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Little St. Martin has many facets. It is both French and Dutch, energetic and laid-back, blessed with lovely beaches and rising to palm-fringed hilltops, famous for its shops and delicious guavaberry rums, coastal beach bars, and casino-led nightlife. It is hardly surprising that so many cruise ships choose to float through the harbors of Marigot and Philipsburg as they navigate the local currents. Visitors may expect a wide range of activities and sights, from majestic lookouts with expansive views of Anguilla to stunning sands in Orient Bay. There are countless things to do in St. Maarten for all kinds of travelers, including extensive lengths of soft, dazzling sand, water so clean it is like swimming in an aquarium, high-octane thrills, and a fascinating and inspiring fusion of cultures from all over the world. There are many different titles that may be used to describe this island in the eastern Caribbean, despite the fact that its official name is The Friendly Island. Snorkelers from all over the world put St. Maarten (or St. Martin) on their bucket lists because of its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, verdant highlands, and abundant marine life. This island paradise in the Caribbean offers a special opportunity to travel to two different nations without ever leaving the island. Here is everything visitors need to know about scenic snorkeling in St. Maarten.

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St. Martin, Caribbean Island
Image by courtneypfleger from Pixabay
St. Martin, Caribbean Island is a tropical paradise for beach and snorkeling lovers

Best Places To Snorkel In St. Maarten, Dutch Side

Have A Scenic Vacation At Cupecoy Beach

Cupecoy Beach, a magnificent quiet area surrounded by limestone cliffs, is located farther north of Mullet Bay. Near the limestone caves, where vibrant fish swim around the onshore reef, are the best snorkeling destinations. The reef and shallow tidal pools at Cupecoy Beach are great for beginning snorkelers, but more experienced snorkelers might be happy somewhere else. If visitors want to see a stunning display of colors in the sky, they can try staying until dusk on the west-facing beach, as it is famed for its beautiful sunsets. Strong swimmers can travel down the beachfront from Mullet Bay, although most people access the mesmerizing beach via the Sapphire Beach Club. Visitors should just stay near the coast and pay attention to the tide. There may be swimmers and sunbathers in their underwear because the beach is a no-clothes zone. Cupecoy Beach does not have many services outside a beach bar and a few traveling merchants, so visitors should make travel arrangements in advance.

Sandstone cliffs at beautiful Cupecoy Beach on Sint Maarten
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Sandstone cliffs at beautiful Cupecoy Beach on Sint Maarten

Enjoy Your Time At Little Bay Beach

The pristine, quiet waters, teeming marine life, and superb underwater visibility of this picturesque harbor are well recognized. Sea creatures, including tropical fish, eels, and octopuses, can be seen by snorkelers. Six shipwrecks and several cannons from the 16th century are also in the harbor, which makes diving there thrilling, in addition to the coral reefs. Following a snorkeling excursion, visitors can hike to Fort Amsterdam for breathtaking views or rent paddleboards or jet skis to further their coastal exploration. The beach is adjacent to Philipsburg and offers a variety of services such as dining establishments, pubs, water sports rentals, and shops where visitors may rent snorkeling gear.

  • Other beaches: Indigo Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, Kim Sha Beach, and Dawn Beach
Snorkeling and sailing in Little Bay, St Maarten 
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Snorkeling and sailing in Little Bay, St Maarten 

Best Beaches To Snorkel In St. Maarten, French Side

Snorkel At Le Galion

The best snorkeling beach in French Saint-Martin is likely Le Galion. Being a protected natural area, boats must remain outside, and fishing is prohibited. With these stringent regulations, marine life is incredibly diverse in this area, with lots of fish and beautiful corals. Only on weekends, when residents gather to have a barbecue, are the beaches crowded. Le Galion, also known as Coconut Grove, is a family-friendly beach that requires some effort to reach because they must drive on a dirt road past the wonderful Butterfly Farm and Bayside Riding Club. However, if visitors are willing to put in the extra effort, they will be rewarded with the chance to enjoy the soft sand and gorgeous blue waters at this beach. Tropical Wave, a small snack bar nearby, offers food and beverages as well as chair and umbrella rentals.

Small boats harbor on St Martin island
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Small boats harbor on St Martin island

Related: 10 Of The Best Places To Go Snorkeling In The U.S.

Book A Tour On Pinel Island

Pinel Island, which is close to Orient Bay, is a great place for snorkelers of all experience levels to visit. There is a wide variety of fauna on the island, which is designated as a nature reserve. Visitors may see stingrays, iguanas, hermit crabs, sea turtles, and reef fish while snorkeling and trekking. For the greatest snorkeling and quiet, shallow seas, visitors can head to the island's main beach on the west side, where they can also find the Pinel Island Marine Trail. This path for underwater snorkeling is buoy-marked, making it a great choice for novices. On the northern shore, a different reef that is less sheltered and frequently has rougher waters than the main beach is accessible to more seasoned snorkelers. A five-minute boat journey from Cul-de-Sac will take visitors to the island, where they may embark on a number of guided tours, including a snorkeling and beach tour. On the island, there are several pubs and eateries, as well as shops where they can hire kayaks, beach chairs, paddleboards, and umbrellas.

  • Other beaches: Tintamarre Island, Creole Rock, Baie Rouge, Friar’s Bay Beach, and Happy Bay Beach
Aerial view of Pinel Island, St. Martin
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Aerial view of Pinel Island, St. Martin

Best Time For Snorkeling In St. Maarten

While snorkeling is possible all year long in St. Maarten, the best months to go are from November to May. Mid-December to mid-April constitute the busiest travel period. While the weather is at its best at this time of year, prices are at their highest, and beaches are at their busiest. St. Maarten experiences generally constant temperatures all year long because of its tropical environment. Showers are often brief, even during the rainy season, making it easy to engage in outdoor activities throughout the year. Visitors should remember that many hotels and resorts have seasonal times, so if they are thinking of visiting in the summer, their options could be limited.

  • Best time: November to May
Aerial view of St Maarten Island
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Aerial view of St Maarten Island

Top Places To Stay On St. Maarten Island

For snorkelers, the Dutch and French sides of the island each provide excellent lodging options. On the French side, Creole Rock, Happy Bay, and Friar's Bay Beach can all be reached easily from the Grand Case Beach Club, which is a popular option directly on the beach. The magnificent 3-star hotel is among the finest deals in the region and offers free use of kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment. Snorkelers can consider this beachfront home in a Cul-de-Sac, directly across from the Pinel Island nature reserve, if they are seeking a holiday rental. They can also rent The Morgan Resort Spa & Village at Simpson Bay on the Dutch side. The cutting-edge 3-star resort is near Mullet Bay Beach and St. Maarten's renowned Maho Beach.

People snorkeling around Maho Beach, Sint Maarten
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People snorkeling around Maho Beach, Sint Maarten