Will be traveling to St. Maarten at end of January - Cupecoy beach. What are the best snorkeling spots at St. Maarten, both on and off shore?

We enjoyed Pinel Island, near Orient Beach. There is a "formal" snorkle concession there, but we have our own. They stick to a pretty calm stretch on one side of the island, and when they have a big group, you'd probably want to be somewhere else. We snorkled that part just before their group went in, then went over to the other side of the island on our own. There was a fun band playing, and a bar-b-que for lunch. We also took a day trip to Anguilla (Shoal Bay) and another on a cat trip for snorkeling and lunch. Dawn Beach is supposed to be a good site, but it was too choppy when we were there. Cupecoy Beach was gorgeous, but the surf was very scary when we were there. There are beaches for many purposes on St Maarten! Have fun

If you snorkel off Baie Rouge, there's a nifty rock formation off to one side. The beach is just down the road from Cupecoy, on the same side of the island, so if Cupecoy is rough, Baie Rouge will be as well. <BR>

Would suggest a day trip to Prickley Pear Cay. I noticed a catamaran called the Scooby Doo from St. Martin that also happens to go to Anguilla/Shoal Bay for day trips. I am sure there are others boats also.

Would suggest a day trip to Prickley Pear Cay. I noticed a catamaran called the Scooby Doo from St. Martin that also happens to go to Anguilla/Shoal Bay for day trips. I am sure there are others boats also.