Man of War Shoal Marine Park

Man of War Shoal was designated in 2010 and is the only protected area on the Dutch side, covering reef, shoal and sand bottom off the south coast along with a set of wrecks that have been put down or gone down over the years. Reef sharks, turtles and rays use it. It is where the island's dive operators work and where the reef is in the best condition.

What you actually see

• The shoal - the shallow reef system the park is named for.
• The wrecks - the ships lying on the bottom inside the park.
• The turtles and rays - the larger animals working the reef.
• The 2010 designation - the island's first and only protected area.

When to go

December to April is the dry high season. Visibility is generally good year round. Winter swell affects some sites.

Honest expectations

Reef condition here has suffered from storms and bleaching like everywhere in the region. Access is through operators; there is no shore entry. Park fees are charged on top of dive costs.

Nearby

Philipsburg is north, and Simpson Bay is northwest.