Snorkeling and Shore Diving Guide for St Martin and St Maarten

Depth: 45ft / 14m

Dive Site: The reef runs parallel to the beach. The best diving is on the sea side of the reef. Snorkel out directly from Scavengers Beach Bar at the center of the beach (you will pass over a dead, circular reef - look out for the schools of Reef Squid), or walk up to the right hand side of the beach and follow the reef out from there.

Sea Conditions: : This site is not suitable in very strong trade winds or big swells, especially when from the north. Be wary of a cross current.

Depth: 6ft - 15ft / 2m - 5m

Dive Site: Snorkel the coral encrusted rocks along the coastline on the right hand of the bay. The reef extends from the shoreline out about 30m. You will see numerous small reef fish and extensive gardens of purple, long-spined sea urchins. Look closely in-between the rocks for numerous "spider-like" Arrow Crabs, Banded Coral Shrimp,Scarlet Ladies and abundant purple tipped Sea Anemone.

Sea Conditions: This site is not suitable when the wind is out of the North and big swells occur which, while remaining calm enough, can limit visibility.

How to Get There: Park your car in the ample parking area. DO NOT LEAVE anything in your car, even the trunk, as this beach does have a theft problem.

Depth: 20ft - 36ft / 6m - 11m

Dive Site: South-east of Pinel island. Swim past the floating platform and line of small white buoys which demarcate the snorkeling area, and continue around the island following the pretty coral reef abundant with small reef fish.

Sea Conditions: Not suitable in strong trade winds or in big swells.

How to Get There: Park your car at the small wooden dock in Cul de Sac. There is a ferry boat out to the island (5 minute trip) every hour and half hour at peak times.