If you are on St. Maarten / St. Martin for just a week there are more than enough beaches, snorkel spots, dive sites and adventures to do to keep you busy all day long. BUT if you want to add another country to your world map, visiting one of our surrounding islands for a day or a few days is easy to do by ferry or a short flight. For snorkelers Anguilla offers some great beaches and snorkeling. For scuba divers Saba and Statia have different diving and make for great side trips. And for those who want to visit the Caribbean French Riviera there is St. Barts.
Whether you’re new to snorkeling or a seasoned explorer, our curated trips are designed to provide safe, fun, and memorable experiences for every type of traveler, with many insider tips to help you reach places you may not discover on your own. With trips that range from half-day outings to full-day adventures around the island, we provide something for every budget, interest, and schedule. Each excursion is organized with quality equipment, professional guides, and all the amenities you need to make your day on the water both exciting and comfortable.
Saba, the highest point of the Netherlands, with it's lush hiking in the cloud forest above and diving deep walls and pinnacles below, is a must visit for a quint, off the beaten track island. Day trip or weekend visit, a bucket list dive destination for advanced divers.
Anguilla is world-renowned for its powder-white beaches and relaxed charm, complemented by its excellent diving. The island is dotted with wrecks, many purposefully sunk to create artificial reefs that now attract vibrant coral growth and marine life. Sites like the Sarah and Kathlee H showcase Anguilla’s wreck diving heritage, while reefs around Sandy Island and Dog Island add variety for advanced divers. Snorkelers flock to Shoal Bay East Beach for its 40-minute reef trail or to the secluded Little Bay, where baby turtles and stingrays are common. A must-visit is Prickly Pear Cays, where pristine reefs meet the charm of small beachside restaurants.
St Barths, meanwhile, adds a touch of luxury to the underwater adventure. The island’s Reserves Naturelles protect diverse marine habitats, with standout dive sites such as La Baleine featuring giant barrel sponges. Snorkelers will find turtles grazing at Lorient Beach or Anse de Colombier, while Ile Fourche, an uninhabited island nearby, offers some of the most stunning and rarely visited underwater landscapes. Travel to these islands is simple—Anguilla is just a 20-minute ferry ride, and St Barths can be reached in under 90 minutes by ferry or just minutes by plane. Together, they provide a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and rich underwater life.
Statia, The Golden Rock, nicknamed after its golden trade era during the 17th and 18th century. This island has lots of its history preserved and offers great diving and hiking too. Best done as an overnight excursion.
Whether you dream of diving Saba’s pinnacles, searching for trading beads in Statia, exploring Anguilla’s wrecks, or snorkeling alongside turtles in St Barths, The Scuba Shop connects you to unforgettable island adventures just a short ride from St. Maarten. Each island offers something unique: dramatic volcanic landscapes, historic ruins, celebrity hideaways, or pristine white sand beaches. With quick and convenient ferry or flight connections, these destinations can be enjoyed as easy day trips or short overnight escapes. By partnering with local dive shops and guides, The Scuba Shop ensures that both divers and snorkelers can experience the best these islands have to offer, from deep technical dives to calm reef explorations. For reservations, equipment, and travel advice, The Scuba Shop is your trusted resource for creating island-hopping experiences that combine breathtaking underwater encounters with the charm of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands.
