The Scuba Shop — One-Stop Dive Center and Retail Store on Airport Road
PADI 5-Star IDC dive center combining guided boat dives with a full retail shop for gear sales and service.
Why Go
Most dive operations on St. Maarten are boat-and-guide outfits. The Scuba Shop adds a retail dimension that divers who own their gear or want to buy quality equipment actually need: masks, fins, regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, dive computers, plus air and Nitrox fills, tank rentals, and repair services. The PADI 5-Star IDC rating puts them in the same instructor-training tier as the island's top centers, and the Airport Road location in Simpson Bay makes them reachable from anywhere on the Dutch side within fifteen minutes.
The Experience
Daily guided boat dives reach reef and wreck sites around the island, with the typical two-tank morning format covering two locations per trip. The dive staff handles everything from Discover Scuba introductions for first-timers to advanced specialty courses and instructor-level PADI training. Snorkeling gear is available for non-divers who want to join a boat trip. The retail side stocks current-season equipment from major brands, and their service department handles regulator servicing, BCD repairs, and tank inspections — services that resident divers and seasonal visitors depend on. Air and Nitrox fills are available for divers with their own tanks.
What to Try
If you are a gear-owning diver, the combination of guided boat dives and on-site equipment servicing is the value proposition — get your regulator serviced and dive with their guides the same week. For visitors, the retail selection means you can buy a properly fitted mask before your first dive rather than relying on rental gear. The instructor development courses draw PADI professional candidates from across the region.
Insider Tip
Sunday hours end at 1 PM, so plan retail visits and air fills for weekdays or Saturday. The Airport Road location is convenient for last-day tank fills or gear purchases before flying out — just remember the 18-hour no-fly rule after diving. If you need Nitrox fills, call ahead to confirm availability as they run on a fill schedule.
The Practical Stuff
Open Monday to Saturday 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM to 1 PM. Located at #16 Airport Road, Simpson Bay. Premium pricing for guided dives; retail pricing competitive with online for major brands. PADI courses from Open Water through Instructor. Air and Nitrox fills available. Equipment repair and servicing on site.
Pair It With
- Tri-sport Eco Tours Guide — Next-door neighbor for adding kayak or bike eco-tours to your dive trip
- Vesna Taverna Guide — Nearby restaurant for a meal after browsing gear or returning from a dive