St Maarten: Snorkeling Turtles, Tintamarre & Pinel Island Day Trip

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/8

Duration7h

GroupUp to 22

LanguagesEN · FR +2

Mobile ticketAccepted

Swim with turtles at tintamarre island then rum punch on pinel beach

You’ll swim alongside turtles at Tintamarre Island, snorkel vibrant reefs near Creole Rock, and unwind on Pinel Island’s soft sand. With a local guide leading the way, enjoy a real BBQ lunch in Grand Case (no sandwiches here), plus open bar drinks as you soak up island rhythms. It’s relaxed but full of those small moments that stick with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and island tour with lunch

Meet at start point at 9 AM
Visit Tintamarre Island
Snorkel with turtles and tropical fish
Visit Creole Rock
Visit Pinel Island
Enjoy lunch at Grand Case French restaurant
Sip rum punch on the beach
Relax and work on your tan

The Experience

First thing I remember is the way our guide, Billy, grinned when he handed me my mask — “You’ll see the turtles before you see me again,” he joked. I didn’t believe him until I slipped into that blue water off Tintamarre Island and there they were, just gliding along like it was nothing. There’s this salty tang in the air out here, mixed with sunscreen and a bit of engine oil from the boat. The sun felt hot even at 9 AM but nobody seemed to mind. A couple from Montreal tried to ask for “more ice” in French and the crew just laughed and handed over a whole bucket.

We hopped from Tintamarre to Creole Rock — honestly, I’d never seen so many fish colors outside of an aquarium. Our guide pointed out a parrotfish (I think?) and told us its name in Creole but I forgot it instantly. It’s weird how floating on your stomach with a snorkel can make you feel both brave and kind of silly at the same time. By the time we reached Pinel Island, my hair was stiff with salt and I’d already lost track of time. Lunch wasn’t some sad sandwich either — real BBQ at Grand Case, smoky and sweet, with sticky fingers and a cold drink that tasted like summer vacation.

I still think about that first sip of rum punch on the beach — sand stuck to my glass and everything just slowed down for a minute. There were kids chasing crabs near the waterline and someone’s reggae playlist drifting over from another group. It wasn’t fancy or perfect but it felt honest, you know? We all ended up talking about where we were from while drying off in the sun before heading back to Simpson Bay. If you’re looking for a day trip from St Maarten with turtles, real food, and easy laughter — well, this is it.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkeling gear with flotation devices and instructions for beginners if needed, free-flowing drinks from an open bar (including rum punch), a proper BBQ lunch in Grand Case (not just sandwiches), guidance from friendly locals throughout each stop—plus plenty of time to relax on Pinel Island before returning to Simpson Bay.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Billy Bones