The Saint Barthelemy Nature Reserve covers 5 distinct zones:
This spatial fragmentation enables us to cover diverse environments and alternate zones with different protection regimes. The nature reserve protects underwater ecosystems as beautiful as they are fragile, such as seagrass beds and coral reefs. These are the habitats of numerous species, particularly endangered species.
These areas are precisely delineated in the Nature Reserve brochure. Pleasure boating activities are regulated. Commercial activities in the reserve are subject to prior authorization.
=> Learn more about Saint Barthelemy's biodiversity
Within the lagoon, specific regulations apply to this area, which is frequented by bathers, boats, fishermen and sailors (kitesurfers/windsurfers), posted at the Grand Cul-de-sac bay
The reinforced protection zone includes the same prohibitions as the simple protection zone, with the addition of a total ban on fishing, anchoring and scuba diving.
Diving sites in the Nature Reserve
There are 23 dive sites in the Nature Reserve, indicated by the red square pictogram with a diagonal white stripe. Ecological anchorages are available for divers to discover the reefs and wrecks around the island while preserving the seabed. Only boats of up to 10 tons and 15 meters are allowed to anchor here. A buoy is for 1 boat only. The maximum time spent on a diving buoy is 2h30. Anchoring and mooring by sailboats is strictly forbidden. On board, only diving equipment is allowed, no gloves (forbidden in the Nature Reserve to prevent underwater collecting) and no fishing gear. All this information is detailed in the Nature Reserve brochure.
Located in a simple protection zone, behavior in and on the water around dive sites is explained above.
