Sint Maarten

Due to the success of the Marine Park, reef sharks are exceptionally common, often seen curiously patrolling the deeper reef edges and wrecks.

Caribbean Reef Sharks

Large stingrays are frequently found resting in the sandy areas near wreck sites or gliding gracefully across the seagrass beds.

Southern Stingrays

These beautiful turtles are a common sight on the shallower reefs, where they can be seen grazing on sponges and soft corals.

Hawksbill Turtles

Large, silvery barracudas are often found hovering motionless over the wreck sites, acting as silent sentinels of the underwater world.

Great Barracuda

Sint Maarten, the Dutch southern half of the smallest island in the world shared by two nations, offers a surprisingly diverse and vibrant underwater landscape that often surprises even seasoned Caribbean divers. While the island is world-famous for its bustling duty-free shopping, vibrant nightlife, and the iconic Maho Beach, its underwater world is a well-kept secret protected by the Man of War Shoal Marine Park. The diving here is characterized by a high concentration of shipwrecks, dramatic coral-encrusted rock formations, and one of the healthiest shark populations in the region. The crown jewel of Sint Maarten diving is the HMS Proselyte, a 19th-century British frigate that hit the reef in 1801; today, its remains—including massive anchors and cannons—are fused into the reef, creating a hauntingly beautiful site that blends history with marine life. Beyond the wrecks, the island's volcanic origins have created a maze of tunnels, arches, and overhangs that provide shelter for a spectacular array of macro life and larger pelagics. The establishment of the marine park in 2010 has seen a significant rebound in fish populations, particularly for reef sharks and large stingrays, which are now almost guaranteed sightings on most dives. With professional dive operators catering to both cruise ship visitors and long-stay guests, Sint Maarten provides an accessible, exciting, and ecologically rich diving experience that perfectly complements its energetic topside personality.

Sint Maarten serves as the primary regional hub for liveaboard diving in the northeastern Caribbean. Several high-end vessels use the island as their home port for itineraries that combine the best sites of Sint Maarten with the dramatic walls of Saba and the historic wrecks of Sint Eustatius or St. Kitts. These 'Northeastern Caribbean' circuits are world-renowned for providing a diverse range of diving in a single week. For those staying on the island, numerous land-based dive centers offer daily boat trips to the local marine park, providing easy access to the wrecks and reefs of the Dutch side.

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort

Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa

Holland House Beach Hotel

Getting around Sint Maarten is relatively easy, though traffic can be heavy, especially when cruise ships are in port. Car rentals are the most popular choice for divers, providing the flexibility to explore both the Dutch and French sides. The island is also served by a highly efficient and affordable network of minibuses (public vans) that run along the main routes. Taxis are plentiful and operate on fixed rates. There are no border controls between the Dutch and French sides, making it easy to drive from a dive shop in Simpson Bay to a restaurant in Grand Case.

Scuba Diving Regions in Sint Maarten

Regional Diversity

Planning Tips

Hotels & Resorts in Sint Maarten

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