A Guide to Scuba Diving From Your Yacht in St. Maarten and the Surrounding Islands

DIVE SITE #7 - ILE FOURCHE (French) Southwest tip
Depth: 4Oft - 66ft/12m - 20m
Yacht Anchorage: The large bay is well protected from the north and east. A good anchorage In all but the worst weather and large swells from the south or west. Inhabited only by goats, the island has a small 'landing beach' and good walks with magnificent views.
Dive Site: Regarded as the best dive site in the area, easily accessible by yacht. Anchor your dinghy, east of the small island off the southwest tip of Ile Fourche in about 33ft (10m). As it is not feasible to anchor your dinghy at the northwest end of dive site, in 70 feet of water, you will usually be diving 'down-current'. For this reason we strongly recommend using only one-third of your air supply before returning 'up-current'. Check for current that is usually running northwest and plan your dive accordingly. The best diving is on the south and west sides of this small island. Expect to see numerous varieties of fish, large barracuda, magnificent hard and soft corals, large sea fans (gorgonia) and 4ft barrel sponges. You will also have a very good chance of seeing stingrays, spotted eagle rays and turtles - even a manta ray has been seen here.
Sea Conditions: Not suitable In very strong trade winds when the current can be strong, or in large southerly or westerly swells. Always check for current and plan your dive accordingly.

DIVE SITE #8 - ILE FOURCHE (French) East Side of bay and rock awash
Depth: 3Ok-4Ok/9m-12m
Dive Site: This is an alternative to Dive Site #7. It is shallower and not as good, but in certain weather conditions it is more suitable. Check very carefully for current at the 'rock awash'.