Diving and Snorkeling in St. Martin

Though St. Martin is not considered one of the top snorkeling and diving spots in the Caribbean, there are still plenty of reasons to strap on that dive mask, pull on those flippers, and plunge into the island's warm waters for an undersea adventure.

Diving vs. Snorkeling

Both diving and snorkeling are great activities for those who want to explore marine plants and animals in their natural habitat.  Some divers even get the chilling opportunity to explore centuries old shipwrecks. 

Before you take the plunge, it is important to note the differences between the two sports.  Scuba, which is an acronym for “self contained underwater breathing apparatus,” occurs when a diver utilizes an air tank in order to swim below the surface of the ocean for an extended period of time.  Scuba diving does take some training, and many of St. Martin's resorts offer scuba classes as one of their amenities.  If your hotel does not offer these classes, there are numerous dive shops on the island that cater to new scuba divers.

If you don't want to go through the hassle of taking scuba classes, or feel more at ease closer to the water's surface, snorkeling might be more your style.  Instead of using an air tank to assist them in breathing underwater, snorkelers simply breathe through a snorkel, a tube that stays above the water while their head is below.  A dive mask and swim fins are essential to this experience, allowing snorkelers to see their surroundings and navigate through them swiftly.  Again, resorts often include snorkeling equipment in the cost of the room, however if this is not true of your hotel, you can find everything you need at a local dive shop.

Snuba

The latest trend in diving is called Snuba.  Snuba is not possible at all of the same locations that scuba diving is, but St. Martin's visitors are in luck because there are some excellent Snuba sites surrounding the island.  Snuba is very similar to scuba, except that instead of breathing from an air tank strapped to the divers back, air is obtained through tubes connected to tanks floating on rafts at the water's surface.  No prior diving experience is necessary to Snuba dive, and in fact, Snuba is often used as an introduction to scuba diving. 

The typical scuba diving, snuba diving, or snorkeling tour offers visitors the opportunity to view brightly colored tropical fish and other marine animals, coral reef, and the occasional shipwreck site.  Visibility in St. Martin ranges from about 75 to 125 feet, and the waters tend to be warm and calm, making diving and snorkeling an overall pleasant experience.  

There are a few must-see sites to keep in mind when planning your diving adventure.

Meanwhile, some of the best snorkeling beaches in St. Martin include Baie Rouge, Cay Bay, Dawn Beach, Îlet Pinel, Little Bay, Mullet Bay, Oyster Palm Beach, and Plum Bay.  Many snorkelers agree that the best snorkeling is available on the French side of the island, where the French government works hard to protect the marine life and underwater landscape off their shores.  Shallow reefs, underwater coves, and brightly colored tropical fish are just a few sites to be seen.

Final Tips

There are a few tips that will help even the most experienced diver when diving and snorkeling in St. Martin.  Make sure to remove any jewelry, watches, or other shiny objects before you get into the water, as not to draw unwanted attention from marine life to yourself.  Instead, accessorize by lathering on the waterproof sun block.  It is easy to get a sun burn underwater without even realizing it is happening. 

Be aware of how you are reacting to currents so that you do not get swept too far away from your dive site, and do your best to avoid jelly fish or any other type of stinging fish.  Note that shark sightings are rare, but they do happen.  It is important that if you spot a shark you remain calm, and move out of the water without making a scene if you feel it is necessary.

Finally, be respectful of your surroundings.  Do not step on any plants or animals, especially coral reef because this can be extremely damaging.  And remember that you should not take anything from the dive site home with you. 

Vacationing in the Caribbean is all about beauty and adventure.  A day of diving or snorkeling is a wonderful way to experience both.  Whether it's swimming with the fish or exploring the haunting wreckages of colonial era ships, diving and snorkeling in St. Martin is an experience you won't want to miss.