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Float above a submerged gallery of more than 300 sculptures in Little Bay, St Maarten. This two-hour snorkel tour blends art, marine life, and conservation with an easy boat ride from Philipsburg.
Float above a submerged gallery of more than 300 sculptures in Little Bay, St Maarten. This two-hour snorkel tour blends art, marine life, and conservation with an easy boat ride from Philipsburg.
The sea parts like a stage as the boat slips into Little Bay — sunlight threading through turquoise and the engine’s hum receding to allow the ocean’s quiet. Guests float off the short 10-minute ride, masks on, and immediately find themselves over a gallery of over 300 submerged sculptures at roughly 15 feet depth. The figures sit on the sand, their surfaces already attracting corals and fish; currents and light play across their forms as curious parrotfish and wrasse weave between limbs.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Under SXM · Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
The sea parts like a stage as the boat slips into Little Bay — sunlight threading through turquoise and the engine’s hum receding to allow the ocean’s quiet. Guests float off the short 10-minute ride, masks on, and immediately find themselves over a gallery of over 300 submerged sculptures at roughly 15 feet depth. The figures sit on the sand, their surfaces already attracting corals and fish; currents and light play across their forms as curious parrotfish and wrasse weave between limbs.
The sculptures were installed to create artificial reef habitat while honoring St Maarten’s people and stories; over time the mineral surfaces become living foundations for coral growth. Geologically, the site is a shallow shelf of carbonate sand and limestone outcrops, which helps the art sit stable and visible from the surface. Culturally, the park is a community-led project that blends contemporary art with marine restoration, run by the designers and local stewards who guide each tour.
Practical guidance: plan for a roughly two-hour excursion with a calm 10-minute boat hop from Philipsburg. Snorkel gear, safety floats, and an onboard guide are provided; non-swimmers are discouraged. Expect warm water, good visibility in morning slots, and the option to purchase digital underwater photos onboard. Move slowly above the sculptures, avoid touching surfaces, and let fish lead the show — the experience is equal parts art viewing and marine encounter.
Timing your trip around cruise schedules or midday sun will affect visibility; early tours often provide the clearest water and the quietest reefs. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a tight-fitting mask, and a sense of patience to watch the marine life come alive beneath you.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most people with basic swimming ability; not recommended for non-swimmers
No—basic swimming skills are required; flotation devices are provided and guides stay close to the group, but non-swimmers are not recommended.
Meet at Bobby’s Marina by the two blue sculptures; it’s about a 10–15 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal.
Digital underwater photos are optional and available for purchase onboard; guides also point out good photo opportunities.
Sculptures sit around 15 feet below the surface; visibility varies by weather and time of day—mornings typically offer the clearest views.
The gallery was installed to both celebrate local culture and accelerate reef formation; it’s managed by the original designers and local stewards.
Visitors are asked not to touch sculptures or marine life and to use reef-safe products; the park serves as an active artificial reef restoration project.
Under SXM operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The sea parts like a stage as the boat slips into Little Bay — sunlight threading through turquoise and the engine’s hum receding to allow the ocean’s quiet. Guests float off the short 10-minute ride, masks on, and immediately find themselves over a gallery of over 300 submerged sculptures at roughly 15 feet depth. The figures sit on the sand, their surfaces already attracting corals and fish; currents and light play across their forms as curious parrotfish and wrasse weave between limbs.
The sea parts like a stage as the boat slips into Little Bay — sunlight threading through turquoise and the engine’s hum receding to allow the ocean’s quiet. Guests float off the short 10-minute ride, masks on, and immediately find themselves over a gallery of over 300 submerged sculptures at roughly 15 feet depth. The figures sit on the sand, their surfaces already attracting corals and fish; currents and light play across their forms as curious parrotfish and wrasse weave between limbs.
The sculptures were installed to create artificial reef habitat while honoring St Maarten’s people and stories; over time the mineral surfaces become living foundations for coral growth. Geologically, the site is a shallow shelf of carbonate sand and limestone outcrops, which helps the art sit stable and visible from the surface. Culturally, the park is a community-led project that blends contemporary art with marine restoration, run by the designers and local stewards who guide each tour.
Practical guidance: plan for a roughly two-hour excursion with a calm 10-minute boat hop from Philipsburg. Snorkel gear, safety floats, and an onboard guide are provided; non-swimmers are discouraged. Expect warm water, good visibility in morning slots, and the option to purchase digital underwater photos onboard. Move slowly above the sculptures, avoid touching surfaces, and let fish lead the show — the experience is equal parts art viewing and marine encounter.
Timing your trip around cruise schedules or midday sun will affect visibility; early tours often provide the clearest water and the quietest reefs. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a tight-fitting mask, and a sense of patience to watch the marine life come alive beneath you.