St Maarten is a fantastic place for scuba diving thanks to its clear waters, colorful marine life, and fascinating wrecks. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying it for the first time, the island offers options that cater to different interests and skill levels. We especially like the St Maarten Scuba Diving for Certified Divers tour for its extensive exploration of wrecks and reefs, and the St Maarten Discover Scuba experience for those new to diving who want a safe, guided introduction. Both tours showcase the island’s underwater beauty but serve different needs—one for thrill-seekers with experience, the other for beginners eager to try.
If you’re wondering which adventure suits you best, this guide will help you decide. We’ll review two top options, highlighting what makes each unique and valuable, so you can pick the right fit for your trip.
Quick Overview
On our list, you’ll find two excellent scuba options in St Maarten. The first is ideal for certified divers eager to explore wrecks and reefs with knowledgeable guides, offering a 4-hour tour at around $120 per person. The second is perfect for beginners, providing a safe, 3-hour introductory experience for $85, led by PADI instructors. Both tours are highly rated and give a genuine taste of the island’s underwater world.
Now, let’s look at each one more closely.
1. St Maarten Scuba Diving for Certified Divers
For around $120, the St Maarten Scuba Diving for Certified Divers tour offers a 3.5-hour trip into the depths of the Caribbean Sea. This experience is designed specifically for divers with a certification, meaning you’ll get to explore some of the best dive sites around the island. The tour departs from Philipsburg and takes you on a short cruise to prime locations, depending on weather and group preferences.
What makes this tour stand out are the wrecks and reefs you’ll visit, including Mike’s Maze, a coral-covered wreck, sunken sailboats, and even an old bridge. Dive sites at depths of 65-75 feet (20-23 meters) allow for a good mix of shallow and more advanced exploration. Marine life is abundant—expect to see moray eels, sea turtles, and southern stingrays. The dives are tailored to your skill level and preferences, with experienced guides ensuring safety and fun.
Rated 4.5/5 based on 138 reviews, this tour is praised for its organized operation, clean equipment, and knowledgeable guides like Georgina. Many reviewers highlight the wreck dives as spectacular and the marine life as plentiful. It’s an excellent choice if you want a full, engaging underwater experience with the comfort of expert supervision.
Bottom Line: This tour offers the best of St Maarten’s wrecks and reefs for certified divers who want a high-quality, well-organized adventure. It’s especially suited for those interested in exploring wrecks and looking for a memorable dive experience.
2. St Maarten Discover Scuba
Priced at $85 and lasting around 3 hours, the St Maarten Discover Scuba is perfect for first-time divers or anyone curious about trying scuba for the first time. Limited to twelve people, this tour ensures plenty of individual attention from a PADI-certified instructor. It’s available only on Thursdays at 1:30 pm, which makes it easy to plan around other activities.
This experience teaches you how to use the gear on land first, then takes you into shallow water for your guided underwater adventure. You’ll explore the calm, clear Caribbean waters at a depth suitable for beginners, and with your instructor’s help, you’ll quickly gain confidence. Expect to see moray eels, sea turtles, and southern stingrays as part of your underwater sightseeing.
The reviews reflect how accessible and enjoyable this tour is—one participant notes, “This was a great experience for our first time diving,” and another describes the instructor as “outstanding.” The small group size (just a few people) means you get personalized guidance, making it a safe and memorable first encounter with scuba.
Bottom Line: This beginner-friendly tour offers a gentle introduction to the underwater world, perfect if you’ve always wanted to try scuba but aren’t ready for a full certification yet.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two St Maarten scuba tours, consider your experience level, budget, and what kind of adventure you’re craving. If you’re already certified and eager to explore wrecks and reefs, the Certified Diver Tour delivers a more extensive experience at a slightly higher price. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their time underwater.
On the other hand, if you’re new to scuba or just want a relaxed, guided introduction, the Discover Scuba is a fantastic, affordable way to get a taste of the underwater world without needing certification. It’s limited to beginners and offers a more personal experience.
Practical considerations include your fitness level—both tours involve some physical activity—and your travel schedule. The certified tour is longer and more involved, while the beginner option is shorter and focuses on gentle instruction. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
St Maarten offers a fantastic range of scuba experiences for all preferences and skill levels. For those who want serious underwater exploration, the Certified Diving Tour delivers wrecks, reefs, and abundant marine life. If you’re new to diving or traveling with someone who is, the Discover Scuba provides a safe, enjoyable way to dip your toes into the underwater world.
Both tours have received high marks and genuine praise from travelers. The certified dives suit experienced divers eager to explore island wrecks, while the beginner experience ensures a comfortable start for those new to scuba. Whichever you choose, booking early is wise to guarantee your spot in the water.
Now, it’s time to choose your adventure—grab your gear, and get ready to see the vibrant underwater life that makes St Maarten one of the Caribbean’s top diving destinations.