St. Maarten, Philispburg
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sandrascuba
Contributor
St. Martin is not known for diving. Go to the French side to beach or eat. For diving take the ferry to Saba and dive there in the Marine Park. Make arrangements ahead of time with Saba Deep. You can ferry over in the morning and ferry back in the afternoon. Beware though, the ferry only runs on certain days. You can fly over too if you have the $$.
Sandra
Sandra
Scott101
Contributor
I have been going there for about 5 years or so and while the diving is not Cozumel, its not that bad. I have always used Aquamania Dive Adventures in Simpson Bay (also where the ferry "The Edge" to Saba leaves) and like them a lot.
As for favorite dives, One Step beyond and Hens and Chicks are my favorite. The sea has to be relatively calm for ops to go there but those are the best (just off St. Barts).
If you have any questions about the island (Dutch side anyway), ask away.
As for favorite dives, One Step beyond and Hens and Chicks are my favorite. The sea has to be relatively calm for ops to go there but those are the best (just off St. Barts).
If you have any questions about the island (Dutch side anyway), ask away.
I'll be making my 12th trip to sxm this august! 
I usually dive with Dive Safaris at the simpson bay location. The Bobby's Marina location (located in P'burgh) is used by the cruiseships meaning theo boats are crowded.
My favourite site is definately Moon Haul. I never made it out to one step and beyond (in august the conditions are never perfect) but I've heard great things about it. There's also this japanese fishing boat in 115 ft of water which I thought was rather fun.
I usually dive with Dive Safaris at the simpson bay location. The Bobby's Marina location (located in P'burgh) is used by the cruiseships meaning theo boats are crowded.
My favourite site is definately Moon Haul. I never made it out to one step and beyond (in august the conditions are never perfect) but I've heard great things about it. There's also this japanese fishing boat in 115 ft of water which I thought was rather fun.
sasscuba
Contributor
sandrascuba:
What no good diving..
There is some very good diving on Saint Maarten. You just have to dive the right sites.sandrascuba
Contributor
If you read my post again I didn't say "no good diving." What I said is that St. Martin is "not known for diving." I'm sure there are some sites around St. Martin that have fine diving. It's just not the kind of place that attracts divers on dive trips.
Sandra
Sandra
scuba_guy62
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Heading to St. Martin on June 17th for a week (Coz. trip didn't pan out) so any more info. on the diving and the Saba ferry would be great. We are staying at Mercure Simson on the French side and I assume it is close to a ferry port and a dive shop or two. Any other vacation hints would be appreciated (thankfully my dive buddy speaks French).
sandrascuba
Contributor
The Edge ferry departs from the harbour in Simpson Bay at 9 a.m. and leaves Saba around 3-3:30 p.m. Reservations for the ferry are stongly recommended. By taking the ferry you can still get in 3 dives/day. Be sure to google the Edge for operational days as they do not run everyday.
You won't need much French on SXM as most speak English. Be sure to visit Orient Beach and prepare for some great food around the Island. There are some really pretty beaches on the French side too so rent a car while you're there so you can look around.
Have fun.
Sandra
You won't need much French on SXM as most speak English. Be sure to visit Orient Beach and prepare for some great food around the Island. There are some really pretty beaches on the French side too so rent a car while you're there so you can look around.
Have fun.
Sandra
scuba_guy62
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Thanks...I had thought we'd rent a car for a day or three and tour the island a bit. I think we are staying quite close to Baie Rouge which I hear has a nice beach. I will check the ferry sched. and try and book some diving on Saba as well. I generally lose weight on vacation but it sounds like the food gods on the island may have it in for me.
I am assuming that water temps should be in the low 80's around boths islands? We are planning on just bringing 3mil full suits.
I am assuming that water temps should be in the low 80's around boths islands? We are planning on just bringing 3mil full suits.
KBeck
Contributor
I went withOcean Explorers (on the Dutch side) while there.....small boat, incredible guy. He's been there for some 20 years and was obvious he knew his stuff.
I found the diving to be reasonably good; reasonably comparable to South Florida and the Keys diving.
I do regret not having the chance to dive Saba....we went over for the day (definitely worth the trip, no matter what); it's a gorgeous, reasonably untouched kind of place. A great juxtaposition to St. Maarten's flashiness.
If you even remotely like a fancy meal, definitely give yourself the opportunity to splurge on at least one night. I've never eaten so well in my life!
Enjoy your trip!
I found the diving to be reasonably good; reasonably comparable to South Florida and the Keys diving.
I do regret not having the chance to dive Saba....we went over for the day (definitely worth the trip, no matter what); it's a gorgeous, reasonably untouched kind of place. A great juxtaposition to St. Maarten's flashiness.
If you even remotely like a fancy meal, definitely give yourself the opportunity to splurge on at least one night. I've never eaten so well in my life!
Enjoy your trip!
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