Nude Snorkeling in Kazanu

About the author

Preacher Joe Conway

Kazanu is the coolest spot in the paradise known as St. Martin (or Sint Maartin). Upon our arrival the on-premise owner greeted us in the parking lot and helped us settle into our residence. Our space for this visit is known as the Oseyan unit. In my opinion this space has the best view as it overlooks the pool, the ocean, and the island of Tintamarre. On the website, www. kazanusxm.com, you will find pictures of all six of the existing units. The best part of this boutique residence is that it is adults-only clothing-optional. The second best part is there are laundry facilities on site. Pack light. You won’t need many clothes.

Our host, Tim Roosens, was informative and welcoming from our first contact which was by email. He quickly volunteered that AANR members have a discounted rate whether during the prime season or the slow season (April-October). Ten days prior to our departure he sent an email identifying restaurants in the village of Oyster Pond on the French side of the island. Included in his email was information about activities and sites on both the Dutch and French sides of this beautiful island. His recommendation on restaurants and variety of cuisine in all parts of the island was very valuable. Information included ferry operations to Pinel Island and the plethora of beaches on both sides. The email further noted the best and fastest route from Princess Juliana airport (SXM) to the residence. If you prefer to have groceries delivered to your rental, he will arrange delivery on your day of arrival.

Orient Bay was only a 15-minute drive from Kazanu. This well-known naturist beach is one of Tim’s favorites. It is also a popular place to watch the windsurfers and wingfoilers. There are other beaches that tolerate skinny dipping and eliminating tan lines; however, discretion is required. Tim has a wealth of information on where to go depending on wind velocity and direction. He also pointed us to grocery stores on both sides with accurate directions to both.

We ventured to Cupecoy beach one evening to Dany’s bar for some au natural time where we also encountered a rousing game of Left-Center-Right. The sunset was breathtaking and afterward we were invited to “The Lemon Droppers” Circle of Friends. Of course it culminated in shots of Lemon Drop!

Tim not only facilitated helping us find Dany’s, he also heard from the dozen residents interested in a nude snorkeling adventure. One quick phone call later we were booked for a private snorkeling trip on a boat that could take 12 passengers and two crew members.

We bonded immediately with the other guests as we enjoyed our first dip into the pool. A couple days later, Tim grilled fish and everyone brought a dish as we had a community meal poolside. 

The next week guests arranged for a spaghetti dinner with multiple side dishes preceded by a rum punch happy hour. We loved the onefamily atmosphere!

We hope you will head to Kazanu soon and enjoy the experience as much as we did. Two weeks was not enough time so we will be back soon. When you go, tell Tim that Joe and Sharon Conway sent you his way.

The echo of disappointment was probably heard through the world of nudists. The response to my email indicated that nude snorkeling trips were discontinued on the island of Saint Martin. While Orient Beach still remains host to the world’s most well-known Caribbean destination for nudists, snorkeling from the beach has its limits. Other reef areas are somewhat out of reach. We took our snorkeling gear anyway.

While enjoying “happy hour” with the other guests at Kazanu, I mentioned our previous nude snorkeling experiences in Hawaii 

and other parts of the Caribbean, secretly wishing someone knew of an alternative for Saint Martin. I was pleasantly surprised when five other couples volunteered they would join in such an adventure.

Wishes do come true. Our host (owner of Kazanu) whipped out his phone, spoke for a few minutes and then turned and asked if Wednesday morning (Valentine’s Day) was good for all of us. A resounding “yes” and the trip was booked. 

Promptly at 9:30 a.m. we parked and walked into the wonderful world of Captain Alan’s boat charters. Captain Alan introduced himself, gave us the safety briefing, and after signing the paperwork and paying our fee we were off. But, not before he informed us that his wife would be serving as First Mate.

Coleen (or I should say Captain Coleen) had volunteered for the six-hour cruise. Our first mate made sure everyone had their swim fins, took our flip-flops and placed them in a bin, and welcomed us aboard. As we cruised out of the bay she informed us that as soon as we cleared the bay entrance we could disrobe. As the C’est La Vie cleared the final buoy, Coleen appeared with a large bag and collected everyone’s textiles, put hers in the bag, and opened the bar. We were politely informed that we would get our things back when we approached Oyster Bay on our return.

Captain Alan had also abandoned the textile world and informed us that he was changing our itinerary so we would arrive at the island of Tintamarre as our final stop. Our first stop opened the door to snorkeling sans clothing in Saint Martin. The sand bar out from Orient Beach provided a place to rest or simply explore as we swam, snorkeled, and enjoyed the calm sunny day. From there we visited another reef with more species of fish, turtles, and rays.

Rum punch (the First Mate’s secret recipe) flowed along with beer, soft drinks, and water. Snacks were served as we changed locations and then lunch was served. As we arrived at Tintamarre we could see other boats heading out for lunch elsewhere. After we anchored it was time for more snorkeling and another variation of undersea life.

Captain Alan shared with me that they ran multiple boats and that he and his wife are both certified boat captains. He furthermore 

shared their story on how hurricane Irma and Covid has crippled their business and thus the nude snorkeling was no longer offered. However, he said they were seeing demand pick up and they were hoping to offer regular trips. In the meantime, private charters are available. The C’est La Vie is rated for 12 passengers and two crew. Check with Captain Alan (https://www. captainalan.com) to see if regularly scheduled nude snorkeling is being offered again. If not, find like-minded people, team up, charter with Captain Alan and have a blast. We did. And tell them we sent you. You might also check out www.sxmnaturist.com for information on Captain Alan Charters.