Snorkeling in St.Maarten: Sail, Swim & Caribbean Sunset

A trimaran, turquoise water, and the sail back timed to sunset

A 4-hour snorkeling sail on a trimaran along St.Maarten's west coast, with a live guide in English, French, German or Dutch. You'll anchor in a calm bay to swim and snorkel in clear water, then sail back to port as the sun drops over the Caribbean. Maximum 16 guests per departure. Rum punch, wine, beer, water, fruit and snacks are included.

The experience

The boat is a trimaran built for this route: stable enough to hold 16 people comfortably, and designed so the sail back to port happens during the golden hours of a Caribbean sunset. You'll spend the first part of the 4-hour experience sailing along the western coast of St.Maarten, then anchor in a calm bay on the lee side where the water stays flat and clear. That's where you get in with the snorkeling gear provided and spend time in the water while the boat sits still.

The drinks and food are there the whole time: rum punch, wine, beer, soda and bottled water, plus a tropical fruit platter and savory and sweet snacks. A live guide speaks English, French, German or Dutch, depending on the group. The sail back to home port is the finale: the wind in the sails and the water against the hull are the only sounds, and you're watching the light change as you head in.

Pickup is at the check-in location on the island. You'll need to arrange your own transport there, though public transportation options are available nearby. Bring a towel and sunscreen, neither is provided. The experience suits anyone with at least a moderate level of fitness. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with very young children.

What’s included

• Rum punch, wine, beer, soda and bottled water.
• tropical fruit platter, sweet and savory snacks.
• snorkeling equipment.
• live guide in English, French, German or Dutch.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and SundayDepartures at 14:30 and 15:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Dutch

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

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by No1Sxm Sailing

Is this one for you?The boat departs from a check-in location on St.Maarten, so you'll need to arrange your own transport there: a taxi, rental car or public transit. If you're staying on the island without a car, confirm the check-in address and transport options before booking so you can plan your arrival time.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

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 in the bay where you anchor?

The bay on the west coast of St.Maarten stays calm and protected, so the water is clear and the conditions are gentle for getting in and out of the boat. You'll have snorkeling equipment provided and a guide in the water with you.

How much time do you actually spend snorkeling versus sailing?

The 4-hour experience includes the sail out along the coast, the time anchored in the bay for swimming and snorkeling, and the sail back during sunset. The guide will anchor long enough for a meaningful time in the water, though the exact duration depends on conditions and how the group is moving.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear, or do I have to use what's provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the experience. If you prefer your own mask or fins, check with the operator at check-in about bringing them aboard.

What if I don't want to snorkel? Can I just sail and swim?

Yes. The snorkeling gear is there if you want it, but you can choose to swim without it. The boat anchors in a calm bay, so the water is safe for swimming either way.

Is the sunset guaranteed, or does weather change the timing?

The sail back to port is timed for the golden hours of sunset, but Caribbean weather can shift the exact timing or visibility. The boat operates year-round, and the guide will work with conditions on the day you go.

Do I need to know how to sail or swim well to book this?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Swimming ability is helpful for snorkeling, though the bay is calm and shallow. The guide and crew handle all the sailing. You're a passenger on the boat.