The Fish Bowl dive site, nestled within the Man of War Shoal Marine Park off the coast of Sint Maarten, is a distinctive circular or bowl-shaped reef renowned for its stunning natural features and diverse marine life. This unique natural formation, established as Sint Maarten's first legally protected zone on December 31, 2010, lives up to its name, teeming with a variety of marine animals and fascinating underwater formations created by trickling champagne bubbles through the rocks.
Divers can explore this vibrant site, which features a notable large swim-through towards the end of the dive, offering an exciting navigational element and a memorable experience. Depths are manageable, making it highly recommended for both divers and freedivers, while snorkelers will also enjoy the shallower parts of the reef. The best time to visit aligns with the typical diving season in Sint Maarten, generally from December to May, when waters are calmest and visibility is excellent.
The Fish Bowl boasts an impressive array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter Honeycomb Trunk Fish, Scrawled File Fish, Boxfish, Surgeonfish, Yellowhead Jawfish, Fairy Basslets, and huge schools of Bi-coloured Damsel Fish. The deeper sections and particularly the large swim-through are home to larger predators and visitors such as Barracudas, Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Green Moray Eels. Divers should be prepared for potential encounters with these larger marine creatures within the swim-through. The marine park’s protection ensures the continued health and abundance of these incredible creatures and their habitat.
