The islands of St. Maarten, St. Martin, Saba, Statia, St. Barths, and Anguilla are all home to marine parks designed to protect their delicate underwater ecosystems. These reserves were created not to restrict divers, but to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same vibrant coral reefs, schools of fish, and marine life that exist today. Rules vary slightly between islands, but they share the same guiding principle: conservation. Common regulations include prohibitions on spearfishing, coral collection, or removal of marine artifacts. Divers are also reminded to maintain proper buoyancy, avoid anchoring on coral, and leave only bubbles behind.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) further enforces international protections against transporting turtle shells, conch shells, and coral.
Together, these efforts create a unified system of marine protection, allowing divers to explore freely while respecting the environment. For The Scuba Shop and our visitors, these parks are not restrictions, but gateways to world-class underwater adventures and we fully support them.
The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten was established in January 1997. Its primary concern is to protect nature, while in the process strengthening its economical and educational value, and potential of its natural resources. This will be done through proper management, education, awareness and protection. In 2012 the Man of War Shoal Marine Park was officially established by the government of St Maarten. The fee for divers is $3 per day for diving within the park or for use of any mooring provided by the Nature Foundation and is collected by the dive centers.
Tel: +1 721 542-0267
E-mail: info@naturefoundation.org Website: www.naturefoundationsxm.org
The Reserve Naturelle de St Martin was founded in 1998. The Saint-Martin Nature Reserve is a 30km2 marine protected area located in the north-east of the island of Saint-Martin. This area preserves the five main ecosystems of the island: coral reefs, mangroves, phanerogamous meadows, ponds and coastal dry forest.
Tel: +590 590 29 09 72
Website: www.reservenaturelle-saint-martin.com
The Saba National Marine Park was established in 1987 with the objective to preserve and manage Saba's marine resources. The Marine Park was not developed to repair a damaged environment, but rather to ensure the continued quality of an extraordinary resource for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone. The Marine Park circles the entire island from the high-water mark to a depth of 60 m (200 feet). The Marine Park Fee is $3 per dive.
Tel: +1 599 416-3295
E-mail: info@sabapark.org Website: www.sabapark.org
The St Eustatatius National Parks Foundation and Marine Park (STENAPA) is defined as the waters surrounding St Eustatius from the high water mark to 30m depth contour. It was designated as Statia Marine Park in 1997 with the objective of conserving and managing the marine resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and future generations. Active management of the Marine Park commenced in 1998.
Tel: +1 599 318-2884
E-mail: info@statiapark.org Website: www.statiapark.org
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources manages Anguilla's Marine Parks System. Anguilla's marine and coastal environments are among the island's most important ecological and economic resources. The need to conserve and protect the very habitat on which the island relies is essential. There are currently 5 designated Marine Park areas around Anguilla and it's surrounding islands.
Tel: +1 264 497 2871 / +1 264 497 8705
E-mail: fisheriesmr@gov.ai
The marine parks of St. Maarten, St. Martin, and the surrounding islands are a testament to the region’s commitment to conservation. Each park operates under a common philosophy: protect today so future generations can continue to experience the wonder of the Caribbean’s underwater world. While the rules may seem simple—avoid removing marine life, practice good buoyancy, and respect local regulations—they are essential to preserving delicate ecosystems. Modest park fees fund management, education, and research, ensuring continued protection for coral reefs, wrecks, and marine species. For divers, this translates into unparalleled opportunities to explore healthy, vibrant dive sites across the islands. By diving responsibly, visitors not only enjoy world-class underwater adventures, but also become stewards of the ocean. The Scuba Shop is dedicated to helping divers understand and respect these parks, ensuring every dive leaves behind only bubbles and memories.
