About us - Dive St. Maarten

Willem

Did you know Sint Maarten – Saint Martin has some unique diving sites to explore. If you like to visit the underwater-world check out Dive Sint Maarten in Philipsburg.

Owner Willem Dekker is a retired Dutch Marine that has lived in the Caribbean for over 40 years. As a marine he was stationed in the Caribbean but soon decided he never wanted to leave. After his career in the Dutch Marine Corps he started working as a radio DJ\host for different radio stations in Curacao, like Radio Hoyer 2 and Radio Paradise. He’s also the founder and former owner of Radio Dolfijn FM in Curacao. But in 2003 he decided to make a big change in his life and moved to Sint Maarten

Willem has a passion for horses and so started at Lucky Stables and the bay side riding club (now Seaside Nature Park). He also operated as a Boat captain for parasailing and Octopus diving in Philipsburg before deciding to take over the dive company

Under a new name “Dive Sint Maarten”, Willem and his team took the challenge upon themselves to become one of islands finest Dive centers. Operating from Philipsburg they take people on Diving excursions at many of the great dive sites in SXM. They are also certified for diving or refreshment courses to teach you everything from A to Z to go in the water safe and secure.

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Nick

Nick is the youngster of our team; he came to us by sailing across the Caribbean and landed in St. Maarten. Captain Willem and the warm-hearted Dive Sint Maarten Team embraced him as one of their own.

Here, amidst the vibrant colors and island breeze, Nick’s story began anew. Once he mastered a new language his journey became a testament to hope and new beginnings.

Today, Nick is a beloved Captain & Dive Master of Dive Sint Maarten, sharing tales of resilience and adventure. Nick may be the youngest on the team, but he has plenty of experience at sea. He lived on a boat with his parents for over six years, where he learned mechanics and developed a passion for fixing things. His hobbies are sailing and scuba diving. He is also a dive instructor, and his favorite marine animal is the seahorse.

His story reminds us that no matter where we start, we can always find a place to call home.

Petroy

Born and raised in St. Maarten, the ocean has always been his backyard. For the past ten years, he has been guiding divers beneath its surface, sharing the kind of local knowledge you only get from someone who grew up with salt in the air and sand between his toes.

Ask him his favorite underwater sight and his eyes light up. The spotted eagle ray gliding by like it owns the sea. That effortless grace never gets old, even after a decade of dives.

When he is not underwater, you will probably find him surfing or casting a line. Adventure is not a hobby for Petroy. It is simply how he lives.

Whether you are trying your very first Discover Scuba Dive or ready to earn your Advanced Open Water certification, Petroy will be right there beside you. Calm, encouraging, and always wearing that bright, contagious smile.

The ocean feels different when you explore it with someone who truly calls it home.

Andre

Andre brings over a decade of experience to the dive deck, along with the warm energy you would expect from a true Brazilian. For more than 10 years, he has been guiding divers beneath the surface, helping them build confidence, sharpen their skills, and discover just how extraordinary the ocean can be.

His favorite marine animal? Sharks. Graceful, powerful, and often misunderstood, they perfectly capture what he loves about the underwater world. Nothing makes him happier than teaching Open Water courses and watching students take their very first breaths below the surface. For Andre, that moment when someone realizes they are part of a whole new world is pure magic.

Andre’s journey has taken him across the globe, living and working in incredible destinations like Thailand, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. Each place has shaped his perspective, both above and below the surface.

When he is not diving, you will likely find him perfecting a Brazilian barbecue, catching waves, or passionately cheering on Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.

With Andre, you are not just learning to dive. You are stepping into an experience led by someone who truly lives and breathes the ocean.

Luiza

Luiza is the heart behind the scenes and the steady hand that keeps everything running smoothly. Originally from Brazil, she made the bold decision to leave her career as a civil engineer and follow her passion all the way to St. Maarten.

As our Administrative Manager, Luiza oversees the day to day operations of the shop with precision and care. At the same time, she is diving headfirst into her own underwater journey, currently completing her Divemaster certification. Her love for the ocean is undeniable. Sharks top her list of favorite marine animals, and one of her lifelong dreams came true when she encountered dolphins during a dive right here in St. Maarten with our team.

When she is not managing logistics or gearing up for a dive, you will likely find her training Muay Thai, going for a run along the coast, or catching waves. If it involves movement, fresh air, and staying connected to nature, she is all in.

Luiza brings focus, passion, and a fearless spirit to everything she does, both above and below the surface.