Conservation
How we help protect Sint Maarten’s waters
At SXM Divers, we’re dedicated to protecting Sint Maarten’s marine ecosystems through conservation efforts like supporting the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, backing shark research, and participating in local cleanups. We also prioritize eco-friendly practices such as using reef-safe sunscreen and banning single-use plastics. By diving with us, you’re helping protect our oceans for future generations. Keep reading to learn more about each initiative!
Stopping illegal fishing
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a vital tool for safeguarding our oceans and preserving marine biodiversity. However, their success depends on effective management and enforcement. We believe MPAs are the gold standard for ocean conservation—but they only work when the rules are upheld. Here in Sint Maarten, we’re proud to dive within the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, a designated marine sanctuary protected by the Nature Foundation. As part of our commitment to conservation, we pay a fee for every diver we bring to this incredible underwater haven. These contributions help fund the efforts to maintain and protect this vital ecosystem. Our daily visits to the Marine Park also give us a unique opportunity to act as stewards of the sea. When we spot illegal fishing activities, we don’t hesitate to report them to the Nature Foundation, who step in to enforce the rules and issue fines. This is just one way that dive tourism can play a powerful role in protecting our natural resources. By diving with SXM Divers, you’re not just exploring the beauty of Sint Maarten’s underwater world, you’re helping us support and sustain it for generations to come.
Supporting research that protects our marine ecosystem
We are proud to support scientific research relevant to marine conservation. By collaborating with researchers and contributing to studies focused on preserving our oceans, we’re committed to protecting the underwater world we love. Dive with us and be part of a mission to safeguard marine ecosystems.
We support key projects that enhance our understanding and protection of marine life. With the One Shark Project, we actively participate by fishing tiger sharks, helping to collect data that tracks their movements. We also contribute to Global FinPrint, an initiative using underwater video surveys to assess shark populations on coral reefs, providing critical data for conservation efforts.
Additionally, we’re proud to align with the Caribbean Shark Coalition, which unites experts and communities across the Caribbean to protect sharks and rays. By supporting these projects, SXM Divers helps drive research that informs policies to protect Sint Maarten’s marine biodiversity. Dive with us to experience the wonders of the sea while supporting the science that keeps it thriving.
Cleaning up SXM’s waters: a mission for a healthier ocean
We are deeply committed to preserving Sint Maarten’s marine ecosystems, and one of the ways we do this is through our active support of the SXM Coastal CleanUp Project, a collaboration between Kidz at Sea Foundation and The Scuba Shop. Since 2021, we’ve partnered with local organizations, including the Nature Foundation, to participate in over 13 cleanup events, removing more than 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) of marine debris from our island's shores and waters. These efforts go beyond simply cleaning the coastline; they provide critical data on marine pollution, fueling scientific research that strengthens conservation efforts.
When you dive with us, you're not just exploring Sint Maarten’s underwater world—you’re supporting a mission to protect it. Our commitment to the environment extends beyond organized cleanups; we always pick up any trash we find during our dives, ensuring that we leave our dive sites cleaner than we found them. This ongoing effort is vital in maintaining the beauty and health of our ocean, and together, we’re helping create a lasting impact on marine conservation.
Protecting Sint Maarten’s oceans with eco-friendly practices
At SXM Divers, we’re passionate about preserving Sint Maarten’s oceans. We proudly use Stream2Sea sunscreen, a biodegradable, reef-safer formula backed by rigorous science to protect both skin and marine life. Tested and proven safe for saltwater fish and coral larvae, it’s free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are toxic to corals and reef fish. We provide this sunscreen to our guests during dive trips, use it ourselves, and sell it in our shop, ensuring everyone can enjoy sun protection that doesn’t harm the underwater world.
To further protect marine life, we’ve banned single-use plastics on our boat, avoiding items like water bottles and packaging that could fall into the water and endanger ocean creatures. We also ask our guests to leave single-use plastics behind, keeping our dives free of risks to marine ecosystems. For personal care, we opt for shampoo and conditioner in reusable aluminum bottles—eco-friendly products that reduce plastic waste. Dive with SXM Divers to explore the sea while helping protect its marine life—every little effort counts.
Empowering locals to protect sharks through diving
At SXM Divers, we believe that protecting sharks and their habitat starts with educating and involving the local community. That’s why we offer a significant discount on our PADI Open Water Diver course to residents of Sint Maarten. By empowering locals with the knowledge and skills to dive, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the vital role sharks play in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. When the community is directly involved in marine conservation, they become passionate advocates for the protection of these incredible creatures. Our goal is to make diving accessible and inspire local people to engage with sharks in a positive way, helping us all contribute to their preservation. Join us, dive with us, and be a part of the movement to protect sharks and our marine environment!
If you're a local and want to apply for our discount, we’d be more than happy to help you get started! Feel free to contact us. Additionally, if you’re interested in supporting our conservation efforts, we’d love to hear from you as well!