Dive Site: Tug Boat Annie

Dive site facts: Tug Boat Annie

Depth

8–16 m

Typical dive

10–15 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Beginner to Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, Reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

St. Maarten / Dutch Caribbean

Coordinates

18.005, -63.055

Conditions & Currents

Currents around Tug Boat Annie are typically mild, making it an ideal site for divers of all experience levels, including beginners. Dive operations usually involve entering the water directly from the boat, which may or may not be anchored, depending on the operator's preference for stationary or drift diving. While strong currents are rare, divers should always be prepared for minor shifts and follow the dive guide's instructions for entry and exit. Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 30 meters, often reaching up to 36 meters in calm summer conditions, though northerly swells in winter can occasionally reduce it. Water temperatures are consistently warm, between 25-30°C, meaning thermoclines are uncommon. Surge is minimal due to the sheltered location, contributing to a comfortable dive experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Caribbean Spiny Lobster

Year-round · common

Caribbean Reef Octopus

Year-round · common

Lionfish

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Stingray

Year-round · occasional

Green Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Nurse Shark

Year-round · rare

Tarpon

Year-round · occasional

Honeycomb Trunkfish

occasional

Scrawled Filefish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Tug Boat Annie typically begins with a backroll or giant stride entry from the dive boat, positioning you directly above or slightly up-current from the wreck. Following a controlled descent, you'll reach the top of the tugboat at approximately 8-10 meters, where you can orient yourself and assess the light conditions. The main exploration involves circumnavigating the wreck, observing the coral growth and marine life that have made it their home. You can swim over the deck, explore the small wheelhouse, and peek into accessible openings, always maintaining neutral buoyancy to protect the fragile ecosystem. The maximum depth around the wreck's base is around 16 meters, allowing for extended bottom times. Halfway through the dive, you'll turn and slowly ascend along the wreck, spending the latter part of the dive in the shallower sections. Your safety stop will be conducted in the clear, shallow water above the wreck, often observing reef fish before signalling for boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Tug Boat Annie provides excellent photographic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro enthusiasts due to its intact structure and diverse inhabitants. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens will capture the entire wreck, especially in the clear St. Maarten waters. Utilize the ambient light, which is plentiful at these shallow depths, but strobes will enhance color and detail on the corals and sponges. For macro photography, focus on the abundant small creatures like crabs, nudibranchs, and juvenile fish hiding within the wreck's crevices. A macro lens with a diopter can highlight these intricate details. Pay close attention to buoyancy to avoid stirring up sand or damaging the delicate marine life. Night dives here offer unique perspectives, revealing different nocturnal species and the chance to use continuous lighting for stunning creative effects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• HMS Proselyte

  A historic British frigate wreck transformed into an artificial reef.

• Man O'War Shoal

  A protected marine area with diverse reefs and a major shipwreck site.

• The Bridge

  Another popular wreck dive, often combined with Tug Boat Annie.

• Big Mama's Reef

  A sandy expanse surrounded by large coral reefs, known for sharks.

• Charlie's Shoal

  An undisturbed fringing reef with good chances of encountering turtles and rays.

Getting there & logistics

To reach Tug Boat Annie, you'll typically fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten. Most liveaboards and shore-based dive operators depart from ports around Simpson Bay on the Dutch side of the island. Day trips usually consist of two tank dives, often pairing Tug Boat Annie with another nearby reef or wreck site. Liveaboard itineraries, such as those offered by Caribbean Explorer II, often include St. Maarten as part of a broader journey covering Saba and St. Kitts, providing a multi-day diving experience. No specific permits beyond standard dive certifications are generally required for this site, and local dive shops handle all logistical arrangements, making it an easily accessible dive.

Safety & environment

Diving Tug Boat Annie is generally considered safe due to its shallow depth and mild currents, but divers should always adhere to standard safety protocols. Ensure your dive certification is current, and consider a refresher if your last dive was over a year ago. Dive insurance, such as through DAN (Divers Alert Network), is highly recommended for all divers. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Saba, approximately 45 kilometers away, meaning evacuation for decompression sickness would require air transport. Always dive within your training limits and comfort level. Pay attention to your dive guide's briefing regarding entry, exit, and any site-specific hazards. Maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid contact with the wreck and marine life, and never penetrate the wreck without proper training and equipment. It is crucial to monitor your air consumption and bottom time, and to complete a safety stop on every dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tug Boat Annie FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tug Boat Annie

These liveaboards may visit Tug Boat Annie on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Caribbean Explorer II

St. Maarten

18 guests