Snorkeling in Sint Maarten: Catamaran with lunch and open bar

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

Stops and time spent at each

1. St. Maarten Cruise Port10m · entry included
2. Simpson Baypassing by
3. Maho & Mullet Bay1h · entry included

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.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 30

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with 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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like on this catamaran tour in Sint Maarten?

The catamaran stops at two or more reef sites on the calm Dutch side coast: Simpson Bay, Maho Beach and Baie Longue are the main options depending on conditions. The crew gives instruction and gear before you enter, and you snorkel at your own pace in shallow, clear water with coral and reef fish visible from the surface.

Is there a guide in the water with you, or do you snorkel on your own?

The crew provides snorkeling instruction and equipment before you jump in, but you explore the underwater world on your own. The boat stays anchored at each stop so you can take as much time as you want in the water.

What food and drinks are included on the 6-hour tour?

Island-style barbecue lunch is served onboard with ribs, chicken, island rice, potato salad, gouda cheese and caesar salad. Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking. The open bar runs all day with beer, rum punch, vodka mixes, gin and tonics, sodas, juices and water.

Can cruise ship passengers book this snorkeling tour?

Yes, the tour is designed as cruise-ship friendly and boards directly from Bobby's Marina dock in Philipsburg, so you don't need to arrange separate transport from the cruise port. The 6-hour duration fits within a typical port day.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of your tour?

The catamaran sails the protected Dutch side coast, which stays calmer than the Atlantic side. If conditions change, the crew may choose alternate stops (Simpson Bay, Maho Beach or Baie Longue), but the snorkeling and sailing experience continues as planned.

Is there a weight or health restriction for this snorkeling tour?

There is a weight limit of 125 kg (275 lbs) for safety reasons. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries. It is suitable for all other fitness levels.