Frequently asked questions.
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact us.
REQUIREMENTS
What should I bring for my dive trip?
The only thing you really need to bring to dive with us is a swimsuit and your dive certification or scuba license. Also, we recommend you to bring your sunglasses, face sunscreen, and a hat. We will provide all diving equipment, towels, body sunscreen, water, snacks, sunglasses cases, and waterproof bags for your phone and belongings. So you don't need to worry about bringing any of that.
What scuba license do I need?
We require our guests to show us at least a PADI Open Water Diver certification to go diving with us. However, we also accept similar licenses from any other internationally recognized scuba association, such as SSI (Open Water), NAUI (Scuba Diver), CMAS (1 Star Diver), BSAC (Ocean Diver, Club Diver or Sport Diver), SAA (Club Diver), HSE (Level 2), IDSA (Level 1), FFESSM (level 1).
I lost my certification, can I still dive?
If you have a PADI scuba certification, we can check your details directly in the PADI online system. Please provide your name as it appears on your card and your date of birth.
I don't have a dive certification but I am an experienced diver, can I still dive with you?
Even if you have lots of experience, you still need a certification to join our standard dives. The skills taught in scuba courses are used on every single dive to keep you safe. You can do a Discover Scuba Diver (DSD) and dive but there is a depth limit.
Do I need diving insurance?
Although we don't require you to have diving insurance to dive with us, we highly recommend it. Then you’ll fully enjoy diving without thinking about your finances if you do have a diving problem.
DO I NEED TO USE A WETSUIT?
For reef & wreck dives, wearing a wetsuit is optional. However, we always recommend our guests to wear one of our full-length wetsuits, because after 2 dives they generally get chilled.
Can a non-diver go on a dive trip?
Yes, a person can still come to a dive trip with us even if he or she does not have a dive certification subject to space on the boat. They can come and stay on the boat with the captain while the divers go underwater and can also go snorkeling if the conditions allows it and under the supervision of the captain.
booking
How far in advance do I need to book?
You can schedule your diving trip until 48 hours before. However, we recommend you to book your dive(s) as soon as possible, moreover if you are coming to the island for a short period of time.
How do I start the booking process?
Please use our Booking System. This asks for all the information we need.
Do you take a deposit?
We require a 50% deposit to confirm your booking. This guarantees you a place on our boat. Your deposit is refundable if you cancel 7 days prior to your dive. For cruise guests we will also refund your deposit if your ship fails to dock.
What days / times do you dive?
We go out when we have a minimum of three clients and when the weather conditions allows us to dive. We go out twice per day: in the mornings and in the afternoons. We normally meet in the morning at 8am and return at 1pm. In the afternoon, we meet at the shop at 1:30pm and come back at around 6:30pm. However, we are flexible :) So, if you prefer to leave at a different time, please let us know and we will try to work it out.
What currency should I take for payments?
US Dollars, Euros (1US=1EUR) or Netherland Antilles Guilder
I already paid my deposit but I can't go
If you are unable to keep your appointment we require not less than 48 hours notice before the appointment date and time. Please notify us via email, phone or text. If you are calling off hours, leave a voice message or send a text. All texts and voicemails are time stamped.
Please be advised all clients are subject to our 48-hour cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48-hours notice will result in a charge of 50% of the price of the scheduled service(s) (the deposit).
Appointments that are missed without notice (no show) will result in a charge of 50% of the full price of the scheduled service(s).
DIVING QUESTIONS
How long does it take to get to the dive sites
Practically all our sites are within 15 to 30 minutes of our dock.
What are the water temperatures
We are a warm water destination. A 3mm suit (we have these available) is suitable for most divers all year round. Summer seas are warm enough to dive in swimwear or with a rashguard only. Some divers may prefer to use a 3mm full suit during the winter months. Check out the table below to se ethe average water temperature for each month.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
°F | 80 | 79 | 79 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 84 | 82 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
°C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 |
What is the visibility like
Obviously, this differs from day to day (and site to site) due to many factors. But we normally enjoy visibility in the 60 to 80 feet (18m to 24m) range all year round.
Will I be diving in a strong current or large waves
It is very rare for us to experience any current at all (NO drift diving here). When it is windy (surface wind) we can usually find some sheltered dive sites.
What depths do you dive at
The majority of our sites are multi level, giving us a choice of depths. Details of the depths of each site are listed on our dive sites page. The best marine life here is in the 40ft to 70ft (12m to 21m) range.
What about decompression dives
We do not undertake deco diving. We will provide you with a computer so you can maximize your bottom time without requiring decompression stops. We do however require you to make a safety stop of at least 3 mins at 15ft after every dive.
Which dive sites are good for beginners?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Are your dives led by a guide
Yes. All our dives are led by an experienced Padi Instructor (usually by Auston himself). We do try however to allow buddy pairs as much freedom as possible during the dive. If you keep within visual distance of the dive leader and tell us when you get to 1,000 psi (80 bar) then we can navigate for you and ensure that you are back under the boat when it is time for you to ascend.
How long does a dive last
This depends on two factors, bottom time and air consumption. You get the maximum bottom time for a "no decompression" dive because that is calculated by the dive computer we provide. We also ask that for safety reasons you start your ascent with no less than 500 PSI (40 Bar) in your tank. Within the above limits, actual dive time differs for each buddy pair. The important thing to note is that the dive for the group does not end when the first diver has to return to the boat. This means that experienced divers will be able to enjoy longer dive times.
What animals am I going to see?
It all depends on the dive sites we will go. sea turtles, sharks, fish schools, barracudas,
What is the best dive site?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
What type of scuba tanks and valves are on the boats?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WHO IS NOT A DIVER ON THE BOAT?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Where would we go diving?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
How many other guests will be diving with me?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
What mix of divers do you get on the boat
This question is often asked by experienced divers who do not want to do 2 dives at 40 ft because there are trainee divers on the boat. Where neccessary, we will have 2 instructors on the boat and split into 2 groups. We have some excellent dive sites at shallower depths which means that our shallower dives will always be on an interesting dive sites. We also have many multi level dive sites. On many of our sites you can choose your own depth. Please note that we do not take bulk group bookings on behalf of the cruise ships. We are not a "cattle boat".
I HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WHILE DIVING BEFORE AND I WANT TO TRY IT AGAIN BUT I AM SCARED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
What size tanks do you have available
Our standard cylinders are 80 cu ft (11ltr) aluminum with A Clamp valves. We also have available 63 cu ft aluminum and 40 cu ft aluminum.
Do you take junior divers
Yes. We are more than happy to train juniors and to take juniors diving. We have BCD's starting at size XXS. Please note that we follow PADI standards for divers 10 - 11 yrs old and 12 - 16 yrs old.
Can I wear gloves
If you need gloves because your hands get cold when diving, then the answer is yes. Please do not however handle any marine life or touch any coral.
Do you have Nitrox
Unfourtanelty, there is no Nitrox available yet but we will have that option available soon.
Can you store my gear
Yes we will. Leave your gear when you have finished diving for the day and we will wash it off and have it ready on the boat for you when you arrive the next day.
FAQs ABOUT SHARKS
Am I going to see sharks for sure?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
I LOVE DIVING BUT I AM SCARE OF SHARKS. CAN WE GO TO A PLACE WHERE WE DON’T SEE THEM?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Is it Safe to Dive during my Period?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
What is the best time of the year to go diving to Sint Maarten?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
ABOUT THE ISLAND
What is the best time of the year to go diving to Sint Maarten?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.