Just outside of Baie de Grand Case, on the French side of St-Martin, there is a protected piece of land that protrudes from the Caribbean Sea. Creole Rock is a popular site for both snorkelers and scuba divers. The peak is an easy landmark to spot from the beach, but below the waves it continues to the bottom of the ocean floor. This site is the perfect location for anyone that wants to enjoy the water. Surrounding the rock is a field of sea grass and boulders that have broken off from the main landmass with pieces of coral growing throughout.
Snorkelers and divers can both enjoy this site above and below the water. The rock face itself protects swimmers from winds that cause high waves and divers can circle around underneath to explore both sides of the island. The moorings in place are reserved for dive clubs, pleasure boats up to 50ft, dinghies and other small sailboats.
According to the guidelines of the Reserve Naturelle Saint Martin, “It is forbidden to use any motors within a zone of 30 meters (100 ft) from the beach, as well as disembarking on the beach and scaling the rock itself, where brown boobies and tropic birds make their nests.” This means that those who visit the site may not step foot on Creole Rock itself.
The marine-life that can be found in the area is vast and diverse. Quite often schools of grunt fish, tangs and sergeant majors can be found throughout the site. Green and hawksbill turtles frequently visit the grassy bottom, eagle rays cruise by the outer edges, and in the spring dolphins may be spotted swimming at the site in pods.
There are several tours offered on the island that make Creole Rock one of their snorkel stops and dive centers that use this site as a shallow, easy, site for anyone to enjoy. You can find anything from one-stop trips that visit only Creole Rock for a snorkel, to full day tours that include it on the itinerary along with other popular sites like Tintamarre and Pinel islands.
“That was an amazing stop. I am so glad there was a location that I could dive and my girlfriend and her daughter could both snorkel at. It is hard to find a spot that is good to do both and this place definitely delivered. We saw a spotted eagle ray, a turtle, and loads of fish all in a 40-minute dive. I highly recommend for both snorkelers and divers,” said Jason Cole a tourist that visited Creole Rock during a private trip aboard the Boomerang.
For divers it is best to visit the site with a local guide, or make sure that you and your dive buddy make a plan before entering the water (including what to do if you get separated). Every time you enter the water on St. Maarten/St-Martin use only reef-safe sunscreen and never leave any litter behind- take only photos and leave only bubbles.
To make the most out of your visit start off snorkeling in the sea grass to look for turtles, spotted eagle and sting rays, and barracuda. As you get closer to the rocks take your time and look around the boulders on the sea floor, often this is where you can spot grunts, tangs, trumpet fish, angle fish, and many more. If you are lucky enough to find dolphins often you will hear them first as their clicks and whistles travel well underwater!
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