Guide to Scuba Diving from Your Yacht
| DIVE SITES # 7 & 8 |
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DIVE SITE #7 - ILE FOURCHE (French)
Southwest tip
Depth:
4Oft - 66ft/12m - 20m
Yacht Anchorage:
The large bay is well protected from the north
and east. A good anchorage In all but the worst
weather and large swells from the south or west. Inhabited only by goats, the island has a small
'landing beach' and good walks with magnificent
views.
Dive Site:
Regarded as the best dive site in the area,
easily accessible by yacht. Anchor your dinghy,
east of the small island off the southwest tip
of Ile Fourche in about 33ft (10m). As it is not
feasible to anchor your dinghy at the northwest
end of dive site, in 70 feet of water, you will
usually be diving 'down-current'. For this
reason we strongly recommend using only
one-third of your air supply before returning
'up-current'. Check for current that is usually
running northwest and plan your dive
accordingly. The best diving is on the south and
west sides of this small island. Expect to see
numerous varieties of fish, large barracuda,
magnificent hard and soft corals, large sea fans
(gorgonia) and 4ft barrel sponges. You will also
have a very good chance of seeing stingrays,
spotted eagle rays and turtles - even a manta
ray has been seen here.
Sea Conditions:
Not suitable In very strong trade winds when the
current can be strong, or in large southerly or
westerly swells. Always check for current and
plan your dive accordingly.
DIVE SITE #8 - ILE FOURCHE (French)
East Side of bay and rock awash
Depth:
3Ok-4Ok/9m-12m
Dive Site:
This is an alternative to Dive Site #7. It is
shallower and not as good, but in certain
weather conditions it is more suitable. Check
very carefully for current at the 'rock awash'.
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A guide to
SCUBA DIVING FROM YOUR YACHT
In the waters of St. Maarten / St. Martin
and the surrounding islands |
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Dive Where You Want When You Want!
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