Join Blue Planet for a long weekend of fish-filled diving in St Maarten. Escape the city and enjoy the hidden jewel of the Leeward Islands. Between the unique underwater (PADI Mermaid!) and topside adventures, this is one trip you won't forget!

Saint Martin / Sint Maarten is the world’s smallest landmass shared by two countries, The Dutch and The French. The Friendly Island is often overlooked by divers on their way to nearby Saba and Sint Eustatius but holds its own as a fish lovers paradise. Devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017, the island is making a strong recovery. The island has a shallow shelf surrounding it, making most dive sites less than 75ft, perfect for new and experienced divers!

Minimum dive certification/experience: 

The island offers both reef and wreck diving sites, suitable for entry-level divers and ideal for open water certification training. Additionally, advanced sites offer new experiences for even the most seasoned diver. 

St Maarten's Man of War Shoal Marine Park is nearly 8,000 acres of protected reefs, historical wrecks, seagrass meadows, and open sands. SXM is a Fish ID dream! You’ll see many of the common Caribbean fishes like Ocean Surgeon Fish, Tangs, and Barracuda galore with some big life, like Spotted Eagle Rays, Caribbean Reef Sharks, and Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles! 

Interested in completing your PADI Open Water Diver certification dives? Or another PADI course like Advanced Open Water Diver or a specialty? Or maybe a PADI Mermaid course? We can do all of those things! Contact us for details.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied top side as well. From history and art tours to parrot paradise, there's never a dull moment. We hear sitting on a beach relaxing is nice, too. St. Maarten boasts over 37 beaches on its 37 square miles. 

For those that adore good eats, the island is a fusion of flavors from the Dutch, the French and the Caribbean. With two rum distilleries and its very own brewery, your post-dive beverages are sure to be a hit. Where else in the world can you enjoy world-class curry, fresh-baked croissants and the best selection of Dutch cheeses within steps of each other?

Located mere steps from the marina, your suite with a view is the perfect place to regroup after a fantastic day of diving. Recently renovated after the devastating Hurricane Irma, the resort features top-notch restaurants, beach access, pools, a spa and a swim-up bar! If you would rather have an adventure, the resort is centrally located and surrounded by amazing restaurants.  

Arrive anytime Saturday, April 23rd through your favorite airline. Some non-stop options run from Dulles International (IAD) through United. Be sure to keep no-fly times after diving in mind when booking your return trip home; depart any time after 11 AM Wednesday, April 27th. Please email or call the shop before booking your flight!  

Upon cancellation of a reservation for any reason, the refund of the deposit and payments made or due will be contingent upon Blue Planet reselling the participant's reservation. Any refund may also be subject to a $250 cancellation fee and payment of any non-refundable fees imposed by the tour company, dive operator or any other contractor associated with the trip. 

Dive accident insurance is required for all divers on this trip. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. Contact us if you need more information.