Sint Maarten , Netherlands (Dutch side) / France (French side)

St Maarten Discover Scuba

Active

(59 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take the plunge into the underwater world of St Maarten on this scuba diving adventure for beginners -- a perfect introduction! Ease into the calm and clear waters of the Caribbean, and explore shallow dive sites with a trained PADI instructor. Choose your departure destination depending on where you are located on the island or if you are a cruise ship passenger.
Simpson Bay Resort - Cole Bay & Simpson Bay area
Divi Resort - Philipsburg, Oyster Pond, Dawn Beach, Orient & Little Bay area

Available options

Simpson Bay Resort - 1:00pm

Tour departing from Simpson Bay Resort at 1:30pm. Check in at 1pm.

Divi Little Bay CheckIn 1:15pm

Tour departing from Divi Resort Little Bay 2pm. Check in is at 1:15pm.
This location is ideal for cruise ship passengers.

What's included

All necessary scuba gear

Beverages (water, juice, soda)

Professional guide

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

41 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age is 12 years

All participants must be strong swimmers

All participants MUST be in good health to participate

Diving within 24 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time

LINK TO PADI'S MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE: https://www.padi.com/sites/default/files/documents/2020-08/10346E_Diver_Medical_Form.pdf

Meeting point

Divi Little Bay Resort: On the beach at the watersports booth.
Simpson Bay Resort: Marina of the Resort. #37 Billy Folly Rd, Simpson Bay

Important notes

Please note: medical forms must be completed before the day of your scuba tour to ensure fitness levels and health for the experience. Please see link below.

http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/forms/pdf/10063-ver2-0.pdf

About Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is a unique destination that offers the best of two cultures and landscapes. The island is divided between the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint Martin), each offering distinct experiences. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining options, it's a tropical paradise that caters to a wide range of travelers.

Top Attractions

Maho Beach

Famous for its close proximity to the airport runway, where planes fly extremely low. A must-see for thrill-seekers.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Orient Bay Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, known for its white sand and clear waters. Ideal for water sports and relaxation.

Beach Half day to full day Free (rentals and activities extra)

Philipsburg

The capital of Sint Maarten, known for its colorful Dutch architecture, duty-free shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore (shopping extra)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Conch Fritters

Fried fritters made from conch meat, a local delicacy.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Johnny Cakes

Fried dough bread, often served with butter or jam.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Bouillon

A hearty soup made with chicken, dumplings, and vegetables.

Soup Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Popular Activities

Jet-skiing Parasailing Ziplining Hiking Beach hopping Spa treatments Sunbathing Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak tourist season with the best weather, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures.

24°C to 29°C 75°F to 84°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch (Sint Maarten), French (Saint Martin)
Widely spoken: English, Papiamento (Creole dialect)
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Netherlands Antillean Guilder (Sint Maarten) / Euro (Saint Martin) (ANG / EUR)

Time Zone

GMT-4 (Atlantic Standard Time)

Electricity

110V (Dutch side) / 220V (French side)V, 60Hz (Dutch side) / 50Hz (French side)Hz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sint Maarten is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, petty theft and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Princess Juliana International Airport • 3 km from Philipsburg

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable but infrequent and can be crowded. They are a good option for budget travelers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi services, no Uber or Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Philipsburg Maho Marigot

Day trips

Anguilla

15 km (9 miles) • Half day to full day

A nearby island known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and high-end dining. A great escape for a day of relaxation and exploration.

Sint Eustatius

30 km (18 miles) • Full day

A small, historic island with a rich colonial past. Known for its well-preserved ruins, diving spots, and laid-back atmosphere.

Tiny Island

10 km (6 miles) • Half day

A small, uninhabited island with beautiful beaches and clear waters. Perfect for a day of snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking.

Festivals

Carnival • April (dates vary) St. Martin Jazz Festival • March (dates vary) St. Martin Day Parade • November 11

Pro tips

Visit Maho Beach for the thrilling experience of watching planes land and take off
Explore the French side for a taste of European charm and culture
Try local dishes like conch fritters and Johnny cakes for an authentic culinary experience
Book accommodations and transport well in advance, especially during peak season
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem