Sint Maarten Catamaran: Snorkeling, Sailing & Beach Lunch

Summary

Sailing sint maarten’s coast with snorkel stops and island lunch

You’ll sail Sint Maarten’s calm south coast by catamaran with friendly local crew, stopping to snorkel clear bays and relax on quiet beaches. Expect fresh barbecue lunch onboard, open bar all day (yes, rum punch), easy snorkeling instruction if needed — plus plenty of time stretched out in the sun or shade as planes swoop overhead at Maho Beach. It’s laid-back in all the best ways.

What’s the experience like?

The salt was still on my skin from our first swim at Little Bay when I realized how much I’d missed just floating — no phone, no shoes, just the water and that low hum of laughter from the crew. Our guide, Jean-Paul (he told us to call him JP), handed out snorkel masks and gave a quick demo for anyone who looked nervous. He made it feel easy — “Breathe slow, like you’re napping,” he said. I tried to remember that later when a parrotfish darted by my mask and startled me. The water here is warm but not heavy; it kind of wraps around you.

We drifted along the south coast of Sint Maarten after that, sails up and music playing soft enough that you could still hear the wind snapping in the rigging. There was this moment near Mullet Bay where the light bounced off the sea so bright I had to squint — someone passed me a cold Carib beer and we all just sat there on the trampoline nets, toes dangling over turquoise. JP pointed out Simpson Bay on one side (“Dutch side!” he grinned) and then Long Beach on the other (“Now you’re in France”). It’s funny how quickly you forget which country you’re in when your only job is deciding whether to swim or sunbathe.

Lunch smelled like barbecue before we even saw it — ribs, chicken, potato salad, baguettes stacked up next to Gouda cheese. I grabbed too much rice (as usual), but nobody seemed to care. The crew kept bringing rum punch around; I tried to pace myself but failed completely after my second glass. At one point someone spotted a plane coming in low over Maho Beach — everyone cheered like kids. We didn’t rush anywhere; some people floated to shore on noodles while others took the dinghy in for sand between their toes. The sun felt strong but not mean.

I still think about that quiet patch after lunch — stretched out under a bit of shade at the back of the boat, watching clouds drift over both sides of this split island. There was no pressure to do anything except maybe ask for another soda or chat with JP about his favorite beaches (he swears Happy Bay is best at sunset). If you want a day trip from Philipsburg where you can snorkel at your own pace and eat well without fuss, this catamaran tour just feels right — not perfect maybe, but real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour

• Board catamaran at dock
• Sail along leeward coast
• Stop at Little Bay for snorkeling
• Receive snorkeling instruction and gear
• Enjoy first swim in tropical waters
• Sail to calm beach and anchor
• Snorkel or float to beach
• Use dinghy service to beach (weather permitting)
• Enjoy ice cold beverages and rum punch
• Crew prepares barbecue buffet lunch
• Visit beaches and snorkel spots: Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, Happy Bay
• Relax on catamaran trampoline and shaded seating
• Enjoy open bar with top shelf liquor

Top questions

How long is the Sint Maarten catamaran snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours along the south coast of Sint Maarten.

Are snorkeling equipment and instruction included?

Yes, all snorkeling gear and beginner instruction are provided by the crew.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, a French-style barbecue buffet lunch is served onboard during the tour.

Is there an open bar on this catamaran trip?

Yes, unlimited drinks including rum punch, beer, vodka, gin, sodas are included all day.

Which beaches or bays will we visit?

You may stop at Little Bay, Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach or Happy Bay depending on weather conditions.

Where does the tour start from?

The catamaran departs from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg for easy boarding.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests board directly at Bobby's Marina dock.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Are there shaded areas and toilets onboard?

Yes, there’s plenty of shade at the back plus two electric toilets onboard for comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes easy boarding at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg with all snorkeling gear and instruction provided by a local crew. You’ll enjoy unlimited drinks from an open bar featuring rum punch and local beers throughout your sailing adventure. A French-style barbecue buffet lunch is served onboard—think ribs, chicken, salads and fresh baguettes—plus shaded seating areas and freshwater showers for comfort before returning to port in late afternoon.