Dive Adventures
Dive Adventures
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Dive Adventures, located on the marina of the Simpson Bay resort, formerly known as the Pelican resort, is a full service PADI resort facility offering daily dives, night dives and enriched air (Nitrox). We also offer all PADI courses. Our custom built dive boats offer plenty of sun protection and cold beverages. Our professional staff takes great pride in safety and customer care.
Simpson Bay, St Martin / St Maarten
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
578 reviews
Excellent
547
Very good
21
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
5
JohnstonesOnTheMove
Ottawa207 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
I have been diving with Dive Adventures since 2017. I give this review four stars because of the staff on the boat. But if Dive Adventures doesn’t do something to improve their staffing situation I won’t be returning.
The boat captain, Soinet, is outstanding, and he keeps an eye on absolutely everything on the surface, always anticipating the needs of the divers on the boat. Every year I look forward to seeing him.
I have also had great experiences with all the dive staff over the years, and this includes Frank, who is new this year. He is a very experienced diver, and I feel safe with him underwater. He is also great at spotting marine life, including my favourite: a pair of baby peacock flounders!
But now Dive Adventures now has ONLY one qualified dive staff on the boat, and they can’t seem to keep their staff year to year. I’d to blame COVID, but the fact is that the other local dive shop does not have this problem. Perhaps they pay better or give more time off? I don’t know. The fact is that I dove with the “competition” on a day Dive Adventures was closed, and they had three dive staff on the boat, as well as the boat captain, and six divers. It felt safer and they could really pay attention to clients with that ratio. And they retain much of their staff year to year.
I don’t believe one dive staff on the boat is sufficient - there needs to be back up. There is always a huge variety of skill levels amongst divers, and if there is ever a problem with a diver, the whole dive has to end because there isn’t a second dive master/instructor to continue he dive with remaining divers. No matter how good Frank and Soinet are in their roles, it’s not enough.
I really hope Dive Adventures fixes the problem, I’ve counted on them for years and hate to see this happening.
I still saw great marine life - some photos are attached.
The boat captain, Soinet, is outstanding, and he keeps an eye on absolutely everything on the surface, always anticipating the needs of the divers on the boat. Every year I look forward to seeing him.
I have also had great experiences with all the dive staff over the years, and this includes Frank, who is new this year. He is a very experienced diver, and I feel safe with him underwater. He is also great at spotting marine life, including my favourite: a pair of baby peacock flounders!
But now Dive Adventures now has ONLY one qualified dive staff on the boat, and they can’t seem to keep their staff year to year. I’d to blame COVID, but the fact is that the other local dive shop does not have this problem. Perhaps they pay better or give more time off? I don’t know. The fact is that I dove with the “competition” on a day Dive Adventures was closed, and they had three dive staff on the boat, as well as the boat captain, and six divers. It felt safer and they could really pay attention to clients with that ratio. And they retain much of their staff year to year.
I don’t believe one dive staff on the boat is sufficient - there needs to be back up. There is always a huge variety of skill levels amongst divers, and if there is ever a problem with a diver, the whole dive has to end because there isn’t a second dive master/instructor to continue he dive with remaining divers. No matter how good Frank and Soinet are in their roles, it’s not enough.
I really hope Dive Adventures fixes the problem, I’ve counted on them for years and hate to see this happening.
I still saw great marine life - some photos are attached.
Written January 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ted T
Kanata, Canada101 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
Booked a ten dive package spread across five days through Aqua Mania on our recent trip. This was my second time diving with Dive Adventures. Nice to see Captain Soinet again. Diving was good with the whole crew doing well to adapt to the experience level on the boat and changing weather conditions. A couple of the days had quite choppy wave conditions so we took the second dive in the shallow waters of Divi Little Bay. No disappointment there with many critter sightings, including frogfish, seahorse, octopus and multiple lobsters about the size of small dogs.
Compliments to dive guides Eric, Demian and Brett who led dives on different days. Excellent service and coordination with Captains Roy and Soinet to get us into and out of the water quickly.
Highly recommend Dive Adventures if you plan to dive in Sint Maarten
Compliments to dive guides Eric, Demian and Brett who led dives on different days. Excellent service and coordination with Captains Roy and Soinet to get us into and out of the water quickly.
Highly recommend Dive Adventures if you plan to dive in Sint Maarten
Written November 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
Santa Fe, NM6 contributions
Nov 2021
Did 2 day dives with wife, Divemaster Brett and Captain Soinet, and 3 others with variable levels of experience. We are Nitrox divers with ~170 dives. Brett set the standard for divemasters - ensuring all equipment was correct, giving excellent pre-dive orientations, and leading us and pointing out great things on the dive. Next time we are in Sint Maarten, we will request Brett!
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drashid
Charlotte, NC8 contributions
Mar 2022
These people act like money grows on trees. We were there a week ago and there was red algae everywhere. Visibility was not even a foot. While conversing with them, we came to find out that the red algae has been there for over a year. It was there the week before last, the day before, all the days leading to it and they still took us on a dive knowing full well that visibility was horrendous. Meanwhile, days later we went diving with another business on the French side and she had higher scrupules and cancelled one of the dives because visibility was bad. Nathan was our guide and didn't show us much whereas the Olivia from the dive shop in Grand Case Beach Club Hotel was amazing under the water. People fly for hours and spend their hard earned money to snorkel and scuba dive in St. Martin/St. Maarten and it's nice when the dive masters understand that and take you on dives that are worth your time and money. I do not recommend them.
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirk & Nancy
1 contribution
Feb 2020
I booked a three day, two tank dive for my husband and myself 2 months prior to coming to the Saint Marrtin. I paid in full and had my own gear. I asked if they provided transportation and they said yes. I told them where I staying and would check in when I arrived. When i did check in they told me that they don't provide transportation which caused me an extra expense. When I confronted them with the issue they told me I was misinformed. I said we would dive with them the first day and would look for another dive shop and wanted a refund. They would honor that. I have been diving for 40 years. Normally if you have your own equipment they give you a break in price. This is the first dive operation that didn't provide transportation. So we dove with a crew of 3. The Captain's name was Swannie, the dive master was Nathan and I don't recall the other diver masters name. In all our years of diving we where Impressed with Swannie and Nathan. Only because of these two man did we finish the other two days of diving. On our third day of diving the boat was full, sea's a bit choppy. While we were down a big squal came in. Swells were 10 plus rollers, rain horizontal and wind was whipping. Getting 12 divers out of the water was quite a feat. Swannie is a very skilled Captain and deck hand. He pulled all 12 divers out with Nathan assistanting in the water. Nathan is a young divemaster, everything that Padi teaches. Very enthusiastic about everything in diving. From the time you get on the boat, helping you out with your gear, briefing, proctecting the reefs and fish life, to pointing out the best sea life that he sees. As a dive master myself , he cares about bringing his divers back to the boat safely. I enjoyed watching him. He would turn around count his people. Padi be proud of this dive master. If these two man had their own dive operation they would be a 5 plus shop.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
george c
Rosewell, UK2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
A big Thank you to Jen, Steve and especially Audrey for the great dives. I know you can’t control the weather but you showed your skill and experience showing off the wildlife and dealing with the novice diver.
I had 8 great dives and I will come back again. Hopefully get some night
dives done.
George Carnie Roswell Scotland
I had 8 great dives and I will come back again. Hopefully get some night
dives done.
George Carnie Roswell Scotland
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel D
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Couples
Completed our open water scuba divers certificate this week, with my husband. We had a brilliant experience and we were so proud when we completed the course. Jen our scuba leader was a lovely person and a great teacher. We felt relaxed and safe in her company. The whole team were very professional and made the experience fun and informative. They provided all the equipment required and took us to 3 awesome dive locations to learn our skills. I would highly recommend this company if you want to learn to scuba dive or to follow on with some escorted dives as a qualified PADI diver. Thanks Jen and the team.👍👍
Written April 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoyalT
Albany, New York, United States30 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
My experience with Dive Adventures was phenomenal. Dive Master Brett was extremely knowledgeable and explained each step of the process to us clearly and concisely. We saw multiple wrecks and reefs and Brett was quick to point out different fish to us underwater and even a shark! I never felt unsafe as Brett checked on us constantly. The entire crew was professional and more than courteous helping us with all our equipment and even offering a beer or two after the dives were over.
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arlene P
3 contributions
Dec 2019
I booked open water certification dives for my husband and son with this company 4 months in advance. On the day after we arrived I received and email stating they could not honor their agreement, paid in full, with us for 5 dives on 3 different days. This is the email: "We regret to inform you that the dive certification course scheduled for Sunday 29th through Monday 30th December, has been cancelled. Our dive instructor is sick , and as a result he is unable to proceed with the course.
We’ve contacted all other dive shops on island to accommodate you, unfortunately, they are fully booked.
You are therefore entitled to a full refund."NO FURTHER HELP!
We contacted a dive shop called, "Blue Bubbles" and was able to salvage our dive vacation and get our certifications. Thank you for everything, Blue Bubbles!
Stay away from this group at Divi Little Bay, horrible sevice and very little effort to solve our issue.
We’ve contacted all other dive shops on island to accommodate you, unfortunately, they are fully booked.
You are therefore entitled to a full refund."NO FURTHER HELP!
We contacted a dive shop called, "Blue Bubbles" and was able to salvage our dive vacation and get our certifications. Thank you for everything, Blue Bubbles!
Stay away from this group at Divi Little Bay, horrible sevice and very little effort to solve our issue.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brett L
3 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We had the best diving experience! We both were diving to get open water certified. Our dive instructor, Nathan explained everything thoroughly and was a pleasure to interact with. His passion for diving was inspirational. Our captain, Swani, was fantastic. He was super helpful and he made the traveling to our dive sites phenomenal. The other instructor on board, Jen, was working with another group but nonetheless offered us encouragement and support. Overall, all three were super nice and felt like family. We highly recommend this place for all your diving adventures!
Brett and Marie
Brett and Marie
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was referred to you by Sea Saba & I’ve attempted to email you about a 2 tank dive for me & my husband April 9th 2020 but have gotten no response. We are arriving on the Celebrity Edge and will be in port from 7am-5pm. We have our own equipment & will just need tanks & weights. Can we get on a dive charter that day?
Written December 30, 2019
Hello! I will be coming in in November with a Carnival cruise ship. Do you offer transportation to and from the port and also, could I do one or more of my dives in my Advanced Open Water certification?
Thanks!!
Lisa
Written August 1, 2018
We will be diving with them from the Divi Resort location in a couple weeks. Could anyone who has used the Divi site provide any commentary on the quality of operations versus the main shop?
We always travel with our own mask/regs/BCs but occasionally rent suits and fins. Any feedback on quality and availability of suits and fins at Divi site?
Any recent travelers have info on water temperatures?
Thanks!!!
Written March 8, 2017
Dive Adventures is the greatest. Scanner is a great captain and all.afiind GOOD.guy
The total.operation is too notch. I always dive with them when I'm on island.
Written March 9, 2017
I was reading some reviews that say there were rough waters... is this true for the beginning of May, or will we be ok? thanks!
Written April 15, 2016
Has anyone done the night dive? Is it something you can only do if you're very experienced? We're newly certified and we've been diving 8 times. Thanks!
Written March 3, 2016
Night dives can be very disorienting and for newly certified divers a careful and safety conscious dive shop a must. Clostrophbic people will probably not like night diving. Good lights provided by dive operator are a necessity. Dive Adventures in St. Martin meets the bill anb knowing that you are recently certified they will be especially attentive to you. Night dives present a different under water world than day diving.
Written March 4, 2016
How old do children have be to try scuba diving?
We have 3 children 9, 14, and 15 years old.
We will be at our timeshare end of Sept.
Also my daughter ( mother of the children above) has gone diving approx 4 times. How can she get certified?
and what is the cost?
Thank you.
Written April 20, 2015
PADI will allow a Bubble Maker in the pool 8 years and over. The PADI Discover Scuba and Open Water Courses are for 10 years and over, if the kids are comfortable in the water. We recommend the old PADI limit of 12 and over. Scuba requires a level of maturity to dive safely.
For Mom, she could join in on the Discover Scuba with the kids to enjoy diving this vacation.
So two options:
PADI Discover Scuba: Come sign up and dive this vacation
or
PADI Open Water: The certification course that you can spend 3-4 days doing here, or sign up at padi online for elearning and just do the pool session and dives (x4)here. This certification is worldwide and for life.
We are Dive Adventures at Simpson Bay. I hope you will enjoy diving with us. Please email if you need further information.
Best Regards
Debby
Dive Adventures & Aqua Mania Adventures
Simpson Bay Resort and Divi Little Bay Resort
on Bay Resort
Written April 20, 2015
will be in st. marten feb. 19 on the princess regal from7a-5p. any chance we could book a 2 tank dive for 2 cert. divers?
Written January 9, 2015
I believe you could. They have two dive trips a day. Morning goes out around 9 am. Not sure about the afternoon trip. Their website has great information and they are easy to contact for reservations.
Written January 14, 2015
I'm wondering if 2 people could make a 2 tank dive if they are arriving on a cruise ship?
Written January 9, 2015
They departure at 9 AM and the trip takes 3-4 hours depending on weather, experience and dive site, so I guess you have plenty of time. I strongly recommend Dive Adventures. They also have Ocean Explorers nearby, but I didn't dive with them.
Written January 10, 2015
will be in st. marten feb. 19 on the princess regal from7a-5p. any chance we could book a 2 tank dive for 2 cert. divers?
Written January 9, 2015
Showing results 1-9 of 9
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.