Snorkeling in Sint Maarten: Catamaran with lunch and open bar

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/14

Duration6h

GroupUp to 30

Mobile ticketAccepted

Jump in from the catamaran and explore the reefs on your own terms

A 6-hour snorkeling catamaran tour in Sint Maarten departs from Philipsburg and includes two or more reef stops with snorkeling instruction and gear, plus island-style barbecue lunch and an open bar throughout the day. The boat sails the calm Dutch side coast, with stops at Simpson Bay or Maho Beach depending on weather, and returns past the famous airport where planes land overhead. Weight limit is 125 kg (275 lbs); not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing, snorkeling, and beach stops

Board catamaran at Bobby's Marina
Receive snorkeling gear and instruction
Snorkel and explore underwater
Stop for swim and Caribbean BBQ lunch
Sail along the shore
Stop at Maho & Mullet Bay for swim and lunch
Possible stop at Baie Longue for snorkeling or relaxing
Return to Philipsburg, watch planes land at airport
Relax with drinks while sailing shore

The Experience

The catamaran boards straight from Bobby's Marina dock in Philipsburg, so cruise passengers and hotel guests skip the hassle of arranging a separate ride. Once aboard, the crew hands out snorkeling gear and walks you through how to use it before the first stop. The water on the Dutch side stays calm and shallow enough that even first-time snorkelers can move at their own pace—no guide herding you through a set route underwater.

Two or more stops break up the sailing: Simpson Bay brings you past mega yachts anchored in turquoise water, and Maho Beach or Baie Longue offer white sand and coral reefs close to shore. Between stops, you float on noodles at the floating bar, or stay in the water as long as you want. The crew serves Caribbean barbecue lunch onboard—ribs, chicken, island rice, potato salad and fresh vegetables—and the open bar runs all day with beer, rum punch, vodka mixes, gin and tonics, sodas and juice. On the return to Philipsburg, watch planes from the famous airport descend almost directly overhead as you sail back in.

The whole day runs 6 hours. Shade and comfortable seating are built into the catamaran, and there's a fresh water shower and electric toilets onboard. Alternate stops may shift if weather changes, but the route stays on the protected side of the island. Vegetarian lunch options are available if you request them at booking.

What’s included

Snorkeling instruction and equipment.
two or more reef stops with swimming time.
island-style barbecue lunch served onboard with vegetarian option available.
open bar all day with beer, rum punch, vodka mixes, gin and tonics, sodas, juices and water.
shade, comfortable seating, fresh water shower and electric toilets onboard.
floating bar and noodle time between stops.
professional crew and easy boarding from the dock.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Eagle Tours N.V.

Is this one for you?The crew speaks English and delivers instruction in a straightforward way, so snorkelers of any language background can follow along. If you've never snorkeled before or prefer to move at your own pace without a guide directing you underwater, this tour gives you the gear, the instruction and the reef access without the structure of a guided group.