About La Renee
La Renee is a deep, open-water wreck situated off the coast of Saint Martin, accessible only by boat. It offers a challenging dive profile suited for experienced scuba divers, descending to a reported depth of 45 meters on a sandy bottom. The wreck hosts exceptional marine biodiversity and strong coral growth, attracting a variety of pelagic species around its hull. This dive site is located on the French side of the island, within the waters of French St. Martin, as opposed to many shallower sites found in Dutch St. Maarten. It stands out as one of the deeper wreck dives in the region. The topography of the site is characterized by the wreck itself, which rests at approximately 45 meters, providing a substantial structure for marine colonization. The surrounding bottom is sandy, contrasting with the vibrant life on the wreck. Conditions generally involve open-water exposure, requiring good gas planning and conservative ascent strategies due to the depth. Marine life at La Renee is notably diverse, with frequent sightings of barracudas, eagle rays, and green turtles. The strong reef life and pelagic activity contribute to an exceptional variety of aquatic species around the wreck throughout the year, with a 'best season' extending from December to May. Coral health is reported as excellent on the wreck, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant artificial reef. Diving La Renee necessitates advanced skills due to its depth and open-water nature. Divers typically undertake a guided offshore wreck dive, emphasizing disciplined ascent planning and comfort with boat entries. Visibility averages around 11 meters, and while currents are generally light, the deep profile and overhead environment of the wreck classify it as an expert-level dive. Snorkeling and freediving are not suitable activities for this site.
Highlights
Deep offshore wreckFrench St. Martin locationLarge pelagic lifeThriving coral growthAdvanced dive profileSandy bottomOpen-water exposure
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: La Renee
- Depth
- 45 m
- Typical dive
- 45 m, 20-30 min
- Current
- Light current
- Visibility
- 11 m
- Entry
- Boat only
- Level
- Expert, Advanced Wreck
- Dive type
- Wreck, Deep, Pelagic
- Region / port
- French St. Martin
- Coordinates
- 18.0656° N, 63.0988° W
Conditions & Currents
Currents at La Renee are typically light, yet the site's deep, open-water Atlantic conditions require careful consideration. Divers can expect moderate effort for entry, suitable for boat access only. Given its depth at 45 meters, prudent gas planning and a conservative ascent are essential. The exposed nature of the site means divers should be comfortable with potential light surge. Visibility averages around 11 meters, which is adequate for navigating the wreck and observing marine life, but it may fluctuate with open-ocean conditions. This environment necessitates advanced training and experience, making it suitable for divers comfortable with depth and disciplined safety protocols.
Marine life & sighting chances
Barracuda
common
Eagle Ray
common
Green Turtle
common
Caribbean Reef Shark
occasional
Humpback whale
February-June · rare
Dolphin
February-June · rare
Grouper
occasional
Moray Eel
occasionalDive profile & how the dive runs
Diving La Renee begins with a boat entry, as shore access is not possible for this offshore wreck. Upon descending, divers will navigate towards the wreck situated at approximately 45 meters (148 feet) on a sandy seabed. The dive profile involves exploring the exterior of the hull, which is adorned with coral growth and attracts various pelagic species. Due to the significant depth, bottom time will be limited, requiring efficient exploration. A conservative ascent plan is paramount for this deep dive, incorporating appropriate decompression stops. The safety stop typically occurs at 5 meters (15 feet) for at least three minutes, often extended due to the depth profile, ensuring a safe return to the surface after exposure to open-water conditions.
Underwater photography
Capturing images at La Renee requires equipment suitable for deep, open-water wreck photography. A wide-angle lens is ideal for encompassing the full structure of the wreck and its surrounding marine life, including barracudas and eagle rays. Due to the depth of 45 meters, external strobes are essential to restore lost colors and provide adequate illumination, as natural light diminishes significantly. Divers should manage their buoyancy meticulously to avoid disturbing the wreck and its delicate coral growth. Focus on documenting the interaction between the large pelagic species and the artificial reef environment.
Combine with nearby dive sites
Getting there & logistics
Accessing La Renee requires booking with a dive center in St. Martin, as it is an offshore site reachable only by boat. The closest major airport is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten. Dive trips to La Renee typically depart from ports on the French side of the island. Given its deep and challenging nature, this site is usually part of itineraries tailored for experienced divers, potentially combined with other advanced wreck or deep reef dives in the region. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this particular wreck, but divers should confirm any local marine protection rules with their dive operator. Trip lengths vary, often being a single deep dive or part of a two-dive excursion.
Safety & environment
Diving La Renee demands rigorous adherence to safety protocols due to its depth and open-water exposure. Essential training includes deep diving and wreck diving specialties, along with meticulous gas planning for extended bottom times or unforeseen circumstances. Divers should carry their certification card and have valid dive insurance, such as a DAN card, which can also serve as travel insurance. The nearest recompression chamber would be located in St. Maarten, requiring immediate evacuation by boat and potentially further transport depending on the severity of any incident. Key hazards include the overhead environment of a wreck and the potential for dangerous wildlife, although often majestic. Always follow the dive operator's briefing and local marine protection regulations. A conservative ascent plan is crucial to mitigate decompression sickness risks.
Who it suits, and who it doesn't
Suited for
- Experienced deep wreck divers
- Divers with advanced certifications (e.g., Deep, Wreck specialties)
- Divers comfortable with boat entries and open-water conditions
- Those interested in large pelagic encounters
- Divers practicing rigorous gas planning
Less suited for
- Beginner divers or Open Water certified
- Snorkelers or freedivers
- Divers unfamiliar with deep or wreck environments
- Those with limited experience in open-ocean currents
- Divers who do not prioritize meticulous ascent planning
FAQ
La Renee FAQ
How deep is the La Renee wreck?
The La Renee wreck is located at a reported depth of 45 meters (approximately 148 feet). This makes it one of the deeper dive sites around St. Martin and suitable only for experienced divers with appropriate training.
Is shore entry available for La Renee?
No, shore entry is not available for the La Renee wreck. This site is an offshore dive, accessible exclusively by boat, requiring divers to arrange transportation with a local dive operator.
What type of marine life can be seen at La Renee?
La Renee is known for its strong reef life and attracts large pelagic species. Divers commonly encounter barracuda, eagle rays, and green turtles. The coral growth on the wreck also supports a variety of smaller reef fish.
What is the recommended experience level for diving La Renee?
Diving La Renee requires an expert level of experience. It is a deep wreck dive with open-water exposure, necessitating advanced training, proficiency in deep diving techniques, and a solid understanding of gas planning and conservative ascent procedures.
What are the typical diving conditions at La Renee?
Typical conditions at La Renee include deep access in open-water Atlantic environments. Visibility averages around 11 meters, and while currents are generally light, divers should be prepared for potential light surge and challenging entry efforts from the boat.
Why dive La Renee from a liveaboard?
La Renee 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 La Renee on their St. Maarten itineraries.
Liveaboards diving La Renee
These liveaboards may visit La Renee on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Caribbean Explorer II
St. Maarten
18 guests
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