Oranjestad Aruba; Willemstad Curacao; Philipsburg St. Maarten;Charlotte Amalie

[NewCop26]

I am cruising the Southern Caribbean leaving from San Juan. I will travel to Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. I have done a shore dive in St. Thomas and it was ok, but I think I almost prefer a boat dive. Tell me what you guys think?

 

What is the best place or places to dive from this list? I am open to any and all suggestions.

 

Thanks!!!:)

[bruce-r]

My first choice would be Curacao. Go with either http://www.caribseasports.com/ or http://the-dive-bus.com/

 

A close second choice is St. Thomas. I definitely recommend http://www.admiraltydive.com They pick up at the cruise pier, so it couldn't be more convenient. They operate smaller boats so won't be a cattle boat. They go to much better dive sites than Coki Beach.

 

Aruba I'd probably go with http://www.divearuba.com again.

[w&k]

Curacao #1 - Suzy and Mark Pinnell at The Dive Bus are an absolute hoot, and the diving is fabulous. http://www.the-dive-bus.com

Review http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=332272

 

Aruba #2 - Clive Paula at Dive Aruba - another great op with awesome diving. http://www.divearuba.com

 

St. Thomas #3 - We went with the crew at Blue Island Divers because we were on the Crown Bay Pier.

Review http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=121707

 

St. Maarten we have not done because of the rough water.

 

Have a good trip & great diving!

 

Wendy