During high season, the scuba divers schooling around some of the most popular dive sites on the French/Dutch island of St Martin/St Maarten might seem to outnumber the fish. The wreck of HMS Proselyte, sunk in 1801, The Carib Ghost, sunk in 1995, and Fuh Sheng, sunk the same year, are three popular sites that knowledgeable divers now avoid. Shipwrecks aside, the island has numerous lesser-known reefs and underwater rocks which provide fantastic opportunities for every level of diver, from shallow-water beginners to deep-water experts.
While snorkellers in these more secluded locales only see the surface, divers get up close and personal with the denizens of the deep in their amazing underwater world. Ready for less reading and more diving? We provide a quick rundown of some of the best spots in St. Martin below:
Creole Rock
Here, off Grand Case Bay, Blue Odyssey Diving instructors will ensure divers get the best experience. On the landward side of this landmark, shallower waters protect from the sea. On the more challenging seaward side, deeper waters offer an experience better suited for experts. As well as the vibrant aquatic plant life below the waves, divers may encounter turtles and reef sharks, which are known to inhabit these waters. Creole Rock is a protected Nature Reserve and boats larger than 50 feet are prohibited. Boats must also moor at approved buoys to avoid their anchors damaging the fragile underwater infrastructure.
Sandy Ground
Sandy Ground is a remarkable geological formation that can offer both a placid swimming hole and a stormy maelstrom. David’s Hole, also known as the Devil’s Hole, is the remains of an ancient collapsed underwater cave. On calm days, even snorkellers can enjoy swimming in this natural wonder, where a wide variety of tropical fish and corals can be discovered. Dive deeper into the aquatic wonders of St. Martin by visiting https://www.st-martin.org/.
