Does St Maarten have good snorkeling?
Does St Maarten have good snorkeling? The Dutch part of Saint-Martin, which comprises the south of the island, also has sites where you can enjoy the pleasures of snorkeling. The best beaches for snorkeling are located west of Simpson Bay: Mullet Bay, but also Cupecoy Beach, are prime sites for a beach + snorkeling day.
Where can I see sea turtles in St Maarten?
If you want to try to see one of these creatures in their natural habitat, the best way is to join a diving or snorkeling tour around St. Maarten/St-Martin. One of the best places for turtle watching is Tintamarre Island, located just 2 miles off the North coast.
Are there dolphins in St Maarten?
More than twenty species of marine mammals are present around Saint Martin. The ocean is the ideal ecosystem for toothed whales (sperm whales), pantropical spotted dolphins, and baleen whales.
Are there sand fleas in St Maarten?
Avoid walking/sitting on the beach or the area near where the sand meets the vegetation at dusk/dawn as those are the times sand flees/no-see-ums are most active. Just got back from 3 weeks. Stayed in the Simpson Bay area but was all over the island.
Is there a seaweed problem in St. Maarten?
Sargassum first plagued St. Maarten in 2011 and 2012, with the St. Maarten Nature Foundation having to warn swimmers to avoid swimming on certain beaches due to the large amount of seaweed and many beachfront residences and hotels having to continuously clean washed up sargassum.
Is the water safe in St Maarten?
The tap water in Sint Maarten/St. Martin is safe to drink in most places. Many establishments serve desalinated water. Bottled water is inexpensive if you do not like the taste of the tap water.
Which Caribbean island has the best turquoise water?
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman One of the best-known features of Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach is a long crescent of coral sand lapped by clear turquoise water. Little wonder that the beach is constantly voted one of the finest in the Caribbean.
Is St Barts better than St Maarten?
While St Barts is smaller, chicer, and more geared towards couples, St Martin has much more variety and makes for an incredible family destination. That said, you can easily ferry between the two for day trips, which is why, for many, the decision ultimately comes down to which island is home to the villa they prefer.
Does St Maarten have clear water?
The beaches of Saint Martin, a bit of heaven on Earth The sheltered bays and secret coves are a succession of long sandy stretches. The rocky coasts and sandy shores unfurl as you're drawn to the gentle lapping of the crystal-clear sea.
Is St Maarten worth it?
Maarten is one of the world's most stunning islands. Thousands of tourists return to the island year after year, basking in the bright Caribbean sun and clear turquoise waters. St. Maarten is a true tropical paradise, combining vibrant island culture with elegant European charm.
Where is the most turquoise water?
- The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. ...
- Palawan, Philippines. Palawan is an archipelago with 1,780 islands. ...
- Crater Lake, Oregon. ...
- Exuma, Bahamas. ...
- Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii.
Are there jellyfish in St. Maarten?
Friar's Bay has lovely white sand and fairly calm seas, what appears ideal for young families. Having used this beach twice during our stay on the island all was well until the children suffered painful jellyfish stings. This is fairly common so beware if you use this beach.
Where can I see dolphins in St. Maarten?
Therefore, whales and dolphins are frequently seen in the waters around Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island, Scrub Island, near Anguilla, and all around Saint Barthélemy.
Where is the clearest Caribbean water?
- Buck Island, U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Grand Case Beach, St. Maarten.
- Grand Case Beach, St. Maarten.
- Honeymoon Beach in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Ffryes Beach, Antigua.
- Blue Bay Beach, Curaçao.
- Blue Bay Beach, Curaçao.
- Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.
Is Maho Beach good for snorkeling?
The reef along this shoreline is sporadic. But the shallow water makes it easy for even novice snorkelers to enjoy seeing a wide variety of corals and fish.
Is St Martin or St Lucia better?
I live on SXM and absolutely love St Lucia. It is probably the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. That said, SXM has nicer beaches and a more international flavor and definitely better restaurants. If you love beaches and great food, then St Maarten is the choice for you.
Can you snorkel off the beach in St Maarten?
Situated on St Maarten's far eastern coastline, the reef at Dawn Beach is another great snorkeling spot with easy beach access. Being on the island's windward side there is often current and some surf, so be sure to take care around the reef.
Are there sharks around St. Maarten?
Around the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten, these fascinating predatory fish can be found just about everywhere. The area is one of the richest waters for shark spotting in the world.
Why is there so much seaweed in St. Maarten?
Scientists say more research is needed to determine why sargassum levels in the region are so high, but the United Nations' Caribbean Environment Program said possible factors include a rise in water temperatures as a result of climate change, and nitrogen-laden fertilizer and sewage that nourish the algae.