Dive Site: Charlie's Shoal

About Charlie's Shoal

Charlie's Shoal is a pristine fringing reef located just outside Simpson Bay on St. Maarten's south coast. This site remains relatively undisturbed, offering a peaceful and uncrowded diving experience. It features a diverse topography with a rocky break, sandy slopes, and unique barrel sponges, culminating in a small wreck that adds an element of exploration to your dive. The maximum depth at Charlie's Shoal ranges from 16 to 20 meters, making it ideal for Open Water certified divers. The shallow depths and generally calm conditions ensure excellent visibility, which often exceeds 20 meters, allowing for clear views of the vibrant ecosystem. The reef is teeming with tropical fish and provides frequent encounters with larger marine species. Marine life here is abundant and varied, including regular sightings of green and hawksbill turtles, various rays, barracudas, and large groupers. Nurse sharks are also a common and welcome sight, often found resting among the reef's structures. The protected status of the surrounding waters contributes to the rich biodiversity observed at this site. Your dive experience at Charlie's Shoal will typically involve a boat entry from Simpson Bay, leading into a relaxed reef exploration. The site's simple profile and calm conditions make it an accessible and enjoyable dive for a wide range of skill levels, perfect for both leisurely exploration and underwater photography.

Dive site facts: Charlie's Shoal

Depth

16–20 m

Typical dive

15 m, 50–60 min

Current

None

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water

Dive type

Reef, wreck, marine life

Region / port

St. Maarten (Dutch side)

Coordinates

17.99, -63.056

Conditions & Currents

Charlie's Shoal is known for its calm and sheltered conditions, typically experiencing no significant currents. This makes for a relaxed and easy dive experience, particularly suitable for less experienced divers or those looking for a leisurely exploration. Visibility is consistently good, often reaching 24 meters or more on settled days, providing clear views of the reef and its inhabitants. Entry and exit are straightforward boat dives from Simpson Bay, contributing to the overall ease of access. While generally calm, it's always prudent to check local conditions as sea states can vary, especially during winter months, though any surge is usually light.

Marine life & sighting chances

Green Sea Turtle

common

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Nurse Shark

common

Barracuda

common

Grouper

common

Stingray

common

French Angelfish

occasional

Queen Angelfish

occasional

Grey Angelfish

occasional

Trumpetfish

occasional

Pufferfish

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Charlie's Shoal begins with a boat entry, typically from Simpson Bay. Descend directly onto the reef, which slopes gently from its shallower rocky break. Follow the reef line, observing the diverse coral formations and barrel sponges. The depth generally remains around 15 meters, making it a comfortable no-decompression dive. Towards the end of the planned route, you will encounter a small wreck, providing an interesting exploration point before turning back. The entire profile is designed for a relaxed pass, allowing ample time to observe marine life. Your safety stop will be conducted in the clear, shallow waters above the reef, typically at 5 meters, before resurfacing.

Underwater photography

Charlie's Shoal offers excellent opportunities for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle and macro shots due to its clear, shallow waters and diverse marine life. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive reef formations, vibrant barrel sponges, and the small wreck, especially on days with strong natural light. For marine life, a macro lens will allow you to focus on the intricate details of reef fish, nudibranchs, and other smaller creatures hiding within the coral. Since the site is relatively shallow, natural light is often sufficient, but strobes can enhance colors and reduce backscatter. Maintain excellent buoyancy control, especially when photographing close to the reef or the wreck, to avoid disturbing the environment. Be patient with marine subjects like turtles and nurse sharks, allowing them to approach naturally for the best shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• The Bridge

  A shallow wreck-and-bridge dive with reef life.

• Isabella

  A deep reef featuring sponges and wreck remnants.

• Big Mama's Reef

  Known for Caribbean reef sharks, suitable for all levels.

• HMS Proselyte

  A historic frigate wreck in 6-16m, covered in corals.

• Carib Cargo

  A cargo wreck intentionally sunk in 26m south of Cay Bay.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Charlie's Shoal is typically via daily dive charters departing from various points in St. Maarten, most commonly from Simpson Bay. The main international gateway is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which serves numerous flights from North America and Europe. Most dive operators are resort-based, offering packages that include local dives. While St. Maarten does not currently have many liveaboards dedicated solely to its local sites, some itineraries, like the Caribbean Explorer II, combine St. Maarten diving with trips to Saba and St. Kitts. No specific permits or fees are mentioned for diving Charlie's Shoal, but always confirm with your chosen dive operator.

Safety & environment

Diving at Charlie's Shoal is generally safe due to its calm conditions and shallow depths. However, standard dive safety practices are paramount. Always dive within your certification limits and follow your dive guide's instructions. Keep excellent buoyancy to avoid damaging the delicate reef and wreck. The nearest recompression chamber is not explicitly stated for St. Maarten in the provided sources, highlighting the critical importance of proper dive planning to prevent decompression sickness. Divers should have comprehensive travel and dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation, as medical facilities for serious dive-related incidents may require transfer to larger regional centers. Be mindful of occasional boat traffic in the vicinity and adhere to safe ascent procedures.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Charlie's Shoal FAQ

Liveaboards diving Charlie's Shoal

These liveaboards may visit Charlie's Shoal on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Caribbean Explorer II

St. Maarten

18 guests

$224/day