Scuba diving
From Simpson Bay, compare a guided first scuba dive on a shallow reef with a two-tank reef and wreck trip for certified divers.
Things to do · Destination Guide
One island, two marine rulebooks, reefs and historic wrecks.
Pick an activity mode to compare signature sites, skill fit, and gear planning notes before you lock your trip.
One- and two-tank boat trips form the typical scuba day. The Dutch Man of War Shoal Marine Park documents reef sites, historic Proselyte and artificial wrecks including Carib Cargo; French reserve sites include Creole Rock and Tintamarre. Local operators include SXM Divers in Cole Bay, Dive Sint Maarten in Philipsburg and French-side SeaDolphin. Dutch and French site approvals and fee treatment are separate. Choose the site based on conditions and your certification, not only a promotional wildlife list.
Shark Hotel / Big Mama's Reef
Dutch park listing with local shark activity and a depth around 18 m; maintain wildlife distance.
Creole Rock / Rocher Creole
French reserve describes a protected, shallow beginner-friendly dive area; no landing on the rock.
Tintamarre: Chico and North Curve
French reserve identifies dedicated dive moorings near Tintamarre.
Proselyte Reef
Dutch Marine Park historic ship remains at a listed depth around 15 m; visit without taking artifacts.
Carib Cargo
Dutch Nature Foundation lists this moored wreck at about 20 m; turtles are possible, never guaranteed.
Fuh Sheng
Dutch Nature Foundation lists a deeper wreck around 34 m.
Operator Checklist
Ask which island jurisdiction and protected area a particular boat will visit; who holds authorization; whether Dutch tags are included; tank count, full gear, nitrox if available, minimum certification, required check dive, dive guide ratio, oxygen, radio and rescue plan. The French reserve uses its own partner/commercial authorization system. The Dutch Foundation requires private boat registration and individual tags or shop-handled tag inclusion. Avoid unsupported solo, decompression or wreck-penetration plans. Build a weather buffer day and observe DAN preflight guidance.
Conditions Fallback
Avoid
From Simpson Bay, compare a guided first scuba dive on a shallow reef with a two-tank reef and wreck trip for certified divers.