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THE SCUBA SHOP
La Palapa Marina

#16 Airport Boulevard
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
T: +1-721-545 3213
info@thescubashop.net
 

 

 

 

 

Marine Parks of Our Islands

The reefs and waters surrounding our islands are all protected by Marine Parks. While some Park's rules are stricter than others, the idea is to conserve our natural resources not to harass you the diver.

In addition, CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) has severe penalties for the transportation of Turtle Shells, Conch Shells and many other sea shells and corals.

General Marine Park Rules
  • Spearfishing, conch and turtle collection is prohibited.
  • Do not take any corals, plants or animals, alive or dead.
  • No historic artifacts may be removed.
  • Do not stand on corals - exercise proper buoyancy control.
  • Do not anchor on coral or in no anchoring zones.
  • Do not litter.

We do ask that you comply with all Park rules so that you, and your children, can enjoy the beauty of our tropical waters for many years to come. While you are snorkeling or scuba diving, let your motto be take only photographs and leave only bubbles.

St Maarten Marine Park

The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten was established in January 1997. Its primary concern is to protect nature, while in the process strengthening its economical and educational value, and potential of its natural resources. This will be done through proper management, education, awareness and protection. In 2012 the Man of War Shoal Marine Park was officially established by the government of St Maarten. The fee for divers is $3 per day for diving within the park or for use of any mooring provided by the Nature Foundation and is collected by the dive centers. Click here for the map of the Dutch St Maarten Marine Park and its dive sites.

Tel: +1 721 542-0267 / Fax: +1 721 542-0268
E-mail: info@naturefoundation.org Website: www.naturefoundationsxm.org

The Reserve Naturelle de St Martin was founded in 1998. The French side Marine Park likes to be notified in advance before you dive within the Park. When you rent dive gear from The Scuba Shop, we’ll send the park rangers an email telling them you might be diving in the marine park for the duration of your stay. Check out the map of the French St Martin Marine Park on the second page.

Tel: +590 590 29 09 72 / Fax: +590 590 29 09 74
Website: www.reservenaturelle-saint-martin.com

Saba Marine Park

The Saba National Marine Park was established in 1987 with the objective to preserve and manage Saba's marine resources. The Marine Park was not developed to repair a damaged environment but rather to ensure the continued quality of an extraordinary resource for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone. The Marine Park circles the entire island from the high-water mark to a depth of 60 m (200 feet). The Marine Park Fee is $3 per dive.

Tel: +1 599 416-3295
E-mail: info@sabapark.org Website: www.sabapark.org

Statia Marine Park

The St Eustatatius National Parks Foundation and Marine Park (STENAPA) is defined as the waters surrounding St Eustatius from the high water mark to 30m depth contour. It was designated as Statia Marine Park in 1997 with the objective of conserving and managing the marine resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and future generations. Active management of the Marine Park commenced in 1998. The Marine Park Fee for divers is $6 per dive, or $24 for a 1 year pass.

Tel/Fax: +1 599 318-2884
E-mail: info@statiapark.org Website: www.statiapark.org

St Barths Marine Park

St. Barths has joined its sister islands of the Caribbean in their attempt to protect their marine resources. The decree of creation of St. Barths' Marine Reserve was signed, in Paris, on October 10, 1996 by the Prime Minister of France and the French Minister of Environment. The Marine Park Fee for divers is EUR 2 per dive which can be paid in the Marine Park’s office in Gustavia, next to the Harbour’s Office. They’re open during the week in the mornings. 

Tel / Fax: +590 590 27 88 18 / Urgency: +590 690 31 70 73
E-mail: infonaturestbarth@gmail.com

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources manages Anguilla's Marine Parks System. Anguilla's marine and coastal environments are among the island's most important ecological and economic resources. The need to conserve and protect the very habitat on which the island relies is essential. There are currently 5 designated Marine Park areas around Anguilla and it's surrounding islands.

Tel: +1 264 497 2871 / +1 264 497 8705
E-mail: fisheriesmr@gov.ai

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