Sint Maarten: Catamaran Island Sailing & Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Sailing Sint Maarten’s coast snorkeling pink sand islands with lunch

You’ll sail around Sint Maarten by catamaran with a small group, snorkeling at Tintamarre’s pink sands and Creole Rock’s reefs. Enjoy fresh sandwiches after your first swim, then relax over barbecue lunch on board with an open bar as you cruise past beaches and mega yachts. It’s that easygoing island feeling you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the turtles here are used to us,” Captain Luc grinned as we dropped anchor off Tintamarre Island. I could smell sunscreen and salt in the air, and my feet were already sticky from the deck. There was this easy laughter from the crew—like they’d done this a hundred times but still actually enjoyed it. The water looked impossibly clear. I slid in, mask fogging up a little (always happens), and there they were: two turtles gliding past like it was just another Tuesday. I tried to keep up but honestly, just floating there was enough.

After that first swim, someone handed me a mini baguette sandwich—warm bread, salty cheese—and I sat dripping on the trampoline net while we sailed toward Creole Rock. The wind picked up, flapping towels around our legs. Our guide Li pointed out Grand Case on the shore and told us about her favorite bakery (I wrote it down for later). At Creole Rock, fish darted everywhere; yellow stripes, flashes of blue—I lost count. There was this moment underwater where everything went quiet except for my own breath and a distant clink from someone’s wedding ring hitting their snorkel.

Lunch was barbecue chicken and ribs served right there on the boat at Happy Bay—honestly better than I expected for something cooked at sea. People lounged with cold beers or Magic Rhum Punch (which is…strong), and I ended up talking to a couple from Marigot about how different the French side feels. We passed mega yachts near Simpson Bay—one of them looked like it belonged in a Bond movie—and then drifted back toward Philipsburg with sunburnt shoulders and hair full of salt. Captain Luc poured everyone champagne at the end; he said it was tradition but I think he just likes an excuse to toast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day sailing and snorkeling tour

• Board Too Rhum Punch at Dock Maarten
• Snorkel at Tintamarre Island
• Sail toward Grand Case
• Enjoy French mini baguette sandwiches
• Snorkel at Creole Rock
• Have aperitif on board
• Lunch buffet at Happy Bay or Grand Case beach
• Swim and relax on noodles
• Sail past Marigot Bay
• Continue sailing and relaxing along coast
• Stop at Long Bay for floating bar and swim
• Pass Mullet Bay and Maho Beach
• Spot planes landing at Maho Bay
• Pass Simpson Bay and view mega yachts
• Return toward Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
• Toast with champagne at St. Maarten Cruise Port

Top questions

How long is the Sint Maarten catamaran tour?

The tour lasts a full day, typically departing in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Are snorkeling gear and instruction included?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is provided along with guidance from the crew if needed.

What food is served during the sailing tour?

Morning snacks include mini French baguette sandwiches; lunch is a buffet with barbecue chicken, ribs, salads, rice, gouda cheese.

Is there an open bar on board?

Yes, unlimited drinks are available including Magic Rhum Punch and beer throughout the day.

How many guests are on each catamaran tour?

The maximum number of guests per tour is 28 for a more exclusive experience.

Where does the tour start and end?

The catamaran departs from Dock Maarten in Philipsburg and returns there at day’s end.

Are stops always at Tintamarre Island and Creole Rock?

The usual stops are Tintamarre Island and Creole Rock but may change depending on weather conditions.

Is transportation to Dock Maarten included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing around Sint Maarten aboard a comfortable catamaran with all snorkeling equipment provided (and help if you need it), unlimited drinks from an open bar including their special Rhum Punch, morning snacks like fresh mini baguette sandwiches after your first swim stop, plus a buffet-style barbecue lunch served onboard before cruising back along the coast in good company.