Sint Maarten’s Twilight and Darkness Dives

Night diving in Sint Maarten with SXM Divers takes you into a different side of the underwater world. As the sun sets, the reef shifts—daytime marine life rests while nocturnal species like octopuses, lobsters, crabs, and even green sea turtles or nurse sharks become active near the wreck we dive. The experience combines the quiet of diving in low light with the thrill of discovering creatures you won’t see during the day. We recommend moving slowly to spot the details, from glowing coral to hidden critters, across two dives: one at dusk and another in full darkness. A minimum of three guests is required.

Our dusk dive eases you into the transition as visibility fades and the reef begins to change. You’ll catch the last light filtering through the water, illuminating fish settling in, early night-dwellers stirring, and maybe a turtle nestled in the wreck. The second dive, under complete darkness, relies on your dive light to reveal a new cast of marine life—think moray eels peering from crevices, the flash of a hunting squid, or a nurse shark gliding by. Sites around Sint Maarten offer calm conditions and shallow reefs, ideal for both new and experienced divers looking to explore this unique environment.

SXM Divers runs night dives with a practical setup: one dive during twilight and a second when the ocean is fully dark. These trips let you witness the reef’s nightlife up close—species that hide in daylight, like turtles and sharks, take center stage, and the stillness underwater adds a fresh perspective to familiar spots. Whether you’re drawn to the challenge of low visibility or the chance to see Sint Maarten’s nocturnal marine residents, these dives deliver a standout experience.