Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find your answear here, you could also contact us here.What is Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving offers people the amazing chance to see what life is like below the water, in St Maarten it is in the warm Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Scuba is an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba divers wear equipment which allows the divers to stay below the water's surface for long periods of time.
Scuba diving along with snorkeling is the most common way for most people to see the reefs and wreck sites around St Maarten. Scuba allows you to dive down several feet below the surface to swim amongst the coral and tropical marine life.
Scuba diving along with snorkeling is the most common way for most people to see the reefs and wreck sites around St Maarten. Scuba allows you to dive down several feet below the surface to swim amongst the coral and tropical marine life.
What is the difference between snorkeling and scuba diving?
Snorkeling doesn't require that you wear tanks and other equipment like regulators. Snorkelers stay on the surface, allowing you to breathe with your face down, and free dive to see the marine life. Scuba diving allows you to breathe underwater, diving several feet in depth.
What is Certified Diving?
Certified divers are people who have completed a scuba diving course and have an entry level Scuba Diving Qualification or above.
Can I Scuba Dive if I have never done it before?
Yes. Providing you are medically fit to dive and enjoy the water - you can scuba dive during your vacation on St Maarten.
Can snorkelers and divers travel on the same trip?
Yes! Snorkelers and divers can enjoy a trip together on our afternoon shallow dives at 2pm. Snorkellers also have the option to try introductory scuba diving with the Discover Scuba Course.
If it does rain, will I still be able to dive?
We choose dive sites the morning of the dives, depending on wind, waves and weather conditions in general. Rain does not inhibit our dives, we watch more for ground swells and rough surface conditions. Always ask about the weather conditions of the day and decide if you are able to cope. Never dive outside of your abilities or comfort level. Never dive if you are feeling congested or have ill health. Talk to your dive shop, the instructors are there to conduct a safe and memorable dive experience.
When can I fly after diving?
PADI safe standards like you to leave 24 hours between diving and flying. Simply plan dives earlier in the week of your vacation to allow for the unforeseen and maximum "up time", especially if you become congested or develop ear complaints. Remember you can fly and dive, but not dive and fly.
I wear contact lenses. What are my options?
Many divers wear their masks with their soft contact lenses in and dive quite happily. If you choose this option, make sure you have a well fitting mask with a good seal. Better option would be to invest in a prescription mask. We sell certain strengths in our store, however if you have a very strong prescription, they are best sought after at your local dive store. Do not dive with hard contacts as it is dangerous.
Do I need dive insurance?
DAN insurance is a great way to ensure that you are prepared for the unexpected. If you are just starting and wanting to try a Discover Scuba or other adventurous sports on vacation, take travel insurance and make sure you are covered for that type of activity. When certified opt for good coverage with DAN (Divers Alert Network).
Where will I be diving and how deep are the dives?
Our dive boat visits many reef sites on a regular basis during each week – Proselyte Wreck, Mikes Maze, The Gregory Wreck to mention a few,... Check our map here!
The dive depths vary at each reef but the average would be around 60 feet on a 9am double tank dive. The afternoon dives visit shallower reef areas at around a 32 ft depth. These shallow afternoon dives are for Discover Scuba Divers, divers who wish to do a refresher if their last dive was more than a year ago, and for those who simply like to dive shallower.
The dive depths vary at each reef but the average would be around 60 feet on a 9am double tank dive. The afternoon dives visit shallower reef areas at around a 32 ft depth. These shallow afternoon dives are for Discover Scuba Divers, divers who wish to do a refresher if their last dive was more than a year ago, and for those who simply like to dive shallower.
How do I become a Certified Diver?
PADI e-learning is becoming the most popular way for people to get certified on vacation. Access the e-learning on the padi.com website and sign up to do the bookwork and final exam online. Dive Adventures store number is 15365. Then book online for your 4 referral dives on your next vacation. Less time in the classroom on vacation means more time underwater exploring St Maarten’s warm and inviting dive sites.
Alternatively you could choose to do the whole PADI Open Water Course on vacation. Just three days to full certification.
If time constraints don’t allow read up about the Discover Scuba Courses or The PADI Scuba Diver.
Alternatively you could choose to do the whole PADI Open Water Course on vacation. Just three days to full certification.
If time constraints don’t allow read up about the Discover Scuba Courses or The PADI Scuba Diver.
How many people are in an Open Water Course?
We take 4 students maximum per instructor. The courses are personalized with fun and friendly crew.
What if I don't want to become certified?
Then the Discover Scuba is for you. After a briefing and equipment check with your instructor you will be off to a shallow reef site for your first dive. These dives are great for vacation and for your first scuba experience.
What is the best time of year to dive in St Maarten?
The chart below is a good idea of our tropical weather. Hurricane season is June to November each year, with peak times being Aug and Sept. May is beautiful weather, July –Sept very hot and of course we like to think we have a winter between Dec and March. Much cooler winds.
| Summer (May to October) - Hurricane Season | Winter (November to April) |
| Overall great marine life activity with plenty to see | Overall great marine life activity with plenty to see |
| Visibility: excellent | Visibility: good |
| Water temperature: 29°C (85°F) | Water temperature: 23-27°C (75-80°F) |
| Generally calm sea conditions | Rougher sea conditions. Mainly surface chop and stronger winds on the morning dives. |
| Low to moderate rain, unless we have a tropical system move through. Generally at night | Higher rainfall November |
I'm a certified diver. I have lost my certification card. Will I still be able to dive?
Yes. If you are certified with PADI, NAUI or SSI we have a way of calling or looking up your certification online. It is however a good idea to get a lost card replaced before going on vacation, or ask your local dive shop to obtain a printout online for you, especially if you are headed to a remote area.
What size tanks do you offer?
We use 80 cubic foot aluminum tanks, with a smaller tank for very little folk.
What is the reef tax and fuel levy?
There is no fuel levy but the St. Maarten Nature Foundation has implemented a $3 per dive Marine Park Fee for the newly established "Man of War Shoal" Marine Park. An annual tag can be purchased for $15. All this is done right at your dive shop.
