The area is one of the richest waters for shark spotting in the world. With a little luck, you can meet dozens of nurse sharks or perhaps the elegant Caribbean reef shark during a dive, but that's not it; you can also come across ground and tiger sharks.

Yes, the waters surrounding St. Martin (and Sint Maarten) have a healthy and diverse shark population, but they are not considered a danger to tourists in 2026. The most common species are Caribbean Reef Sharks and Nurse Sharks, which are generally docile and frequently spotted by scuba divers at sites like Man of War Shoal Marine Park. While larger species like Tiger Sharks do inhabit the deeper local waters, they rarely interact with swimmers. In 2026, the Nature Foundation St. Maarten continues to monitor these populations, emphasizing that sharks are a vital sign of a healthy coral reef ecosystem. While a rare tragic incident occurred in 2020, the statistical likelihood of an encounter is extremely low. Most 2026 visitors will never see a shark unless they specifically go on a guided dive, where the animals are respected as "guardians of the reef" rather than a threat to those enjoying the island's many sandy beaches.