You don’t need scuba tanks or a boat to explore the underwater world of St. Barths: all you need is a mask, a snorkel, and a little curiosity. The marine nature reserve protects several areas around the island, and you’ll see that from the very first stroke of your fins. Here’s where to take a dip—and how to do it while respecting this little paradise.

Places Worth Visiting

First, Colombier—the place to go: its seagrass beds provide food for sea turtles that you’re almost guaranteed to see—but access must be earned by the coastal trail or by boat. Next up is Shell Beach, at the foot of Gustavia: the rocky areas at either end are home to beautiful marine life, just a stone’s throw from the terraces. The Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon, which is shallow and protected by its reef, is perfect for beginners and children; where you can peacefully encounter rays and turtles. On calm days, add the rocky headlands of Saline and Gouverneur to your itinerary to extend your beach day in the south.

Reserve Rules

The Saint-Barthélemy Nature Reserve has been protecting marine life since the 1990s, and every visitor is a guardian of that life: look, but don’t touch anything—not coral, turtles, or starfish—don’t feed the fish, and opt for sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate, or better yet, a wetsuit. These simple actions are part of the spirit ecotourism as practiced by Maison Fleur de Lune, which has been awarded the Clé Verte certification.

Gathering Supplies and Getting Organized

Bring your mask if you have a favorite one; otherwise, the island has plenty of equipment available. Visibility is often best in the morning, before the wind picks up. And to explore further afield—islets, drop-offs, shipwrecks—the dive centers and the catamaran trips are taking the place of the simple snorkel.

From Grande Saline, everything is simple: Shell Beach and Gouverneur are just a few minutes away, Colombier is a morning excursion, and the lodge hosts offer advice on choosing the spot of the day based on the swell—that’s the advantage of staying with people who surf here all year round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go snorkeling year-round in St. Barth? Yes, the water stays between 26 and 29 degrees; the only factor that influences your choice of spot is the day’s swell.

Where's a good spot for kids? The Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon, which is shallow and sheltered, is ideal for their first dives.

Do we actually see turtles? Very often, especially in Colombier and Grand Cul-de-Sac—as long as you keep your distance; the reserve requires it, and the turtles appreciate it.