Golden Rock Dive Center
Golden Rock Dive Center
5
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Full view
About
Owner operated since 1994 Golden Rock Divers has a small dive shop feel with all the amenities you would expect from a world class dive destination without all the frills. Flexibility is our motto and adjusting to our customers needs and desires is how we can best ensure their satisfaction. Your safety and enjoyment are at the core of our operation and helping our guests to experience all Statia has to offer is our goal!
St. Eustatius, Caribbean
Features animals
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2022
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingGolden Rock Dive Center
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
(19 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
166 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
nessren13
Grand Junction, CO193 contributions
Mar 2023
Can't say enough good things about our experience with Golden Rock Dive Center and owners Sarah and David. They were incredibly attentive and flexible and provided us with exactly the kind of diving experience we were looking for. Although everything was laid back, there was excellent attention to detail and safety. Sarah took the time to hunt for the macro critters, our favorite, and David made sure our full valet diving experience was exceptional on each and every dive. They took excellent care of us and our gear. There were multiple opportunities for them to go above and beyond and they always did. If you are looking for a personalized, small group experience, this is the operation you want.
Written 15 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh thank you for the very kind words! We are so very pleased that you had such a nice experience diving here on Statia.
Thank you for diving with us
Happy bubbles!
David and Sarah
Written 7 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lbuckley
arlington, Virginia, USA1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had a fantastic week diving with Sarah and David, owners of Golden Rock Dive Center. Very professional, exceptional customer service, and a fun, friendly, small group diving experience! ST Eustatius is well worth the effort and you won’t regret choosing Golden Rock Dive Center as your dive operator.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review! We are so glad you enjoyed your edible vacation with us. You both were a pleasure to dive with.
Happy bubbles!
Sarah and David
Written 22 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eva S
1 contribution
Feb 2023
We enjoyed the diving with Sarah and David very much and liked the familiar athmosphere as well as the professional organisation very much. If one likes a smaller but very individual place for diving, one should go there.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We are glad you enjoyed your time with us
Written 27 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Antevasin
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Couples
Wonderful experience, friendly and attentive staff, new equipment rentals. Sarah and crew offered a very personalized dive experience, can’t wait to visit again. Vittoria was just lovely, thank you!
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review! So happy you guys had such a great dive experience on Statia! All the best to you
Safe sailing
Written 27 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
willalter
Overland Park, KS7 contributions
Feb 2023
Sarah and David work hard to provide a fun and safe dive experience. The weather wasn't always accommodating, but we go in 22 dives over 10 days. Golden Rock was the right dive operator for us. Small groups with long bottom times. They met us at the airport and handled our gear until the day we left.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Bill! We so enjoyed you and Renda. Thank you for coming to dive with us on Statia
Many happy bubbles!
Sarah and David
Written 27 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GRZ
Chicago, IL9,585 contributions
Jan 2023
We were told to stop here for the locally made souvenirs... and it didn't disappoint :) some small items (they have also of course t shirts, gear etc. you can buy) but considering we aren't divers and came here strictly for souvenirs I am very happy we visited their shop!
The "big" whale was $15, turtles $5 each - great price for a recycled materials put back to life - lovely stuff, hand made! They have also some jewelry made out of the Lion Fish!
The "big" whale was $15, turtles $5 each - great price for a recycled materials put back to life - lovely stuff, hand made! They have also some jewelry made out of the Lion Fish!
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review. Happy you found something to take home from our little shop
Safe travels!
Written 5 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jchurins2015
Hyde Park, NY23 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
If I could, I'd give more than five stars! Had the best experience possible. The dives were excellent, and the entire team went above and beyond to assist two intermediate divers who were new to Statia. They have a well-organized, flexible program that is centered on safety. From pelagic fish to extensive cleaning stations, the reef is teeming with life. Some dives included a mind-blowing diversity of fish, shrimp and critters that it was challenging at times to keep up with and observe everything. We are incredibly grateful for the chance to dive and spend time with diving pros like Ciara, Gary, Vitoria, Sarah, and Dave. We will most sure dive with Golden Rock once more when we come back.
A Quick Critter List:
A parade of turtles during the day and sleepy turtles at night
So many lobsters on every dive (need more butter)
At least six eagle ray drivebys
Four or five shark flybys
Barracuda and stingrays
Pipefish (ask Gary)
Blue seas lugs
Flamingo tongues
Arrow crabs, and so many different kinds of cleaner shrimp
Octopus during the day and night
Blennies (ask Sarah)
Jawfish (ask Vitoria)
Coral is in good shape
Lionfish are hard to find which is epic
A Quick Critter List:
A parade of turtles during the day and sleepy turtles at night
So many lobsters on every dive (need more butter)
At least six eagle ray drivebys
Four or five shark flybys
Barracuda and stingrays
Pipefish (ask Gary)
Blue seas lugs
Flamingo tongues
Arrow crabs, and so many different kinds of cleaner shrimp
Octopus during the day and night
Blennies (ask Sarah)
Jawfish (ask Vitoria)
Coral is in good shape
Lionfish are hard to find which is epic
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yay! Thank you for your awesome detailed review Jonathan. We had such an enjoyable week with you both.
Happy bubbles!
Written 6 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RobertFrisenda
Poughkeepsie, NY8 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This is a true Mom and Pop operation run by owners David and Ciara and Dive Masters Kira and her husband Gary.
Having received my open water certification only a few days earlier at another island, I was surprised and pleased to discover that without my request, I was assigned a private dive master, Kira as a complementary benefit of my dive package.
Beside being the consummate professional, Kira exuded the knowledge and confidence of a seasoned and serious diver. She was gentle and patient with her instructions. Her knowledge of the ocean floor was encyclopedic and she took pains to point out numerous sightings that I would have surely missed.
The dive sites were quite impressive and certainly worth a separate trip to small, unspoiled Sint Eustatius .
Finally the value was extraordinary and translates to more diving for any given budget.
Overall, a memorable and satisfying experience.
Having received my open water certification only a few days earlier at another island, I was surprised and pleased to discover that without my request, I was assigned a private dive master, Kira as a complementary benefit of my dive package.
Beside being the consummate professional, Kira exuded the knowledge and confidence of a seasoned and serious diver. She was gentle and patient with her instructions. Her knowledge of the ocean floor was encyclopedic and she took pains to point out numerous sightings that I would have surely missed.
The dive sites were quite impressive and certainly worth a separate trip to small, unspoiled Sint Eustatius .
Finally the value was extraordinary and translates to more diving for any given budget.
Overall, a memorable and satisfying experience.
Written 10 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the very kind review Robert! We are so pleased you enjoyed your dive experience with us. Welcome to the dive community! We hope to see you back in Statia again soon
Cheers
Written 10 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ElineF33
Haarlem, The Netherlands8 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Super professional friendly staff with a lot of knowledge about the environment, fish, coral etc. Gary really guided us into the underwater world of Statia, while emphasising respect for the nature reserve.
Our wishes were asked and the dives were completely tailor made. Gary spent time and attention on safety procedures which made us feel nice and safe. The dive sites were explained in advance and what things we could find underwater. The email contact beforehand with the dive shop was fast and went very smoothly, clear what was possible and the corresponding prices were.
We really enjoyed the 6 dives we made together and would love to come back some day. We would definitely recommend anyone to dive with Golden Rock on Statia!
Our wishes were asked and the dives were completely tailor made. Gary spent time and attention on safety procedures which made us feel nice and safe. The dive sites were explained in advance and what things we could find underwater. The email contact beforehand with the dive shop was fast and went very smoothly, clear what was possible and the corresponding prices were.
We really enjoyed the 6 dives we made together and would love to come back some day. We would definitely recommend anyone to dive with Golden Rock on Statia!
Written 8 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the detailed review! We are so pleased you were able to come diving on Statia with us. Many happy bubbles
Your Statia Family
Sarah, David
Gary, and Ciara
Written 19 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vausha
Glenwood Springs, CO23 contributions
Nov 2022
Now that Sint Maarten has finally lifted restrictions, travel to Sint Eustatius is much easier. We went on a long delayed eight day dive trip to Golden Rock Dive Center and were blown away by the operation.
Gary and Ciara (say Keera) were our dive hosts for the week. We had four divers, plus a local or two who might join us for the first dive of the day; they really did live up to their ‘small group’ style. Their boat was excellent for diving, with a level floor, plenty of seating on the hatch cover to get suited up, easy backroll entry off both sides, and a good ladder with posts on the swim platform to grab as you stepped up. They got divers in and out of the water quickly and efficiently. No nonsense about being back on the boat in 45 minutes either … if you could make your air last 75 minutes, you were welcome to stay down. We dove Nitrox; it fit our dive profiles and was reasonably priced. After the first dive of the week, they handled the equipment, and you should let them; they’re faster and it’s easier. They were careful with the gear and treated it like it was their own. Dive sites weren’t far, our dive intervals were on land at the shop; they were never rushed. Ciara was kind enough to get special snacks for my diet restrictions. Dive briefings were very good, thorough, and safety focused. The BCD and reg I rented were in perfect condition. The dive shop is right at the dock, just a short walk from our hotel. You can leave your gear and wetsuit at the shop each day. As he should, Gary kept a close eye on us until he was confident in everyone’s comfort and ability. Bottom line, they run a happy boat.
We saw a number of sharks and eagle rays, not too many, but a lot of sand rays and turtles, lobsters, crabs, nudis, the usual reef fish, and some eels and squid. Gary found an octopus for us, which is always exciting. Three of our fifteen dives had moderate current. Visibility was generally good. If you like wrecks, they’ve got a few big ones and a few very old ones. We did one night dive, at a wreck with some very large turtles. We dove the same wreck earlier that day, for orientation; a very good idea.
I would especially recommend Golden Rock if you want to get family members started diving, or any advanced certifications. I’m sure their calm and careful approach, and their skill and extreme competence would be an ideal learning situation.
A few other kindnesses … they set up all airport transfers and had the taxi take us directly to the hotel restaurant so we could have dinner while they were still open. We were jet-lagged, so they started an hour late the first day. They picked up and returned everyone’s dive gear to the hotel. Ciara gave restaurant suggestions, and arranged an island tour for us.
Sarah and Dave own the shop; let Sarah arrange your hotel, she’s great. Dave captains the boat; his calm and easy-going personality sets the tone for the day.
FYI … Statia is a very small island, friendly and laid-back, no security worries. Dutch is official, English is widely spoken, and they use the US dollar. Cash is easier than credit cards. Being Dutch, things work … you can drink the water, for instance.
Gary and Ciara (say Keera) were our dive hosts for the week. We had four divers, plus a local or two who might join us for the first dive of the day; they really did live up to their ‘small group’ style. Their boat was excellent for diving, with a level floor, plenty of seating on the hatch cover to get suited up, easy backroll entry off both sides, and a good ladder with posts on the swim platform to grab as you stepped up. They got divers in and out of the water quickly and efficiently. No nonsense about being back on the boat in 45 minutes either … if you could make your air last 75 minutes, you were welcome to stay down. We dove Nitrox; it fit our dive profiles and was reasonably priced. After the first dive of the week, they handled the equipment, and you should let them; they’re faster and it’s easier. They were careful with the gear and treated it like it was their own. Dive sites weren’t far, our dive intervals were on land at the shop; they were never rushed. Ciara was kind enough to get special snacks for my diet restrictions. Dive briefings were very good, thorough, and safety focused. The BCD and reg I rented were in perfect condition. The dive shop is right at the dock, just a short walk from our hotel. You can leave your gear and wetsuit at the shop each day. As he should, Gary kept a close eye on us until he was confident in everyone’s comfort and ability. Bottom line, they run a happy boat.
We saw a number of sharks and eagle rays, not too many, but a lot of sand rays and turtles, lobsters, crabs, nudis, the usual reef fish, and some eels and squid. Gary found an octopus for us, which is always exciting. Three of our fifteen dives had moderate current. Visibility was generally good. If you like wrecks, they’ve got a few big ones and a few very old ones. We did one night dive, at a wreck with some very large turtles. We dove the same wreck earlier that day, for orientation; a very good idea.
I would especially recommend Golden Rock if you want to get family members started diving, or any advanced certifications. I’m sure their calm and careful approach, and their skill and extreme competence would be an ideal learning situation.
A few other kindnesses … they set up all airport transfers and had the taxi take us directly to the hotel restaurant so we could have dinner while they were still open. We were jet-lagged, so they started an hour late the first day. They picked up and returned everyone’s dive gear to the hotel. Ciara gave restaurant suggestions, and arranged an island tour for us.
Sarah and Dave own the shop; let Sarah arrange your hotel, she’s great. Dave captains the boat; his calm and easy-going personality sets the tone for the day.
FYI … Statia is a very small island, friendly and laid-back, no security worries. Dutch is official, English is widely spoken, and they use the US dollar. Cash is easier than credit cards. Being Dutch, things work … you can drink the water, for instance.
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Wonderfully detailed review! Thank you so much for your time and kind words. We were extremely happy to have you dive with us and pleased that you enjoyed your experience.
Spread the word! We hope to see you back again
Until then… safe travels and happy bubbles!
Your Statia Family
Sarah, David
Ciara, and Gary
Written 8 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience