Diving

best options for diving in SXM - we are staying in Orient Village - plan to rent a car for at least part of the stay

both certified - last dive in July of this year - going in Feb 2020

I dove with Octo out of Grand Case but they are closed. If you want some cool diving go to Saba for a day

and dive the Pinnacles. I did it a few years ago and it was worth the trouble.

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.

do you have there web site info

Both web sites are in a previous post in this thread. One for Dive Adventures and one for Aqua Mania.

thanks much

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 -

how long are the boat rides generally?

sv

Depending on where you depart from and dive site selected 10 - 15 min.

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)

Philipsburg is probably the closest as far as the crow flys but Divi is close too and maybe more convenient.