Snorkeling in St. Martin and St. Maarten

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Snorkeling

Some of the best snorkeling on the Dutch side can be found around the rocks below Fort Amsterdam off Little Bay Beach, in the west end of Maho Bay, off Pelican Key, and around the reefs off Oyster Pond Beach. On the French side, the area around Orient Bay -- including Caye Verte (Green Key), Ilet Pinel, and Flat Island -- is especially lovely and is officially classified and protected as a regional underwater nature reserve. Sea creatures also congregate around Creole Rock at the point of Grand Case Bay. The average cost of an afternoon snorkeling trip is about $35 per person. Aqua Mania (Pelican Marina, Simpson Bay. 590/544-2640 or 590/544-2631. www.stmaarten-activities.com) is a multitasking water-sports outfitter offering snorkeling and diving trips, motorized and nonmotorized equipment, and cruises. Their newest activity, Rock 'n Roll Safaris, lets participants not only snorkel, but navigate their own motorized rafts. Blue Bubbles (Dawn Beach Resort, Oyster Pond. 590/87-89-73) offers both boat and shore snorkel excursions. Blue Ocean (Sandy Ground Rd., Baie Nettlé. 590/87-89-73) also offers snorkeling trips. Eagle Tours (Bobby's Marina, Philipsburg. 599/543-0068. www.sailingsxm.com) combines sailing, snorkeling, and lunch aboard a 76-foot catamaran. Arrange equipment rentals and snorkeling trips through Kontiki Watersports (Northern beach entrance, Baie Orientale. 590/87-46-89).