Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is a premier destination for snorkeling enthusiasts, so we feel very lucky to live on an island surrounded by many beautiful places where you can do snorkeling.
The island’s crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity offer unforgettable underwater experiences for divers of all skill levels. This article of our blog provides insight into the best snorkeling spots, accessibility options, and ideal conditions for an enjoyable adventure.
We also have a dedicated post with a St Maarten snorkeling map, which will guide you directly to various locations, ensuring a thorough exploration of this vibrant underwater world.
And to know how a real snorkel immersion feels like, watch our latest reel on Instagram!
Best snorkeling in St Martin: top spots
St. Maarten offers a variety of captivating snorkeling locations, let’s check them out!
Creole Rock
Creole Rock is part of the Nature Reserve of Sint Martin. It is one of our favorite places to take you. In addition to the incredible biodiversity that you can admire, Creole Rock also has a story to tell. Click on the following link to read more about Creole Rock.
Creole Rock is a must-see when you want to do snorkeling in Sint Martin! You want to go to there with Pyratz during one of our boat charters? Just let us know that you want to include this stop during the charter.
Tintamarre island
A deserted island, turquoise waters, a white sandy beach strewn with vegetation and ochre rock… Wild and picturesque, Tintamarre is a must see during your stay in Sint Maarten!
Just like Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island snorkeling wonders are part of the Nature Reserve of Saint Martin. Encounters with sea turtles (among others) almost guaranteed!
So put on your snorkeling gears (provided on board when you sail with us) and go explore this French St Martin island! Don’t hesitate to tell us when you book that you would like to go to Tintamarre.
We will do our best to turn your dream into reality!
Pinel island
Pinel Island is celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity, where snorkelers can encounter a wide array of colorful reef fish, including parrotfish, tangs, and occasional sea turtles. Snorkeling Pinel Island is a vibrant experience, thanks to the island’s protected marine reserve status, which fosters a healthy environment for marine habitats.
Pinel Island snorkeling wonders are accessible thanks to a shuttle that goes back and forth all day.
Only two restaurants are located there, the Karibuni and the Yellow Beach. Lovers of fresh fish, go for it! Or let yourself be tempted by their delicious grilled lobsters, the star of Sint Maarten!
You can rent a beach chair for the day and relax under the sun but… you can also do a nice snorkeling session in this little Sint Maarten island.
The water being shallow if you stay close to the island’s shores makes it very easy and safe for the beginners.
On the left side of the island is a coral reef protected by buoys that you are not allowed to go beyond, but it will still allow you to observe many fish species.
Pyratz can also take you to spend the day at Pinel Island during one of our boat charters, just let us know.
Ile Fourchue
Ile Fourchue is part of the Nature Reserve of St Barts. You will pass by if you go to St Barts from Sint Maarten. This island is private and uninhabited, so it is a small haven of peace where nature is queen.
It is allowed to walk around (a little advice: take your sunscreen!) provided that you respect its little inhabitants, whether they are spiky (like the cactus) or cold-blooded like the many lizards that live there!
No waste on this island in order to preserve it as much as possible. You will appreciate its calm and serenity, but the best part, according to us, is its wonderful snorkeling spot where you can observe various species such as the sleeper shark, the captain fish, sea turtles, barracudas etc…
Do you want more information about Ile Fourchue? It’s here. Pyratz can organize an unforgettable getaway, just contact us.
Divi Little Bay
Divi Little Bay is located near Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, near the ruins of Fort Amsterdam. When you are not on a boat, you can still access the beach through the entrance of the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort (all the beaches in Saint Martin are public, so you can access the water through Divi Little Bay Beach Resort with no problem!).
If you don’t have your own snorkeling equipment, you can rent some at their store on the beach. Then you’ll have to swim for about 10 minutes along the rocky coastline to reach the spot but it’s well worth it. The magic happens when you find yourself surrounded by hundreds of fish!
Shipwrecks to explore at Little Bay!
This place has been fitted out with wrecks of submarines, helicopters, and even a plane! A real sanctuary for marine biodiversity. However, this spot is very popular with tourists, so beware of crowds! It is also the place of predilection of the brown pelicans. Many nests are established along the rocks.
Mullet Bay Beach
Mullet Bay is a hotspot for surfers visiting St Martin and also is a getaway beach for locals.
However, you can also practice snorkeling at the beach, especially in the left and right areas of the bay, where the rock areas are (check the drone picture above for a reference).
Mullet Bay beach snorkeling areas can be accessed both by boat or easily from the beach.
The sandy bottom of Mullet Bay Beach makes it a perfect home for stingrays buried in the sand, so if you are lucky you might be able to see one.
Baie Rouge
Baie Rouge, located on the north shore of St Maarten, is another great spot for snorkeling. If you are at the beach, the best Baie Rouge snorkeling area is around the rock formation known as “Devil’s Hole”, the north-west rock formation of the bay.
Reaching this spot it’s around 10 minutes of swimming (500 meters) if you start from Baie Rouge, so it’s only for people who are fit and/or good swimmers.
“Devil’s Hole” is kind of an open ceiling cave that can be entered safely if the sea is in good condition. You will see a small arch known as “David’s Hole” (trou de David).
If you want to reach Devil’s Hole comfortably and enjoy snorkeling there, jump on one of our boat charters while you are visiting St Martin.
Understanding St Maarten’s snorkeling appeal
Saint Martin and Sint Maarten, located in the Caribbean, offer a unique snorkeling experience due to their rich marine biodiversity and breathtaking underwater landscapes. The island is a blend of sandy and rocky places and corners, resulting in diverse snorkeling spots that appeal to snorkelers and divers of all levels.
Advantages of snorkeling in St Martin
The underwater environment of St Martin features an array of coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, rays and other marine life in the habitats that thrive in the warm, clear waters of the island.
St Martin in a perfect spot for snorkeling because:
- Has abundant marine life: parrotfish, angelfish and stingrays are some of the species you see the most
- The snorkeling locations in St Martin are quite accessible and safe
- The coral reefs are in pretty good shape and host abundant life
- Warm waters: the average water temperature in St Martin hovers around 80°F (26°C), providing a comfortable environment for snorkeling
Best season to snorkel in St Martin
December to June is widely recognized as the best time to visit the island and also to enjoy snorkeling in St Maarten. During this period, the weather is typically stable and the winds are milder, contributing to excellent visibility underwater.
July to November coincides with the rainy season and the caribbean hurricane season, so underwater visibility can be affected by storms, rain and clouds; this period may also provide less crowded snorkeling sites but you will only enjoy them if the conditions are proper.
Best practices during snorkeling in St Martin
Promoting sustainable snorkeling practices is important for minimizing environmental impact to the island of St Martin.
There are several recommended practices that snorkelers can follow to protect marine ecosystems:
- Always use biodegradable/reef friendly sunscreen to reduce chemical runoff into the water.
- Spoiler: we have it on our boat tours.
- Observe and not disturb: avoid touching or stepping on coral reefs or marine life, as you can cause damage and/or you can get hurt.
- Be mindful of currents, tides and ocean in general to prevent accidents or emergencies.
- Never go alone, specially if you are a beginner: there are organized tours that prioritize safety, conservation and education.
Marine life you can observe in St Martin during a snorkeling dive
Here you have a short list of some of the species you might be able to see during a snorkeling dive.
Fish species
The waters surrounding Saint Martin/Sint Maarten are teeming with various fish species, making snorkeling an exhilarating experience. Snorkelers can encounter:
- Parrotfish: known for their bright colors and beak-like jaws, parrotfish are primarily herbivores and can often be seen grazing on coral.
- Angelfish: these fish are easily recognized by their unique shapes and vibrant hues. Common around reef areas, they add charm to the underwater scenery.
- Sergeant majors: small and highly social, these fish usually swim in schools and are known for their distinctive black stripes.
- Butterflyfish: frequently spotted near coral reefs, butterflyfish are characterized by their flat bodies and striking coloration.
- Snapper: often found near rocky structures, snappers showcase a variety of colors and are known for their predatory nature.
Sea turtles
Among the most enchanting creatures in the waters of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten are sea turtles. Various species can be spotted, including:
- Green turtles: recognized by their harmonious greenish skin, they are often found grazing on seagrass and algae.
- Hawksbill turtles: with their distinctive beak-like mouths, hawksbills primarily feed on sponges found in coral reefs.
- Loggerhead turtles: known for their large heads and beak-like jaws, loggerheads are often seen in deeper waters.
- Leatherback turtles: the largest species of turtle, leatherbacks are seldom spotted during snorkeling but can occasionally be seen swimming by.
Corals and sea fans
Coral reefs and marine plants play a fundamental role in the ecosystem. The varied types of corals present include:
- Brain coral: this coral resembles a brain with its unique ridged surface, playing a critical role in habitat formation.
- Staghorn coral: recognizable by its branching structure, staghorn coral serves as an essential nursery for many fish species.
- Elkhorn coral: known for its antler-like appearance, elkhorn coral provides shelter for diverse marine life.
In addition to corals, sea fans can also be observed, which are delicate formations that sway gently with the water current.
Sea fans are essential to the ecosystem, providing a habitat for smaller organisms and adding beauty to the underwater landscape.
Come snorkeling with us!
Did you know all these places and St. Maarten snorkeling beaches? What are your snorkeling experiences in Sint Maarten? Do you have other spots to share with us?
With our boat charters, you will have snorkeling equipment at your disposal every time we stop!
