Dive Site: The Porpoise

About The Porpoise

The Porpoise stands out as St. Maarten's only deep dive site, setting it apart from the numerous shallow reefs and wrecks found throughout the Dutch side. Located offshore, this site is not accessible from shore and requires boat access, typically with one of the island's dive centers. Unlike most other dive locations in the region that stay within the 18-meter (60-foot) limit suitable for Open Water divers, The Porpoise delves into greater depths. This characteristic makes it a unique destination for divers seeking to explore beyond standard recreational limits and experience a different facet of St. Maarten's underwater topography. While specific marine life details for The Porpoise itself are not extensively documented in sources, its deeper, offshore nature suggests potential for encounters with larger pelagic species not typically seen on shallower reefs. The surrounding St. Maarten waters are home to a diverse array of fish and marine mammals, including migratory whales and dolphins during certain months. Diving The Porpoise offers an experience distinct from the popular wreck dives and coral gardens. It caters to those looking for a more challenging profile and the excitement of deeper exploration in the clear Caribbean waters, with excellent visibility common across St. Maarten's dive sites.

Dive site facts: The Porpoise

Current

Potentially variable offshore

Visibility

Up to 30 m (100 ft)

Water temperature

22–30°C (72–86°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced recommended

Dive type

Deep reef / wall

Region / port

Dutch St. Maarten

Coordinates

18.0167° N, 63.0833° W

Conditions & Currents

Information specifically on currents at The Porpoise is not detailed in the sources. However, as an offshore and deeper site, it may be subject to stronger or more unpredictable currents compared to sheltered, shallower reefs. Divers should anticipate potential current activity given its open water location. Entry and exit are exclusively by boat, facilitated by local dive centers. Visibility across St. Maarten's dive sites is generally excellent, often reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet), providing clear conditions for navigation and observation. Divers exploring deeper sites like The Porpoise should possess experience in varying current conditions and ensure proper gas management for an extended bottom time, aligning with advanced diving practices.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

occasional

Nurse shark

occasional

Bottlenose dolphin

February-June · occasional

Humpback whale

February-June · occasional

Green sea turtle

occasional

Loggerhead turtle

rare

Grouper

common

Barracuda

common

Stingray

occasional

Moray eel

common

Seahorse

occasional

Lobster

common

Crab

common

Starfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive at The Porpoise begins with a descent from the boat into open water, aiming for the deeper sections of this unique St. Maarten site. Divers typically explore the deeper reef structures or wall formations that characterize this advanced dive. As St. Maarten's only deep dive, the profile will involve significant depth, requiring careful monitoring of bottom time and gas consumption. The route is likely guided by the dive master, exploring contours and potential overhangs where pelagic life may be encountered. The ascent will be slow and controlled, incorporating a mandatory safety stop, usually at 5 meters (15 feet), often performed as an open-ocean stop or at shallower features if available, before returning to the surface for boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Capturing images at The Porpoise, St. Maarten's only deep dive, requires equipment suitable for lower light conditions. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for showcasing the expansive deep-water environment and potential encounters with larger pelagics, or for capturing the scale of any deep reef structures. External strobes are essential to bring back natural colors that are lost at depth. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the deep ecosystem and to position themselves effectively for shots in potentially challenging current conditions. Patience is key for capturing elusive deep-water subjects, and divers should prioritize their safety and dive plan over getting a perfect shot.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Shark Hotel

  Known for encounters with Caribbean Reef sharks.

• Carib Ghost

  A wreck dive for advanced divers.

• Proselyte Reef

  Historical wreck site with cannon balls and artifacts.

• Cable Reef

  A vibrant reef with diverse marine life.

• Fish Bowl

  Rich marine life and healthy corals.

Getting there & logistics

Diving The Porpoise requires arranging trips with local dive centers in St. Maarten, as it is an offshore site. The primary airport for international arrivals is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). Most dive operators depart from Dutch St. Maarten, with Simpson Bay being a common hub. Dive trips to sites like The Porpoise are typically part of a multi-dive package or as a specific advanced dive offering. There are no specific permits mentioned for this particular site, but Marine Park fees might apply generally across St. Maarten's protected areas. Liveaboards like Caribbean Explorer II also operate in the region, offering an alternative for multi-day diving. Divers should verify the trip length and any specific requirements directly with their chosen operator.

Safety & environment

Diving The Porpoise, as a deeper site, necessitates adherence to advanced diving protocols, including proper gas planning and decompression procedures if applicable. Divers must ensure their certification level is appropriate for deep dives. The nearest recompression chamber is likely on a neighboring island or within a reasonable evacuation distance; however, specifics are not provided in the sources, so divers should confirm this with their dive operator. Comprehensive dive insurance, such as that provided by DAN, is highly recommended to cover potential medical emergencies and evacuation costs. Site-specific hazards might include stronger currents in open water, so divers should be proficient in current diving techniques and maintain constant situational awareness. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Porpoise FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Porpoise

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

Caribbean Explorer II

St. Maarten

18 guests

$249/day