Marine-park registration and site list.
Deep reef with sponges and a wreck remnant
Deep reef with sponges and a wreck remnant
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Use a local dive shop or permitted boat operator for the marine-park site.
Isabella reef is a deeper Sint Maarten reef built around barrel sponges, gorgonians and the remains of a small wreck. It suits experienced divers who want a long, multi-level boat dive with a proper offshore feel rather than a shallow sightseeing stop. The site is best run with a local operator and a calm, controlled ascent, because the reef sits out in deeper water and the marine-park rules apply. Expect jacks, stingrays, garden eels, morays, lobsters and hawksbill turtles around the sponges and overhangs.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
22m - 29m
Depth Note
Public references place Isabella reef in the 22-29 m range, and the marine-park listing gives a 28 m / 90 ft max depth.
Typical Conditions
Offshore deep reef with sponges, overhangs and a controlled ascent profile.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Depth is in the deep range and sharks may be present; appropriate deep-diving planning and procedures are advised.
Access Restrictions
Visitors must register with the Nature Foundation and buy a dive tag unless they are diving with a shop.
Legal Notes
Marine-park registration and mooring rules apply to the site.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A deep reef dive with multi-level potential, sponge-covered structure and small wreck remnants.
Freediving
This is not a freedive-first target; the depth and boat profile make it a scuba site.
Snorkeling
Snorkelling is not the main use case here; the site is built around deeper reef diving.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Marine-park registration and site list.
Deep-reef description with sponges, wreck remnant and marine life.
Deep reef and wildlife context inside the marine park.
Short boat ride from the shop and advanced-course use.
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