From the time that foreign voyagers first plied the Caribbean Sea, the area has attracted adventurers, and in recent times, adventuresome scuba divers…
From the time that foreign voyagers first plied the Caribbean Sea, these islands repeatedly attracted adventurers, and now days – adventuresome scuba divers . With hundreds of islands, each with a special charm, the Caribbean and scuba exploration go hand-in-hand. You’ll find old wrecks, new wrecks, coral reefs, gentle drop offs and fabulous pinnacles to investigate. You can dive from shore, from dive boats or spend your days diving from a liveaboard. Beautiful beaches and a laid-back life style make the Caribbean a good diving holiday choice.
SCUBA DIVING
The past few years have seen a new awareness, and a desire to bestow St. Martin/St. Maarten its long overdue recognition as a great dive destination. It currently boasts 49 dive sites which attract divers from around the world in search of new scenery. From induction to diving to instructor certification, and from simple exploration to highly technical diving, every aspect of the sport can be practised. Wreck diving is a particularly popular theme in St. Martin/St. Maarten such as the famed ‘Proselyte’ wreck, a British frigate which sank in 1801. For the more experienced there is the majestic Fuh Sheng shrimp boat lying at 100ft and of course there are numerous rich natural sites of sub-aquatic beauty.
SNORKELLING
St. Martin/St. Maarten has some of the finest snorkelling sites to offer and is a water based activity that almost anyone can take part in. The numerous untouched coral reefs that surround the island are home to a multitude of exotic sea life, and snorkelling gear can be hired on nearly every beach or can be purchased cheaply at beach-side shops. One of the most accessible and beautiful snorkelling sites can be found just at the entrance to the calm bay of Le Gallion whose protected Marine Reserve allows sea life to flourish unhindered. You can also take a snorkelling excursion by boat to Anguilla and the uninhabited island of Prickly Pear
Many yachtsmen prefer mooring their “dream come true” in the calm waters of the Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond, especially those who live and work here on a semi-permanent basis.
For those who prefer to live aboard but want the amenities of land, there are a number of marinas available offering various services, with dock fees varying accordingly. The high standards kept by most marinas in St. Maarten/St. Martin, and the calm waters of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, attract the impressive ‘mega-yachts’ of the ‘beautiful people’ during the winter months. You never know who you might see stepping off the gangplank onto the dock. Paparazzi, have your cameras ready at all times!
If you don’t own a boat, but would like to have a sailing vacation or charter a yacht for a few days, St. Maarten/St. Martin is the right place for you! Everything including Swans, power yachts, catamaran, fishing boats and Boston Whalers are available with or without captain and crew.
www.stmaarten-activities.com/en
AquaMania is the largest dive shop and water sports activity provider and offers comprehensive scuba diving courses – for the total novice to the experienced pro. They are located in the Pelican area.
EXCURSIONS UNDER WATER
1-Explore the underwater vistas of St Maarten with Dive Adventures by Aqua Mania scuba diving. Friendly and professional dive instructors will guide you to reef and wreck sites, or the excitement of a first night dive.
2-Sea Saba Dive Center and Juliana’s Hotel are the known combination for your ideal Saba experience.
www.seasaba.com
3-The crystal clear waters of St. Maarten/St. Martin attract thousands of yachts and yachting enthusiasts each year. Numerous safe harbors on both sides of the island offer great anchorage, beautiful panoramic views of her rolling green hills, and a short dinghy ride to provisions and restaurants.
www.stmaarten-activities.com/en
