St Maarten: Speed Boat & Snorkeling Tour with Pinel & Tintamarre

Summary

Speed boat rides, sea turtles and iguanas in St Maarten’s wild blue

You’ll skim across St Maarten’s coastline by speed boat with a local guide, snorkel over Creole Rock’s reefs, swim at Tintamarre Island (maybe spot a turtle), and meet sunbathing iguanas on Pinel Island. Drinks are included onboard and there’s time for lunch or wandering on shore. It’s relaxed but full of little moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap of the wind and salt — not gentle, but waking you right up as the speed boat shot out from St Maarten’s dock. Our guide (I think his name was Jean-Luc?) grinned as he steered us toward Grand Case Bay. He pointed out Creole Rock poking above the water like some half-forgotten monument. When I slid off the side with my mask, the water was colder than I expected, and for a second all I could hear was my own breath and fish clicking their jaws below.

Tintamarre Island looked empty from a distance — just green and sand — but once we landed, it felt alive in this quiet way. A couple of us wandered off barefoot to find the second beach (watch your step, those rocks are no joke). Someone shouted “turtle!” and yeah, there it was, just drifting along like it owned the place. The sun was sharp but not mean; I lay back in the sand for a minute and just listened to nothing. It’s funny how you can feel so far away from everything after only a short ride.

Pinel Island was warmer somehow — maybe it’s all that shallow water catching the light. There were iguanas everywhere, lazing around like they’d been paid to pose for photos. One tried to climb onto someone’s towel and everyone laughed (the guide said they’re harmless, but still). Lunch was casual — grilled fish if you wanted it or you could just wander over to the little stores behind the beach huts. Rum punch flowed pretty freely; I lost count after two. On our way back we stopped at Maho Bay where planes come in so low you can almost read what people are eating in their seats — wild sight.

I keep thinking about that moment floating over Creole Rock, watching sunlight flicker through shoals of fish. Sometimes travel feels loud or rushed, but this day trip from St Maarten felt more like a string of small surprises stitched together by sea spray and laughter. Not perfect — my shoulders got sunburned — but real in a way that sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and island sightseeing tour

• Snorkel at top spot
• Visit Tintamarre Island
• Stop for quick swim
• Explore Pinel Island
• Lunch break at Pinel Island
• Stop at Maho Airport

Top questions

How long is the St Maarten speed boat snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours from departure to return.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included for guests.

Are drinks included during the excursion?

Unlimited rum punch, beer, soda, and bottled water are included onboard.

Do we visit both Tintamarre Island and Pinel Island?

Yes, stops include both Tintamarre Island and Pinel Island during the day trip.

Can we see sea turtles on this tour?

You may spot sea turtles while snorkeling at Tintamarre Island.

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch is not included but there is time to buy food or explore local stores during the stop.

Are there any restrictions for travelers?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with spinal or heart conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point in St Maarten.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, families can join but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; moderate fitness is needed.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling equipment plus floating devices if you want them; unlimited rum punch, beer, soft drinks and bottled water onboard; personal attention from your guide throughout; plus plenty of time to swim or relax at each stop before returning by late afternoon.