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Dive Review of Scubaqua/Old Gin House in
St. Eustatius/N.A.

Scubaqua/Old Gin House: "Post hurricane report", Feb, 2018,

by craig whitaker, OH, US (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 7 reports with 2 Helpful votes). Report 10128 has 1 Helpful vote.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 3 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling 2 stars
Value for $$ 3 stars
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments All of the pre-2017 hurricane reports I heard about this dive destination were excellent. Unfortunately, my post-hurricane, two-week stay (at the Old Gin House) in February, 2018, was not. Rather than comment upon that in which I was disappointed, due to the devastating effects of the hurricane, I will elucidate what I did enjoy.

Without exception, Scubaqua is the best dive operation that I have dived with in my limited 400 dives experience. The staff is exceptionally friendly, dive briefings are comprehensive, the boats are clean, the dive crew is very helpful in loading and setting up tanks and gear, and groups of divers are limited to six per dive leader. Nitrox diving is strongly recommended.

The chef at the Old Gin House restaurant possesses world-class, culinary skills. Every meal is expertly prepared and promptly delivered by amicable table servers. A new restaurant on the other side of the island, The Whale Tails, provides a secluded, seaside dining atmosphere. Free transportation to the restaurant is available (make reservations at the Old Gin House).

The nearby town has an excellent, do-not-miss museum about St. Eustatius’ role in the 17th-19th century slave trade, world commerce, and political intrigue. The restored and well-maintained Fort Oranje is located nearby and well within walking distance. Be certain to take the tour of the island which can be arranged through the Old Gin House.

I would recommend St. Eustatius as a dive destination, but would wait until the island has more fully recovered from the ‘17 hurricane.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Nassau, Belize, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Cancun, St. Croix, Cozumel, FL keys, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway - 1000 Islands, Playa del Carmen, Roatan, Morehead City, USA
Closest Airport St Maarten Getting There WinAir from St. Maarten St. Eustatius has baggage restrictions

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas choppy
Water Temp 80-80°F / 27-27°C Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 50-60 Ft/ 15-18 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions No restrictions
Dive your limits
No gloves at depth
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 2 stars Large Fish 1 stars
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments [None]
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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