Discover Scuba in St Maarten: Beginner Caribbean Dives at Divi & Simpson Bay
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness and be comfortable swimming; strong swimming ability is required.
Overview
Take your first breaths underwater off St Maarten: a calm, instructor-led boat dive over shallow artificial reefs with a helicopter wreck, stingrays, and colorful reef life. Perfect for beginners and cruise passengers looking for a safe, unforgettable introduction to Caribbean scuba.
Discover Scuba in St Maarten: Beginner Caribbean Dives at Divi & Simpson Bay
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The boat slips away from the white sand like a promise: warm air, a slow Caribbean swell, and a horizon that refuses to hurry. Within an hour of leaving Divi Little Bay or the Simpson Bay marina you’re hovering over a shallow artificial reef in water the color of broken glass, hands cupped around a regulator, eyes wide behind a mask as a trained PADI instructor guides your first breaths under pressure.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Complete the medical form before arrival
Fill out PADI’s dive medical questionnaire in advance and bring any doctor’s clearance if you have pre-existing conditions.
Arrive 30 minutes early
Plan to be at the meeting point (Divi Little Bay or Simpson Bay marina) 30 minutes before departure to sign waivers and get fitted for gear.
No flying within 24 hours
To avoid decompression risks, do not board a flight within 24 hours after diving.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
Protect your skin from sun and reduce chemical exposure to corals by using reef-safe sunscreen and wearing a thin wetsuit or rash guard.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Octopus
- Southern stingray
History
St Maarten is split between Dutch and French control since the 17th century; Philipsburg grew as a maritime hub supporting reef fisheries and trade.
Conservation
Local operators encourage reef-safe sunscreen and report lionfish sightings; removing invasive lionfish is a community priority to protect native reef life.
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Adventure Hotspots in Philipsburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Shorty wetsuit or rash guard
Keeps you warm on the surface and protects against sun and scrapes.
summer specific
Mask, snorkel, fins (if you prefer your own)
Familiar equipment can improve comfort and fit underwater.
Dive computer or depth gauge (rental usually provided)
Helpful for tracking bottom time and depth during your dive.
Waterproof camera or GoPro
Capture the wreck, rays, and macro life in shallow water.