Diving...St.Maarten, St. Thomas, or Bahamas

[juliehal]

My husband and I are going on our first cruise to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau, Bahamas on the new Carnival Valor (December 2004). I can't wait to see what it's like.

Which place has the best and most reasonable diving? He is a certified diver (beginner) and he would need to rent gear also. He has been diving in Key Largo, FL and Cozumel. Anyone have any good suggestions or places to stay away from? Also, what can I do there by myself and still be somewhat close to where he is?

What are the best beaches to see on the islands and best places for me to snorkel (would prefer something close to shore) since I am scared of everything that moves in the water! I prefer to see lot's of "small" pretty colored fish, not sharks, eels, etc.

 

[gsamml]

Diving in Nassau and St Thomas is almost always good. Nassau is usually shallow water wreck or reef dives, not very difficult, but often full of sealife. St Thomas is usually a little deeper diving. If he has 4 or more dives, St Thomas should not be too difficult for him. St Maarten is a different story. There is often lots of surge and current to contend with. Being a strong swimmer makes it a little easier But surface conditions can also be choppy, so if he get seasick, he might want to pass on St Maarten. Great Coral there and some interesting deep dives, but not an easy place to dive. If he will be going by himself (don't feel bad, my wife loves to snorkel, but refuses to dive) stick to the ship tours. That way no one gets lost and he will get back to the ship on time.

Mike

 

[mindy]

gsamml,
we will be in St. Maarten next Oct. and are considering diving here since we will not have enough time in Nassua and are doing a day sail in St. Thomas. My husband and I are strong swimmers, and have a decent amount of dives under our belts. Have you ever dove off of the east coast and how does St. Maarten compair to that? We did a wrech in Nags Head and I hated it. The undertow in Nags head is horrible and the visibility was even worse (I could barely see my hand in front of my face!). It was a beach dive, the wrech was about 125 yards from the beach. Swimming out there wasn't bad but coming back against the tide and undertow was horrible. So my thing is, since St. Maarten is in the Caribbean shouldn't it be better than what we experienced in Nags Head?

 

[gsamml]

I have only been down on the St Maarten side. I think the French side is a little calmer. If you can dive in Nags Head, then you can dive here.

 

[mindy]

thanks gsamml, I think we will dive while in St. Maarten in the morning and then enjoy the beach in the afternoon (maybe even some shopping).