Dive Site: Underwater Sculpture Park

About Underwater Sculpture Park

The Underwater Sculpture Park, also known as Under SXM, is an eco-attraction located in Little Bay, St. Maarten. Opened in December, this unique site features over 300 artificial reef sculptures, expertly crafted from casts of local community members. These sculptures celebrate the island's vibrant culture and history, representing four distinct cultural eras including Mardi Gras, emancipation, tribal history, and a futuristic vision. The park is a recognized winner of the Caribbean's New Attraction of the Year award for 2025. You can visit from Simpson Bay Resort, Divi Little Bay, or Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg. Situated at an average depth of 15 feet (5 meters), the sculptures are crafted from environmentally friendly materials, seamlessly blending with and enhancing the marine ecosystem. They serve as sanctuaries for juvenile fish and encourage coral settlement, fostering a thriving reef environment. The designated trail guides divers and snorkelers through this unique underwater exhibition. Beyond its artistic value, the park offers a rich habitat for diverse aquatic species. You can encounter a variety of fish, octopuses, starfish, shellfish, sea turtles, stingrays, and sponges thriving around the carefully placed artworks. Visibility in St. Maarten typically ranges from 100-120 feet (30-36 meters) in calm conditions, offering clear views of the art and marine inhabitants. This site is accessible for both certified divers and beginners through Discover Scuba Diving programs, as well as snorkelers. Guided tours ensure a safe and informative experience, making it an ideal destination to explore the intersection of art, history, and marine conservation.

Dive site facts: Underwater Sculpture Park

Depth

4.5–5 m

Typical dive

5 m, 45–60 min

Current

Weak

Visibility

30–36 m

Water temperature

25–30°C (77–88°F)

Entry

Boat / Shore

Level

Beginner to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, Art, Photography

Region / port

St. Maarten, Little Bay

Coordinates

18.0722° N, 63.0980° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Underwater Sculpture Park are generally weak, making it accessible for divers of various experience levels, including beginners. The site is often noted for calm seas, which contributes to excellent visibility, frequently reaching 100 to 120 feet (30 to 36 meters). Surface conditions can be influenced by trade winds, which are strongest from December through March, potentially creating some surface chop. From June to November, tropical storms are possible, leading to choppier waters. Water temperatures remain invitingly warm year-round, ranging from 77-80°F (25-27°C) in winter to 81-88°F (28-30°C) in summer, minimizing the need for heavy exposure suits. Divers should always assess current conditions and plan their dive accordingly, though this site is typically forgiving.

Marine life & sighting chances

Tropical fish

common

Stingrays

occasional

Octopuses

occasional

Starfish

common

Shellfish

common

Sea turtles

occasional

Corals

common

Sponges

common

Cuttlefish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to the Underwater Sculpture Park is typically by boat, arriving directly at the site in Little Bay, or from the shoreline for those able to swim out. The park is quite shallow, at an average depth of 15 feet (4.5 to 5 meters). Divers and snorkelers follow a designated trail that weaves through the exhibition of over 300 sculptures. The route allows for close examination of the art installations and the marine life they attract. Given the shallow depth, bottom time is generous, allowing for extended exploration. The dive is usually maintained at a consistent shallow depth. Towards the end of the dive, divers can perform a safety stop directly over the sculptures or nearby coral formations before ascending slowly to the surface for boat pickup or returning to shore.

Underwater photography

The shallow depth of 15 feet (4.5 meters) makes the Underwater Sculpture Park an excellent site for wide-angle photography, especially with ambient light. You can capture the expansive scale of the sculpture gardens and their interaction with divers and snorkelers. To bring out the vibrant colors of marine life and the sculptures themselves, external strobes are highly recommended, even in shallow water. For macro subjects, such as juvenile fish or small invertebrates nestled among the sculptures, a macro lens would be beneficial. Practice good buoyancy control to avoid stirring up sand or damaging delicate corals and the sculptures. Ethical photography includes maintaining a respectful distance from marine life and avoiding touching or disturbing the art installations, which serve as crucial habitats. Many operators also offer professional underwater photography services at the site.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• The Fishbowl

  A large circular reef known for diverse fish and large coral arches, within Man O'War Shoal Marine Park.

• Big Momma

  A sandy expanse surrounded by coral reefs, known for shark diving in shallow depths.

• Proselyte Reef

  An artificial reef covering the 1801 wreck of the HMS Proselyte, now covered in hard coral.

• Little Bay

  A local reef nearby, often combined for shallow dives and exploring a sunken helicopter.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Underwater Sculpture Park is primarily from St. Maarten, with the main international gateway being Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). Departure points for trips to the park include Simpson Bay Resort, Divi Little Bay, or Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg, which is a short walk from the cruise ship port. Tours are offered on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays from Simpson Bay and Divi, with additional daily tours from Bobby's Marina. A typical dive or snorkel experience at the park lasts about 3 hours in total, including boat transfers, or 2 hours for snorkel tours directly from Bobby's Marina, with about 45 minutes of in-water time. The cost for a single-tank certified dive or Discover Scuba Diving experience is around $140, while snorkeling adventures are about $45 to $65. All necessary equipment, including tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, and wetsuit, is generally included in the diving packages. No specific marine park fees are mentioned beyond the tour price itself, which covers access.

Safety & environment

While St. Maarten boasts warm waters and generally calm conditions, divers should always prioritize safety. The nearest recompression chamber facilities and advanced medical care would typically be found in Philipsburg or at regional hospitals, with evacuation protocols dependent on the severity of the incident. Dive insurance, such as DAN (Divers Alert Network), is highly recommended for all divers for emergency medical coverage and evacuation. Specific hazards at the Sculpture Park are minimal due to its shallow depth and weak currents. However, divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with the sculptures or natural reef, which can damage the fragile ecosystem. Following PADI instructor guidance for certified divers and Discover Scuba Diving participants is crucial, as is adhering to the operator's safety briefings. Snorkelers should ensure they are confident swimmers and use flotation devices as recommended, especially since the site is a 'little bit ways out' from shore for those opting for a direct swim.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Underwater Sculpture Park FAQ

Liveaboards diving Underwater Sculpture Park

These liveaboards may visit Underwater Sculpture Park on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Caribbean Explorer II

St. Maarten

18 guests

$224/day