Best snorkel location in St. Martin

[KP&BP]

We will be in St. Martin in September (Caribbean Princess) and would like your opinion of where is the best snorkel location where equipment would be available to rent. Has anyone taken a Princess sponsored snorkel shore excursion that was memorable? Two are offered - Shipwreck Cove and Pinel Island Snorkel. We are interested in seeing coral reef and colorful fish. Any other suggestions?

[Julia1065]

I am going in September also, but on Explorer of the Seas. I am most likely going to do the Shipwreck snorkel.

I have been snorkeling a handful of times but prefer to snorkel in deeper water rather than from the beach.

My last trip to the islands, (Tortola) we were taken to a point in the middle of the ocean and we jumped off the boat into the water.

That is the best way to go.

[10X]

First, St. Maarten is NOT known for its snorkeling. If you can snorkel almost anywhere else, do so.

 

Given that, Pinel Island is probably the best place to snorkel. Not great but about as good as it gets in St. Maarten.

 

Shipwreck Cove is a waste of your money. There really aren't any "shipwrecks" just one or two small drug running boats that were sunk in the area. Not even any coral growth on them. They are deep and you must dive to see them. In order to make the snorkel excursion seem worthwhile, the guides feed the fish so they are swarming around you. If they didn't do that you'd probably wonder why you w stopped where you did. Don't waste your money.

[alphakitty]

Here's a little info gotten from a Google search:

 

DAWN BEACH

Depth: Surface to 45ft

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.

How to Get There: Park your car at Scavengers Beach Bar.

FRIAR'S BAY

Depth: 6ft to 15ft

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.

ILE PINEL

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

[SnorkelAway]

Generally good information except that Scavenger's is no longer on Dawn because of new developments.