Hey guys - we're new to this site. We're going to St. Maarten this month and would like info on diving around there.....names of recommended dive shops, dive sites, etc. We'll be staying at the Oyster Bay Beach Resort, on the Dutch side of the island. Anything you can tell us would be appreciated! Thanks!
Diving in St. Maarten????
- Thread starter patriciag
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Sharkdive1
Contributor
Welcome to SB. I would post your question in the Travel section on going to ST. Maarten. This more for just meet and greet. Have not been there so I can not tell you.
sasscuba
Contributor
Welcome to the board. Lots of good people and information here. Enjoy.
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Howdy and welcome to SB!
The diving is not great there, but I did a few dives on the south side with one of the shops years ago. It was ok. I dont have current info. Depending on your experience, training, and how much you want to do, a side trip to Saba would be great.
Good to have you here. If you haven't yet, click Forums above and start going thru the list - looking for those of interest to you, especially your local dive club. Click the link in my Sig below to PM me if I can help you around here..
don
The diving is not great there, but I did a few dives on the south side with one of the shops years ago. It was ok. I dont have current info. Depending on your experience, training, and how much you want to do, a side trip to Saba would be great.
Good to have you here. If you haven't yet, click Forums above and start going thru the list - looking for those of interest to you, especially your local dive club. Click the link in my Sig below to PM me if I can help you around here..
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Enjoyed your Seattle photos, Don Donaldo.
You can tell who the manly diver is--you're the only one with a wetsuit ; )
Regards,
DocVikingo
You can tell who the manly diver is--you're the only one with a wetsuit ; )
Regards,
DocVikingo
ffestpirate
Guest
My wife and I were in there in May on the French side. I posted this after we got back. I would highly reccomend these guys. Bit of a language barrier, but an awesome day!!!:
Saint Maarten-Neptune Dive Center
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My wife and I just returned from a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. We chose to dive in Saint Maarten. We had never been there before and had no knowledge of any operations over there. I did a search on dogpile and located several. We finally decided on Neptune Dive Center on Orient Beach. We waited until the last minute to decide, so I had to finalize our arrangements via internet on the cruise. Sylvie was my contact person and she did a fantastic job. We had a group of 6 divers and finally confirmed everything two days before we arrived. When we arrived, we found out that their boat had mechanical problems the day before we got there. But since they were expecting us, they had arranged a rental to be there for us. Neptune Dive Center is a quaint little cabana on Orient beach. Just what you would hope for on a tropic isle. I forgot our divemasters name, but he worked hard to make our trip memorable.
The first dive was a drift dive through two natural arches with a bevy of wildlife. As we neared the end of the dive, we came across about 30 dolphin. It was the most amazing sight. They were in a formation almost like a wall. Vertical and horizontal rows. Several of them broke away and came and played with us. It was an experience I'll never forget!!!!
The second dive was a wreck. There was wildlife all around and a black ray buried in the sand on the periphery of the wreck almost like a sentry! We were able to do a swim through penetration of the wreck and the divemaster even took a picture of me at the helm of the ship.
The whole operation worked hard to make sure everything went well for us. I have never had a more memorable dive. I reccomend them to anyone thinking of diving Saint Maarten.
__________________
Best wishes for Kimber
Saint Maarten-Neptune Dive Center
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My wife and I just returned from a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. We chose to dive in Saint Maarten. We had never been there before and had no knowledge of any operations over there. I did a search on dogpile and located several. We finally decided on Neptune Dive Center on Orient Beach. We waited until the last minute to decide, so I had to finalize our arrangements via internet on the cruise. Sylvie was my contact person and she did a fantastic job. We had a group of 6 divers and finally confirmed everything two days before we arrived. When we arrived, we found out that their boat had mechanical problems the day before we got there. But since they were expecting us, they had arranged a rental to be there for us. Neptune Dive Center is a quaint little cabana on Orient beach. Just what you would hope for on a tropic isle. I forgot our divemasters name, but he worked hard to make our trip memorable.
The first dive was a drift dive through two natural arches with a bevy of wildlife. As we neared the end of the dive, we came across about 30 dolphin. It was the most amazing sight. They were in a formation almost like a wall. Vertical and horizontal rows. Several of them broke away and came and played with us. It was an experience I'll never forget!!!!
The second dive was a wreck. There was wildlife all around and a black ray buried in the sand on the periphery of the wreck almost like a sentry! We were able to do a swim through penetration of the wreck and the divemaster even took a picture of me at the helm of the ship.
The whole operation worked hard to make sure everything went well for us. I have never had a more memorable dive. I reccomend them to anyone thinking of diving Saint Maarten.
__________________
Best wishes for Kimber
Scott101
Contributor
I have done about 50 or so dives on St. Maarten and I love the place. I am not sure who operates out at Oyester Pond (I think Dive Safari might go out of the marina there). I always have used Aquamania (aka Dive Adventures) in Simpson Bay. They are a great op and a good people. It might be a bit far for you to travel (its near the airport, you are on the other side to Phillipsburg), maybe about 30 mins depending on traffic.
Most of the diving there will be nice and easy at about 60-70 ft. Mainly small reefs and a few wrecks with the usual cast of critters swimming around. The biggest difference is getting back on the boat. Only once have I been out and it be calm seas. The rest of the time, you have to time the swells, grab the ladder and hope for the best.
If you have never been, I would recommend going to www.traveltalkonline.com and looking at their forum on SXM. Lots of posts, good info, etc.
If you would like to see some pics or ask any other questions, send me a pm.
Most of the diving there will be nice and easy at about 60-70 ft. Mainly small reefs and a few wrecks with the usual cast of critters swimming around. The biggest difference is getting back on the boat. Only once have I been out and it be calm seas. The rest of the time, you have to time the swells, grab the ladder and hope for the best.
If you have never been, I would recommend going to www.traveltalkonline.com and looking at their forum on SXM. Lots of posts, good info, etc.
If you would like to see some pics or ask any other questions, send me a pm.
Love the island. As far as diving.........well, its better than not diving.......lol.
Saba is the real ticket. Go if you can. Short plane ride or boat ride. Have a great time. Check out Le Bar de le Mer and Le Bistro Nu in Marigot.
Saba is the real ticket. Go if you can. Short plane ride or boat ride. Have a great time. Check out Le Bar de le Mer and Le Bistro Nu in Marigot.
DaveG
Registered
i have many dives in St. Martin
not that bad really
on the French side you need a bit of a boat ride to any good sites.
on our last trip i did 4 dives on the Dutch side and found the sites closer to shore and generally better.
I always use Fun Scuba Caribes on both sides. Say hi to Yeves and Antoinne.
not that bad really
on the French side you need a bit of a boat ride to any good sites.
on our last trip i did 4 dives on the Dutch side and found the sites closer to shore and generally better.
I always use Fun Scuba Caribes on both sides. Say hi to Yeves and Antoinne.
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