DIVE SITE #5 - St. Maarten (Dutch side) SIMPSON BAY Small Tugboat Wreck
Depth: 2Oft - 23ft / 6m - 7m - Warm-up site only.
Yacht Anchorage: In very calm conditions you can anchor your yacht east of the dive site in 17- 23ft ( 5- 7m), but please be very careful to anchor well away from the wreck itself in order to avoid damaging the delicate corals on the tugboat. Don't under any circumstances, moor your yacht to the white buoy which marks the wreck. Use as a day time anchorage only.
Dive Site: A white buoy marks the resting place of this small tugboat which is sitting upright. It is an underwater photographer's paradise, teeming with reef fish and lots of micro life. Watch out for the moray eels which inhabit an old tire. (Note: August '97 White Buoy is missing)
Sea Conditions: This site is not suitable for anchoring your yacht in moderate to strong trade wind conditions or swells. Also in such conditions it would not be safe to dinghy the 1 mile from the usual yacht anchorage shown on the east side of the bay, so try Dive Site #6 instead.
DIVE SITE #6 - St. Maarten (Dutch side) Little Bay off Fort Amsterdam
Depth: 17ft -30 ft / 5m - 9m (This reef was heavily damaged by hurricane Luis September '95)
Yacht Anchorage: This is on the west side of Fort Amsterdam in Little Bay. Use as a daytime anchorage only.
Dive Site: The two wrecks on this site disappeared during hurricane Luis and the reef is very slowly recovering. Not recommended as a dive site until further notice unless you just want a shallow water warm-up dive.
Sea Conditions: Not suitable in (rare) southerly winds.
At The Scuba Shop, we make it easy to pair your love of sailing with the freedom of diving. From convenient airport access and gear rentals to detailed dive site guidance and lagoon-side pick-up services, every aspect of your trip is designed for maximum flexibility. Whether you’re exploring shallow reefs just off the anchorages or venturing further to surrounding islands, our services ensure a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish. By combining expert support, high-quality equipment, and unmatched local knowledge, The Scuba Shop makes St. Maarten / St. Martin the ideal destination for your next sailing and diving vacation.
