarten?
St. Maarten’s reefs are primarily fringing reefs (Jackson et al., 2014). Patch reefs are found in shallow waters close to shore along the eastern, western and southern coasts. Many upper reef slopes on the eastern part of the island have spur and groove formations (NFSXM, 2017b).
Which Caribbean island has the best snorkeling from shore?
27 Top Spots for the Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean [2023]
- Snorkeling in St Thomas USVI.
- Snorkeling in St John USVI.
- Snorkeling in Alligator Reef, Florida Keys.
- Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
- Snorkeling in Caye Caulker, Belize.
- Snorkeling in San Andres Island, Colombia.
- Snorkeling in Roatan, Honduras.
Where can I snorkel in Sint Maarten?
Pinel Island, located near Orient Bay, is a fantastic destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. The island is a protected nature reserve and is rich with wildlife on land and in the sea. While snorkeling and hiking, visitors can spot iguanas, sea turtles, hermit crabs, stingrays, and reef fish.
Where can I snorkel in Saint Martin?
The best beaches for snorkeling are located west of Simpson Bay: Mullet Bay, but also Cupecoy Beach, are prime sites for a beach + snorkeling day. In Simpson Bay, several shipwrecks can be explored from the shore. Kim Sha, on the eastern extension of Simpson Bay Beach, is also a good option for getting in the water.
What is the prettiest beach in St. Maarten?
Top 5 Beaches in St. Maarten – Dutch Side
- Dawn Beach – Spectacular Sunrises & Primo Snorkeling. Description.
- Mullet Bay Beach – Powdery Sand & Surf Breaks. Description.
- Simpson Bay Beach – Lengthy & Scenic. Description.
- Kim Sha Beach – Sunsets, Watersports, & Family Beachgoing.
- Cupecoy Beach – Pinnacle of Beachfront Scenery.
Is there a seaweed problem in St. Martin?
In 2011, a floating seaweed called sargassum landed in huge amounts on the shores of St. Martin and other Caribbean islands for the first time in history. Since then, it has come almost every year, changing beaches and seas.
Is the water clear in St. Martin?
Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you’ll find a peaceful environment. The uncrowded shore of Grand Case Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, will lure you in with its clear turquoise seas and long, expansive coastline.
Are there alot of sharks in St. Martin?
The area is one of the richest waters for shark spotting in the world. With a little luck, you can meet dozens of nurse sharks or perhaps the elegant Caribbean reef shark during a dive, but that’s not it; you can also come across ground and tiger sharks.
Are there sharks around St. Martin?
We also get to see nurse sharks occasionally, however, the Sharks are free to come and go as they please therefore we never know how many will be on your dive; The majority of the sharks are Caribbean reef sharks ranging from 3 to 9 feet long.
Are there jellyfish in St. Martin?
Yes, there are jellyfish in St. Maarten. However, there are very few jellyfish in the waters surrounding St. Maarten, and the species that live in the waters surrounding the island are not found to be dangerous.
Are mosquitoes a problem in St Martin?
Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya are all present in Sint Maarten, so take care to avoid mosquito bites. Use a reliable insect repellent and wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
Are there wild monkeys in St Martin?
As many know, vervet monkeys have become a nuisance on the island of Sint Maarten. This monkey species is an invasive species that is quickly overpopulating.