Sint Maarten: Catamaran Snorkeling & Sailing with Buffet Lunch

Summary

Sail sint maarten’s coast, snorkel clear bays, beach barbecue lunch

You’ll sail Sint Maarten’s calm south coast by catamaran with a local crew, stopping at Little Bay and Mullet Bay for snorkeling or floating in warm water. Enjoy a Caribbean-style buffet lunch onboard and watch planes land over Maho Beach before sailing home salty-haired and sun-warmed.

What’s the experience like?

“You see those planes? Sometimes they look close enough to touch,” our captain grinned as we drifted just off Maho Beach. He’d already won us over with his stories about the Dutch and French sides of Sint Maarten — and the way he pronounced ‘Simpson Bay’ made it sound like home. The boat itself was bigger than I expected (they said sometimes they swap for a larger one if the group’s big), but it never felt crowded. I could hear soca music from a radio somewhere behind the bar, mixing with the slap of water against the hull.

The first stop was Little Bay — only fifteen minutes from Bobby’s Marina but it felt like another world. The crew handed out snorkeling gear and gave quick tips for anyone new (I pretended I didn’t need them, but honestly, I forgot how salty Caribbean water tastes). Fish darted around my ankles as soon as I slid in. There was this moment underwater where everything went quiet except for my own bubbles — weirdly peaceful. Back on deck, someone had started pouring rum punch, and you could smell barbecue chicken drifting from the galley.

We sailed past Simpson Bay and anchored near Mullet Bay for more swimming or just floating on noodles toward shore. A few folks took the dinghy in — I stuck to the trampoline up front, sun on my face, watching clouds drift by while our guide pointed out which beaches belonged to which country (I still can’t keep track). The buffet lunch was simple but hit the spot: ribs, rice, salads, fresh baguettes with Gouda cheese. It tasted better after swimming — maybe everything does? By then people were laughing more easily; someone tried to order a drink in French and got teased by one of the crew. That kind of day.

I didn’t expect to care about spotting planes at Maho Beach but when one roared overhead while we floated nearby, everyone cheered like kids. Sunburn crept up on me without noticing. On the way back there was this sleepy feeling — salt on my skin, wind in my hair, thinking about how easy it is to lose track of time out here. I still think about that view from the trampoline sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour

• Board catamaran at dock
• Sail to Little Bay
• Receive snorkeling gear and instruction
• Snorkel in Little Bay
• Sail along leeward coast
• Anchor at calm beach for snorkeling
• Use dinghy to tender to beach (weather permitting)
• Enjoy ice cold beverages and rum punch
• Eat Caribbean style buffet lunch onboard
• 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 catamaran snorkeling tour in Sint Maarten?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours along Sint Maarten’s south coast.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this sailing trip?

Yes, all snorkeling gear plus instruction for beginners is included.

Where does the tour start?

The catamaran departs from Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg.

Are drinks provided during the day trip?

Yes, there’s an open bar all day with beer, sodas, rum punch and top shelf liquor.

What kind of lunch is served onboard?

A Caribbean buffet lunch with barbecue chicken and ribs, rice dishes, salads and fresh baguettes is served.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking.

Do you visit both Dutch and French sides of Sint Maarten?

The route includes stops along both French and Dutch coasts depending on weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; guests board directly at Bobby’s Marina dock.

Are there toilets onboard?

Yes, there are two electric toilets available on the catamaran.

What’s included

Your day includes easy boarding at Bobby’s Marina dock in Philipsburg, all snorkeling equipment with instruction if needed, stops at Little Bay plus other beaches along both Dutch and French sides (weather permitting), use of noodles for floating or dinghy service to shore when possible, an open bar stocked with beer and spirits all day long, a Caribbean-style buffet lunch featuring barbecue meats and salads (with vegetarian options if requested), shaded seating areas or sunny spots up front for relaxing between swims—and fresh water showers plus electric toilets onboard for comfort throughout your trip.