Snorkeling in St Maarten: Catamaran with lunch and drinks

A full day on the water where the catamaran stops and you decide what to do: snorkel, swim, or stay aboard and watch.

Snorkeling in St Maarten aboard the Hakuna Matata, a 47-foot catamaran departing Phillipsburg at 9 AM and returning around 4 PM, with stops at Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, and La Semanna Beach. Captain Robert, with over 15 years of Caribbean sailing experience, leads the day and shares stories from his adventures. Lunch, dinner, snorkeling gear, and unlimited drinks are included. Each beach stop lasts at least an hour, giving you time to snorkel, swim, or simply relax on board.

The experience

The boat leaves Phillipsburg at 9 AM and sails to four stops where you spend an hour or more at each one. Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, and La Semanna Beach are the anchors: shallow enough for snorkeling and open enough to swim without a plan. You bring a beach towel and sunscreen. The crew brings snorkeling equipment, swimming noodles, and the meals. Captain Robert handles the sailing and the stories. You decide at each stop whether to get in the water or stay on deck.

Lunch is homemade: sandwiches on French baguettes, grilled ribs or chicken with salad, and fresh fruit sourced locally when possible. Dinner comes later, served buffet-style as you sail back. Soda, bottled water, snacks, and unlimited drinks run all day. The snorkeling itself is the draw: the water is clear enough that you might spot tropical fish or a sea turtle, though there's no guarantee and no pressure to go in if you'd rather float or read on the catamaran deck.

No passport is required to sail St Maarten waters, and kids are welcome from age 3. The day is built for families, couples, and groups who want to move without rushing. Each beach gets real time, the boat is small enough that you know the crew by the end, and Captain Robert's commentary is woven through the sailing, not delivered as a lecture. Gratuities are not included, but all fees and taxes are covered in the price.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles.
• homemade lunch with sandwiches, grilled entrées, and fresh local fruit.
• full dinner served buffet-style.
• unlimited soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
• sailing and stops at four beaches (Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, La Semanna Beach) with at least an hour at each.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Ocean Tales Adventures

Is this one for you?Captain Robert leads the commentary in English throughout the day, so the experience works for anyone who speaks English and wants stories woven into the sailing rather than a formal tour. The catamaran is small and the crew knows you by the end of the day, which suits travelers who prefer a personal, intimate group over a large boat full of strangers.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the water like for snorkeling at these four stops?

The water at Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, and La Semanna Beach is clear and shallow enough for snorkeling, with tropical fish and occasional sea turtles. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and each stop lasts at least an hour, so you have time to explore at your own pace or simply swim and relax instead.

Do I need a passport to sail from St Maarten?

No passport is required. The Hakuna Matata stays in St Maarten waters, so you can board with just a valid ID.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch includes homemade sandwiches on French baguettes, grilled ribs or chicken with fresh salad, and locally sourced fruit. Dinner is served buffet-style as you sail back. Soda, bottled water, snacks, and unlimited drinks run throughout the day.

How long is the full day on the water?

The catamaran departs Phillipsburg at 9 AM and returns around 4 PM, giving you seven hours total. Each of the four beach stops lasts at least an hour.

Who is Captain Robert and what will he do during the day?

Captain Robert has over 15 years of Caribbean sailing experience and leads the catamaran throughout the day. He shares stories from his adventures at sea and handles all the sailing, so you can focus on swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.