Scuba diving and marine reserves
Saint-Martin is a delight to dive in! An explosion of color, very pleasant water temperatures (26° to 27°C) and a rich underwater life preserved (for some years now) by the presence of nature reserves. There is a choice of almost 50 diving spots for all levels. Saint-Martin shares the same underwater plateau as Anguilla and Saint-Barthélemy. Ideal deep bays include Baie de Marigot, Baie de Philipsburg and Baie de l'Embouchure.
The island of Saint-Martin has two marine reserves. So wherever you go, the seabed and the various species of local flora and fauna are protected, allowing them to reproduce and develop in peace. Most dive sites are equipped with mooring buoys to prevent damage from repeated anchoring.
There are numerous dive sites on the shoals and coral islets surrounding the northern tip of Saint-Martin. North of Grand-Case, you can dive around Rocher Créole, at depths of up to 18 m. On Tintamare Island, you can dive the wreck of a small tugboat in 15 m of water. Between this islet and Saint-Martin, the Basse Espagnole shoal is accessible in fine weather.
Fish are plentiful and can be seen all year round. Gorgonians, spiny lobsters, turtles, sponges, stingrays, barracudas, parrotfish, leopard fish, sharks and, between January and April, humpback whales and dolphins can be seen passing close to Saint-Martin.
Our diving centers offer quality, professional teaching and discovery. They are committed to responsible diving. The various centers offer introductory courses, exploration dives, free dives and training courses for all levels.
A big game fishing paradise
The time of the migration of the big fish, the very big fish, is eagerly awaited on the islands, where all the fishing boats, led by skilled skippers, are particularly ready for the season. The hooks are sharpened, the lures are ready and the lines tared to give anglers the chance to hit one of those famous blue or white marlin. Tournaments are held from April to September. With this activity gaining in popularity, Saint-Martin is fortunate to be close to Saint-Thomas, "the marlin capital of the world". The area is rich in fish for the simple reason that there is no commercial fishing! The most famous tournament in St. Martin takes place in June, the International Big Game Fishing Tournament. The famous Marlin Boulevard, where fishermen go in search of the giants of the sea, is a famous spot. For sport, and to give the fish a chance, net sizes are measured, and the practice of tag release is becoming increasingly widespread. At other times of year, local fishermen watch out for schools of dolphinfish, winged tuna and yellowfin tuna, or track down wahoo along the drop-offs. But, whatever the season, big-game fishing is above all synonymous with a good outing at sea, which leaves you with memories of a hot and exhausting day in the West Indies.
Hiking and ecotourism fashion
The trails that once criss-crossed Saint-Martin provided complete access to every inhabited corner of the island. Many of these historic routes, which fell into disuse many years ago, are now enjoying a second life thanks to the growing success of ecotourism. In a subtropical climate, hiking trails bear little resemblance to their European or North American counterparts. The combined action of rain, wind, drought, the sea and invasive vegetation makes it difficult to maintain certain passages. In just a few days, an obvious trail across a ridge on Pic Paradis can become an enigma. However, there is little risk of getting lost in so little space. The penalty for getting lost can only be measured in a few extra hours of walking! However, for those who prefer to survey the island with the advice of experienced guides, there are many professionals who can help you discover the lesser-known corners of Saint-Martin.
On the mountain bike, to the assault of the tracks
Saint-Martin has not escaped the mountain biking craze, with a large number of circuits and trails offering a very pleasant way to visit the country. From the trails of Pic Paradis to those along the coast, mountain biking is an excellent way to see the island in a different way, and to discover sites that would have remained totally unknown to you by car. We recommend that you enlist the services of specialized mountain bike guides. They organize tours and hire out top-quality equipment.
On horseback, in harmony with nature
The horse was introduced to the Caribbean by the Spanish during the first voyages of colonization. In Saint-Martin, horses were part of the farming landscape from the time of slavery until the 1940s. The island was renowned for its livestock, which was exported to St. Kitts and Guadeloupe. Since then, although breeding has declined, it is not uncommon to see horses in the pastures of Colombier, Grand-Case, Quartier d'Orléans, Saint Peter or Cole Bay. Several horse clubs have now taken over from the farms. It's very easy to hire a horse for a ride or a tour. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just a hobby rider, you'll find that these facilities are perfectly supervised, allowing you to explore the coastal paths and tracks that criss-cross the Mornes in a highly original way, in total harmony with nature. The spectacle of a sunset in the intimacy of Cay Bay beach or the pleasure of a swim in the company of your mount in the turquoise waters of Galion Bay will remain indelible images of your stay under the skies of the West Indies.
