St Martin/St Maarten advice on diving

[Dive4air]

Hey...I am heading there in late April so I could use some pointers on the diving there. I know all about the Day trip to SABA, so don't tell me that. I would like to hear about diving in St Martin/Maarten. I am staying close to Orient beach side.

Which shops you recommend?
What dive site you thought was best?
General diving advice on the island, like transportation, finding meals before or after dives, etc.

Ok, for those of you really itching to talk about SABA, I hate flying especially small planes, so can you tell me if you ferryed or flew and how bad was the flight? Will I want to write my last will and testament before i hop on?

 

[sandrascuba]

I've always taken the ferry to Saba. That way there's no problem getting the gear there with me. Beware.... the ferry "The Edge" that goes there does NOT run to Saba everyday so you need to plan accordingly. It costs about $60 for the trip and takes about an hour. The ferry departs across the Island from Orient. All the great things you've heard about Saba are true.

Now, SXM, we usually stay at LaPlantation on Orient so I'm familiar with the area. SXM is not known for good diving so don't expect much if you pursue it. It's amazing that Saba is so close and fantastic, while SXM gets two thumbs down for diving. We combine a week diving in Saba then ferry back to SXM to enjoy the beaches, nightlife and great food for the second week.

Have fun.

Sandra

 

[Scott101]

You can find information on the ferry (The Edge) at http://www.stmaarten-activities.com/tripstours.htm

This is also the dive op that I use also but they are located on the Dutch side at Simpson Bay. I have logged over 50 dives there so if you have any questions just let me know. Another good site for info on the island is www.traveltalkonline.com

Good luck!

 

[gatorchick]

I'm heading to St. Maarten staying at Pelican in Simpson Bay. Based on a prior post I guess the diving is not great in St. Maarten but I didn't have many choices on where to use my parent's timeshare so thought I would check it out.

Any recs on a dive operation there? I will look into going to Saba as well. Thanks for any input you can provide.

Joanne

 

[caymaniac]

Hey...I am heading there in late April so I could use some pointers on the diving there. I know all about the Day trip to SABA, so don't tell me that. I would like to hear about diving in St Martin/Maarten. I am staying close to Orient beach side.

Which shops you recommend?
What dive site you thought was best?
General diving advice on the island, like transportation, finding meals before or after dives, etc.

Ok, for those of you really itching to talk about SABA, I hate flying especially small planes, so can you tell me if you ferryed or flew and how bad was the flight? Will I want to write my last will and testament before i hop on?

I went to St Maarten on a cruise ship.....which really is agaisnt my grain. It was my first cruise and I don't need that many people around me-that much food-entertainment every night- and most of all I don't like to dress up, that may have been my last cruise. The dive I did was arranged through the net with Scuba Fun charters. I thought the two dives that we did were good. We dove on a wreck, south and east of the cruise ship harbor and then moved on a reef nearby the wreck. I would say two excellent dives. We penetrated the wreck and there were some small schools of fish on the wreck as well as a big green moray. The reef looked healthy and we saw two small - 5ft sharks also on the reef. My camera was on the fritz so sorry, no pics.

 

[Scott101]

I'm heading to St. Maarten staying at Pelican in Simpson Bay. Based on a prior post I guess the diving is not great in St. Maarten but I didn't have many choices on where to use my parent's timeshare so thought I would check it out.

Any recs on a dive operation there? I will look into going to Saba as well. Thanks for any input you can provide.

Joanne

`


We have stayed next door at the Flamingo for the past 5 years. Its a very nice area with a nice beach.

As for dive ops, I have gone with Aquamania (Dive Adventure) for the last 50 dives or so and have no complaints. The diving there is decent but not Cozumel. There is plenty of marine life and some nice wrecks if thats your thing.

Also, the food on the island rocks! An there are some nice places to eat close by.

I am very envious that your going and I am not!

here's some St. Maarten pics:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frasure711/my_photos

 

[asoares]

Hey, skip St. Maarten and come to Saba instead! PEACEFUL! You wouldnt find that on SXM. Diving is great here! There no worries on how you get to Saba either by ferry or airline. For more info on how to get to Saba check out my website http://www.cottage-club.com/saba.htm
Now come on down, the water is warm~