• ABOUT THE SPOT

Shark Diving in Big Mama’s Reef, Dutch St Martin, Sint Maarten Netherlands Antilles

Maximum Depth:
50m/164ft
Dive Type:
Shark, Reef
Divers Level:
All levels
Underwater Visibility:
10-30m/32.8-98.4ft
The island of Saint Martin is situated in the northeast Caribbean Sea. It is standing in the east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In 1648, this small island was divided into two nations, France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Sint Maarten is the Dutch southern part of the island with Philipsburg as its main capital. Collectively, the two territories are known as "St-Martin / St Maarten".

Shark diving at Big Mama’s Reef is an amazing experience that no-one should ever miss. Divers of all levels may perform shark diving at Big Mama’s Reef not without a reason, when visiting the spot. Most of the sharks are Caribbean reef sharks and their length measures from 0.9 m/3 ft to 2.7 m/9 ft long. Even though it may seem quite scary to dive with sharks, anyone who has tried once, would assure you that it is an absolutely safe dive spot where all safety measures are strictly applied. The maximum depth of this dive site is at 50 m/164 ft below the sea level. The underwater visibility averages between 10 m/32.8 ft and 30 m/98.4 ft long.

Like all the other islands in the Caribbean sea, St Martin has a tropical climate. The temperature ranges from 23°C/73.4°F to 31°C/87.8°F in winter and summer. The water temperature averages to 27.8°C/82°F. You may try shark diving during all year round, but not during the hurricane period. Hurricane season generally lasts from June to November (more hurricanes occur in September). The hurricane season is also known as rainy season.

There are many shark diving schools and dive instructors that will assist you in giving you the appropriate advices on the spot. Sharks are fed by a professional feeder of each school, once or twice a week. They usually say that they give to sharks a snack in order not to make them quit hunting by themselves. You will get the chance to observe sharks while learning more about those incredible predators. Underwater conditions are ideal for some underwater photography. Do not miss to bring your camera with you.