About Basse Espagnole
Located in the Réserve Naturelle de St. Martin on the French side of the island, Basse Espagnole is celebrated for its thriving coral life and preserved marine environment. This dive site is one of the island's many offshore reefs, typically accessed by boat, and benefits from the generally calm conditions and excellent visibility characteristic of the region. Most dive sites in St. Martin are relatively shallow, often 18 meters (60 feet) or less, making them accessible to a wide range of divers. The topography features great coral life, which is a major draw for this specific site. St. Martin's dive sites often boast dramatic underwater formations, including arches and swim-throughs, contributing to an engaging dive experience. The island's waters maintain warm temperatures year-round, ensuring comfortable conditions for exploring the rich ecosystems. While specific marine life seasonality for Basse Espagnole is not detailed, the region is known for its diverse fish species, crabs, seahorses, lobsters, starfish, groupers, barracuda, and moray eels. Green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles are occasionally sighted. Between January and April, it is dolphin and whale season, with dolphins often appearing around Tintamarre island, which is in the same general area as Basse Espagnole. Diving here typically involves navigating calm waters with minimal current and impressive visibility, often reaching 30 meters (98 feet) or more. The generally uncrowded nature of St. Martin's dive sites, even during high season, ensures a peaceful and immersive underwater exploration.
Highlights
Vibrant coral lifeRéserve Naturelle de St. MartinAccessible for various levelsMinimal current conditionsHigh visibilityDiverse fish speciesCalm sea conditions
Season calendar
Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Off-Season
Apr – Jul & Dec
Calmest seas, best visibility up to 32m, warm water
Jan – Mar & Nov
Good conditions overall with pleasant temperatures
Aug – Oct
Hurricane season—still diveable but weather can be unpredictable
Dive site facts: Basse Espagnole
- Depth
- Less than 18 m
- Current
- Minimal
- Visibility
- 30 m+
- Water temperature
- 25–30°C / 77–88°F
- Entry
- Boat
- Level
- Open Water Diver
- Dive type
- Coral reef
- Region / port
- French St. Martin
- Coordinates
- 18.0750° N, 63.0038° W
Conditions & Currents
Currents at Basse Espagnole are generally minimal, allowing for relaxed diving experiences suitable for most skill levels. St. Martin as a whole is known for its usually minimal currents and great visibility, often extending to 30 meters (98 feet) or even further in calm seas. The prevailing trade winds shift seasonally, blowing from the northeast in winter and southeast in summer, which can create some surface chop, especially in winter. Northerly swells from December through March may temporarily reduce visibility or limit site access, but these are typically short-lived. Divers should always assess daily conditions, especially regarding wind and waves, to ensure comfort and safety.
Marine life & sighting chances
Crabs
common
Seahorses
occasional
Lobsters
common
Starfish
common
Groupers
common
Barracuda
common
Moray eels
common
Green sea turtles
occasional
Dolphins
January-April · occasional
Humpback whales
February-June · rareDive profile & how the dive runs
As an offshore reef in the Réserve Naturelle, Basse Espagnole is accessed by boat. Entry is typically a back-roll or giant stride into the calm, clear waters. The dive route generally follows the contours of the coral-rich reef, allowing divers to explore the vibrant formations and observe the diverse marine life. Depths are usually shallow, staying within the 18-meter (60-foot) limit, which is suitable for Open Water divers and ensures ample bottom time. Due to the minimal currents, divers can leisurely explore the site. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, with the safety stop conducted in the shallowest part of the reef, allowing for continued observation before surfacing near the boat.
Underwater photography
The high visibility and abundant coral life at Basse Espagnole make it an excellent subject for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive reef and its vibrant ecosystem. A dome port is recommended to achieve broader landscape shots. For macro enthusiasts, the reef's crevices and corals host smaller creatures like crabs, seahorses, and various reef fish, benefiting from a macro lens and external strobes to highlight intricate details and colors. Given the generally calm conditions, buoyancy control is key to avoid disturbing fragile corals. Patience and a slow approach will yield the best results when photographing shy marine life.
Combine with nearby dive sites
- La Renee
A deep wreck site at 40m (130ft) on the French side, covered in corals and anemones.
- Shark Hotel
A site where Caribbean reef sharks might be encountered.
- Carib Ghost
An artificial reef wreck, suitable for all levels, with opportunities to enter the wreck.
- Cable Reef
A great reef known for its abundant marine life.
- The Maze
Features swim-throughs and rock formations.
Getting there & logistics
Diving Basse Espagnole typically involves booking with a dive center located on the French or Dutch side of St. Maarten/St. Martin. The main international airport is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. Dive trips to French St. Martin sites like Basse Espagnole often depart from ports in the French part of the island, though many dive operators serve both sides. Most dive centers offer multiple dive packages, including single-day excursions. There are no specific permit fees mentioned for diving this site, as it is generally included in the dive operator's pricing for trips within the Réserve Naturelle. Liveaboards also frequent St. Maarten, often including island stops as part of broader Caribbean itineraries.
Safety & environment
For diving in St. Maarten/St. Martin, it is crucial to have dive insurance, with DAN (Divers Alert Network) being a highly recommended option for comprehensive coverage. While specific recompression chamber locations are not detailed, in case of a dive emergency, evacuation to a medical facility would be coordinated. Divers should always be medically fit and ensure their certification is current. It is essential to choose dive sites within one's skill and comfort level and never dive if feeling unwell or congested. Always adhere to PADI safe standards, including the recommendation to wait 24 hours between diving and flying. Given the potential for northerly swells in winter, divers should consult with local dive shops about daily sea conditions.
Who it suits, and who it doesn't
Suited for
- Open Water certified divers seeking vibrant coral reefs
- Underwater photographers due to high visibility and rich marine life
- Divers preferring calm, minimal-current conditions
- Divers interested in exploring protected marine environments
- Beginners gaining experience in gentle conditions
Less suited for
- Divers seeking extreme depth or strong current challenges
- Those who prefer shore dives (Basse Espagnole is boat access)
- Divers looking exclusively for wreck penetration opportunities (this is primarily a reef dive)
- Individuals uncomfortable with boat travel to offshore sites
FAQ
Basse Espagnole FAQ
Where is Basse Espagnole located?
Basse Espagnole is located in the Réserve Naturelle de St. Martin, which is on the French side of the island. It is an offshore reef site, typically accessed by boat, contributing to the diverse dive offerings of the French Antilles.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see at Basse Espagnole?
This site is known for its great coral life, which attracts a variety of reef fish. You can commonly spot crabs, lobsters, starfish, groupers, barracuda, and moray eels. Occasional sightings of green sea turtles and rare loggerhead turtles are also possible, especially given its location in a marine reserve.
What are the typical diving conditions at Basse Espagnole?
Basse Espagnole offers generally excellent diving conditions with minimal currents and high visibility, often exceeding 30 meters (98 feet). Water temperatures remain warm year-round, typically between 25-30°C (77-88°F). While winter months can bring some surface chop from trade winds and northerly swells, conditions are usually calm and inviting for divers.
Is Basse Espagnole suitable for beginners?
Yes, Basse Espagnole is generally suitable for Open Water certified divers and above. Its shallow depths, typically less than 18 meters (60 feet), and minimal currents make it an accessible and comfortable site for divers who are just gaining experience or prefer a relaxed dive.
How do I get to Basse Espagnole?
As an offshore site, Basse Espagnole is reached via boat from local dive operators in St. Maarten/St. Martin. You would typically book a dive trip with a local dive center, which provides transportation to and from the site as part of their service.
Why dive Basse Espagnole from a liveaboard?
Basse Espagnole is one of St. Maarten's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Basse Espagnole on their St. Maarten itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Basse Espagnole
These liveaboards may visit Basse Espagnole on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Caribbean Explorer II
St. Maarten
18 guests
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