St Maarten: Tintamarre, Pinel & Creole Rock Snorkel Day Trip

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Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/9

Duration6h

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Swim with turtles at Tintamarre then unwind on Pinel Island’s sand

You’ll swim with sea turtles off Tintamarre Island, explore colorful reefs near Creole Rock, sip cold drinks on deck, and share lunch with new friends on Pinel Island—all with pickup from your cruise ship and a local guide who keeps things easygoing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and island beach tour

Start tour at Bobby's Marina
Snorkel at top island site
Snorkel with sea turtles
Visit beach with pet iguanas
Eat hot lunch at local restaurant
Stop for quick swim
See Maho & Mullet Bay airport

The Experience

I still remember the first splash—cooler than I expected, but that’s probably because I was a little nervous about snorkeling in St Maarten for the first time. Our guide, Jean-Luc, handed me a mask and gave this quick, patient demo right there on the deck. The boat rocked gently as we left Bobby’s Marina behind, sun already sharp but not too fierce. We skimmed across water so clear you could see the shadows of fish darting beneath us. Someone cracked a joke about rum punch before noon (I mean, why not?).

Tintamarre Island felt like a movie set—white sand, wild green edges, and these sea turtles just gliding by without a care. I bobbed along next to them for what felt like ages; at one point I lost track of everyone else and just floated there listening to my own breath through the snorkel. Jean-Luc called out when it was time to move on—I honestly didn’t want to leave that quiet blue world. There was this salty tang in the air and sunscreen smell everywhere.

Afterwards, we stopped at Pinel Island where iguanas lazed under beach chairs (one eyed my sandwich with way too much interest). Lunch was hot and simple—grilled chicken with something spicy on the side—and it tasted better than most fancy dinners just because we were all sunburned and laughing about who got nipped by fish. The open bar started to feel like a dangerous idea after two rum punches but hey, vacation rules. At Creole Rock, even beginners got coaxed into snorkeling again—Jean-Luc kept an eye out for anyone who looked nervous.

The last stop was Maho Bay where planes skimmed over our heads so close you could read their belly logos if you squinted. It was loud and weirdly thrilling; people cheered every time an engine roared past. By then I’d lost track of time completely—just sticky from saltwater and happy-tired in that way you only get after a real day outside. Still think about that turtle sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Bobby's Marina if arriving by cruise ship, all snorkeling gear with flotation aids (plus instructions if you’re new), bottled water and drinks from an open bar onboard—including rum punch—and a hot lunch served at a local restaurant before heading back salty-haired and sun-kissed.

Good to know

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

Operated by Billy Bones