Exploring the waters of St. Maarten and the surrounding islands is an unforgettable experience, but safety must always come first. Before entering the ocean, it is essential to check the weather and sea conditions and to avoid diving or snorkeling in environments beyond your skill level. Always use the buddy system, ensuring that you never dive or snorkel alone. Visibility is a critical factor in safety—brightly colored snorkel vests and dive flags make swimmers more noticeable, especially in areas with heavy boat traffic. Divers should use diver-down flags and carry surface signaling devices like safety sausages when ascending. In addition, managing energy and situational awareness is key; divers and snorkelers should regularly test their ability to swim against currents and remain alert to changes in surroundings. By practicing caution and preparedness, visitors can enjoy a safe and stress-free underwater adventure while minimizing risks.
The Caribbean waters are home to a wide variety of fascinating marine creatures, most of which pose no threat to humans if left undisturbed. However, certain species, as well as corals, can cause painful stings or injuries if touched. Spiny sea urchins, fire corals, and lionfish are among the most important hazards to avoid. Spiny urchins have sharp spines that penetrate footwear, while fire corals can cause a burning sensation from the slightest contact. Lionfish, an invasive species in the Caribbean, carry venomous spines that inflict painful stings.
Beyond physical harm, touching marine life also disrupts delicate ecosystems. The best approach is to observe wildlife respectfully and refrain from any contact. This practice protects both the diver and the environment, ensuring reefs and fish populations remain healthy for generations.
Spiny Sea Urchin
Treatment: Get the spines out of your skin and soak your affected body part in vinegar. Keeping the area under hot running water breaks down the toxin.
Fire Coral
Treatment: Relieve the burn by washing it with some vinegar. Heat packs also work to break down the toxin.
Lion Fish
Treatment: Best thing to do is to keep the stung area under hot running water, as hot as you can handle for as long as you can handle, to break down the toxin.
Wearing the right "clothing" while in the water will prevent sunburn and keep you from getting cold and losing the energy needed to return to the boat. Wearing something also prevents stings from jellies (which are far and few between, but we do get some).
While warmth is not a great issue, we advise you to wear UV Protection clothing like a rash guard and leggings. This will also protect you from any little stinging jellies in the water. If you do get cold in the winter months you could wear a neoprene rash guard or a shorty wetsuit.
Although the water is relatively warm, it is advisable to wear at least a 3mm shorty wetsuit. You can layer underneath with lycra, or wear a full, thin, neoprene wetsuit. During the winter months on a double tank dive, a 3mm full suit to keep you nice and snug. You will find our dive staff, once acclimatized, will often wear a 5mm full suit during the winter months, some of them even layering this with a hooded vest – but then they are often times diving 3 or more times a day.
By combining the use of proper, well maintained gear, a knowledge of first aid and emergency procedures, snorkelers and divers can confidently explore St. Maarten’s waters while staying prepared for any situation.
Divers should be aware of nearby hyperbaric chambers, medical facilities and emergency services. In case of diving emergencies, contacting local emergency medical services followed by Divers Alert Network (DAN) provides life saving assistance.
The PADI Rescue Diver Course equips divers with the knowledge to identify and prevent unnecessary risks and prepares them to be emergency ready.
| Divers Alert Network | |
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| Hyperbaric Chambers Information | |
| Saba Hyperbaric Facility Medical Director Tel: +1 599 416 3647 / 417 3604 Dr. Jack Buchanan or David Merritt Tel: +1 599 416 3288 | Guadaloupe Hyperbaric Facility University Hospital, Dr. Perrier or Ducher Tel: +590 590 91 39 39 Emergency Ambulance Service Tel: +590 590 89 11 00 |
| Arrange for transportation to chamber in an un-pressurised aircraft flying no higher than 900 feet or an aircraft pressurised to sea level. If the victim's buddy has dived the same profile, he / she should accompany the victim to the chamber. | |
| Regional Medical Centers | |||
| Facility Name | Phone | Facility Size | Language |
| St. Maarten Hospital | +1 721 543 1111 | Medium | English |
| St. Martin Hospital | +590 590 29 57 57 | Minimum | French (a little English) |
| St. Barths Hospital | +590 590 27 60 35 | Minimum | French (a little English) |
| Saba Hospital | +1 599 416 3288/9 | Minimum | English |
Safety is the foundation of every great snorkeling or diving experience. By checking conditions before entering the water, staying visible to boaters, and following the buddy system, visitors can reduce risks and focus on enjoyment. Avoiding contact with hazardous marine life such as sea urchins, fire coral, and lionfish is equally important, both for personal protection and reef preservation. Wearing appropriate protective clothing or wetsuits adds another layer of safety while enhancing comfort. Most importantly, being prepared with emergency contacts, awareness of hyperbaric chamber locations, and knowledge of first-aid responses ensures peace of mind during every trip.
The Scuba Shop encourages every diver and snorkeler to embrace the motto: enjoy the underwater world responsibly and return with only photographs, memories, and a deeper appreciation of St. Maarten’s marine beauty.
