I'd go with www.stmaartendive.com through Aqua Mania at www.stmaarten-activities.com in Simpson Bay. They also have a location in Philipsbure at Dock Martin and Divi resort. I've logged close to 300 dives with them. Good company.
we are not particular experienced divers - I've logged close to 100 and have the advanced open water certification - my husband has half that and only open water - we need a fairly beginner friendly operation - do they qualify?
Yes. Very much so. I still haven't gone beyond Open Water but never needed i as now I only dive with them in St Maarten. Dived Hawaii, Saba, St Thomas, Cabo and St Barths in addition to St Maarten. All with only Open Water.
i emailed another dive company (forgot which one) and they were talking about their 'advanced conditions' and I knew that would not work for us... I love to dive - my husband likes but not loves it -
I promise I will be done with the questions soon :-)
we are going to be staying in Orient Village - which is the closest departure - looks like either Divi or Philipsburg - NOT Simpson bay (which also means we get to avoid Marigot and the airport traffic)