Diving in St. Maarten

[heydn62]

I've just started diving and wanted to hear any opinions on diving in St. Maarten. I've snorkeled there and was not very impressed, nor are most people I've spoken with, but I've not heard about the diving.

Any opinions appreciated.

[scubasamurai]

it is a "nice place" to go if your there. the reefs are coming back but are a littled washed out. there is also a boat trip to saba, but being a new diver the depth range might be out of your skill level.
try dive adventures or dive safri there are good. the water vis is great and there are some nice things to see. have fun

[cole]

On the dutch side in the harbour, there are some old wrecks with cannons to view, but the current is terrible---poor diving and dangerous. On the French side not a hell of a lot to see but lots of sea urchins eating the coral that is there which is not much to see. If you are determined to go there-----best to fly to Angilla ( cost about $50 each way-or by boat 30 min ride and much cheaper0 Diving is great there---just remember the rule about flying after diving----I forgot but the flight was about 800 feet only after I told the pilot--nice guy.


Cole

[wgt]

Originally Posted by cole

On the dutch side in the harbour, there are some old wrecks with cannons to view, but the current is terrible---poor diving and dangerous. On the French side not a hell of a lot to see but lots of sea urchins eating the coral that is there which is not much to see. If you are determined to go there-----best to fly to Angilla ( cost about $50 each way-or by boat 30 min ride and much cheaper0 Diving is great there---just remember the rule about flying after diving----I forgot but the flight was about 800 feet only after I told the pilot--nice guy.


Cole

Although the currents in that part of the Caribbean are variable (peaking at the terrible), they are much more commonly favorable. However, I would still agree with the assessment that Sint Maarten is hardly a dive destination. Nevertheless, if Sint Maarten and/or St. Martin are the base of exploration, then day-trips to neighboring islands will prove very rewarding.

Jumping the ferry to Anguilla from Marigot (St. Martin) is terrific for beaches (some of the best in the world) and perhaps a dive on a Spanish Galeon. Talking a dive shop into taking you to the rocks off of St. Barth's (named after Christopher Columbus' brother) is also a great diversion. Day-trips to Saba with its magnificent pinnacles (air or boat) or Sint Eustatius with its historic and modern wrecks (only by air from Sint Maarten at this time) provide some superb dive opportunities.

Enjoy!

[heydn62]

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at St. Maarten as a stop on a cruise, so probably no time to island hop and dive. I snorkeled there once before on a cruise, and a couple of times on a long weekend there once. Didn't know if the deep diving would be better.

[wgt]

Originally Posted by heydn62

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at St. Maarten as a stop on a cruise, so probably no time to island hop and dive. I snorkeled there once before on a cruise, and a couple of times on a long weekend there once. Didn't know if the deep diving would be better.

Hi, Doug:

Thanks for the clarification. I am reluctant to tell you not to do a dive in Sint Maarten, as I now understand a bit more about your circumstances. If this is the opportunity for you to build up your experience in a tropical environment, then I would recommend seizing it.

St. Martin in particular is far more renowned for the food than for its diving. However, given a choice, I would always opt for an average swim with the fishies over even the most superb pate de foie gras. Depending on your itinerary, I suspect that you can achieve both before boarding the ship once again.