Dive Site: Cable Reef

About Cable Reef

Cable Reef, also known as Teigland, offers a unique dual-experience dive combining a purposefully sunk wreck with a thriving natural reef. The Teigland, an old ship, was originally placed on a ledge but later rolled over, now resting beside the reef at a depth of approximately 21 meters. This site serves as an artificial reef, enriching the underwater ecosystem. Its broken structure creates numerous hiding spots, making it a dynamic environment for marine life. The topography consists of the wreck intertwined with coral formations, providing shelter and foraging grounds for a diverse array of species. While the main wreck is at 21 meters, the surrounding reef varies in depth, with shallower sections accessible for breath-hold exploration. The site is characterized by healthy coral growth and maze-like swim-throughs in some reef sections. Divers frequently encounter moray eels and various species of lobsters utilizing the wreck's crevices. The surrounding reef teems with diverse reef fish, and there is a notable chance to spot majestic spotted eagle rays gliding through the water. Conditions are generally mild, particularly during the dry season, making for comfortable diving. This site is accessible by boat and is well-suited for intermediate divers eager to explore both wreck and reef environments. The combination of a historical wreck and a lively natural reef creates a memorable underwater adventure, offering varied photographic opportunities and a rich marine experience.

Dive site facts: Cable Reef

Depth

10–21 m

Typical dive

45–48 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

12–30 m

Water temperature

25–28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wreck, Reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

St. Maarten, Dutch Part

Coordinates

18.0167° N, 63.0833° W

Conditions & Currents

Cable Reef generally experiences mild currents, which contributes to a more relaxed diving environment. However, divers should always be prepared for slight variations depending on local conditions and tides. The site's protected location helps mitigate stronger flows, making it suitable for intermediate divers. Visibility here is typically good, ranging from 12 to 30 meters across the island, though specific conditions can vary. Water temperatures are consistently warm, between 25°C and 28°C, eliminating the need for thick wetsuits. Entry is typically from a dive boat, with divers descending onto the wreck and reef structures. While surge is not commonly a significant issue, always follow your dive guide's instructions for safe entry and exit, especially if any surface chop is present.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray Eel

common

Lobster

common

Spotted Eagle Ray

occasional

Reef Fish

common

Coral

common

Barracuda

occasional

Reef Shark

occasional

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Southern Stingray

occasional

Schooling Fish

common

Crabs

common

Slipper Lobster

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Cable Reef typically begin with a boat entry, descending directly to the Teigland wreck, which rests at approximately 21 meters. The dive usually starts by exploring the broken structure of the wreck, observing moray eels and lobsters sheltering within its crevices. From the wreck, divers can then transition to the adjacent natural reef, which features healthy coral formations and a diverse array of reef fish. The route often involves navigating along the reef's contours, potentially exploring shallower sections if time and air permit, which can reach depths of around 10 meters. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent from the reef, maintaining a slow pace. The safety stop is commonly performed over the reef's shallower parts, allowing for continued observation of marine life before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Cable Reef offers diverse photographic opportunities, blending wreck and reef subjects. For the Teigland wreck, a wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the overall structure and its placement against the reef. Be prepared for macro shots of moray eels and lobsters hiding in the wreck's many nooks and crannies, making a macro lens or close-up filters valuable. Natural light is often sufficient in shallower reef areas, but strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of corals and fish, especially when shooting into darker sections of the wreck or in deeper areas. Pay attention to buoyancy to avoid disturbing delicate corals on the surrounding reef. Look for spotted eagle rays in the blue for compelling wide-angle shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• HMS Proselyte

  A famous coral-encrusted frigate wreck within Man O'War Shoal Marine Park.

• Fish Bowl

  A circular reef with a spectacular swim-through, also within Man O'War Shoal.

• Carib Cargo

  An upright inter-island trader wreck, suitable for penetration training.

• The Porpoise

  The primary deep dive site on the Dutch side of St. Maarten.

• The Bridge

  A site near Simpson Bay lagoon featuring yacht wrecks and an old bridge taken over by sea life.

• Gregory

  A 33m transport barge resting upside down, attracting barracudas and eagle rays.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Cable Reef is exclusively via boat, typically departing from dive centers in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. St. Maarten is served by Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), offering direct flights from various international locations. Dive trips usually combine Cable Reef with other nearby sites in the Man O'War Shoal Marine Park, as part of multi-dive excursions. A marine park fee of approximately $3 per diver is generally included in dive packages or paid separately. Most dive operators on the island offer daily trips, ranging from single to double tank dives. Many centers are located in Simpson Bay, providing convenient access to the departure points.

Safety & environment

For diving in St. Maarten, the nearest recompression chamber is located approximately 10 kilometers from main dive areas. It is crucial for all divers to hold valid dive insurance, such as through DAN (Divers Alert Network), which provides comprehensive coverage for dive-related incidents and potential evacuations. Site-specific hazards at Cable Reef include potential entanglement with the broken sections of the Teigland wreck; therefore, maintaining good buoyancy control and situational awareness is essential. Always adhere to dive plan briefings, stay with your buddy, and never exceed your training limits. If you feel unwell or congested, it is imperative to refrain from diving. Ensure your certification card is current and accessible, as dive operators require proof of qualification.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cable Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cable Reef

These liveaboards may visit Cable Reef on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Caribbean Explorer II

St. Maarten

18 guests

$162/day