Prickly Pear Catamaran: St Maarten Snorkel & Lunch

Sixteen Miles to Turquoise Water & a Catamaran Lunch

You board at Simpson Bay Resort by 8:35am with your passport, sail 16 miles to Prickly Pear Island on a 65-foot catamaran, snorkel in turquoise shallows with reef fish, eat buffet lunch and drink from an open bar on deck, stop at Mead's Bay on the return, and arrive back in St Maarten by late afternoon with snorkel gear and all port fees already covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran trip to Prickly Pear Island

• Check in at Simpson Bay Marina
• Clear immigration by 8:35am
• Motor-sail to Prickly Pear Island
• Snorkel and swim in turquoise waters
• Relax on white sandy beach
• Enjoy Caribbean buffet lunch on board
• Sail to Mead's Bay
• Take a refreshing dip at Mead's Bay
• Sail back to St Maarten with music

The experience

The catamaran sits waiting at Simpson Bay Resort marina, 65 feet of white hull and canvas, and you're checking in by 8:35am with your passport in hand. The motor-sail to Prickly Pear takes about an hour and forty-five minutes: long enough to settle into the rhythm of the boat, watch the mainland of St Maarten shrink behind you, and realize you're heading somewhere the locals call "the outer cays." Prickly Pear itself sits six miles off Anguilla's coast, uninhabited, just white sand and turquoise water that looks almost unreal until you're standing in it.

Once you drop anchor, the snorkeling happens in clear, shallow water where reef fish move through the shallows like they're used to visitors. If you're not into the mask and fins, you can float in the warm water along the shoreline or walk the powdery sand. The snorkel gear is included, so you don't have to rent or bring your own. Around midday, lunch gets served buffet-style right on the boat: chicken, ribs, coleslaw, orzo salad, and Johnny Cakes, which are exactly what they sound like and somehow taste better when you're eating them on a catamaran. The open bar runs the whole time, so you're not counting drinks or worrying about what costs extra.

On the way back to St Maarten, there's a stop at Mead's Bay for one more dip before the sails unfurl for the ride home. That's when the playlist kicks in and the sound of the hulls cutting through the water takes over: the part where you stop thinking about what you left behind on land. You'll be barefoot the whole time. Shoes come off before boarding and wait for you on the dock. The whole day is about eight hours from check-in to dock, which means you're back with enough daylight left to do something else if you want.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or marina pickup at Simpson Bay Resort, use of snorkeling equipment, a Caribbean buffet lunch served on board with chicken, ribs, and sides, an open bar for the entire journey, light snacks during the motor-sail to and from Prickly Pear, a swimming stop at Mead's Bay on the return, and all port fees.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 65

Live guideEnglish

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 levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Aqua Mania Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water with snorkeling, food, and drinks all sorted: the fixed itinerary and all-inclusive pricing mean you're not managing stops, rental costs, or bar tabs once you're on deck.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6).

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 time do I need to arrive for check-in?

Check-in opens at 8:00am and closes at 8:35am at Simpson Bay Resort marina. You must arrive early enough to clear immigration before departure.

How long is the boat ride to Prickly Pear?

The motor-sail takes approximately one hour and forty-five minutes each way.

What's included in the lunch?

Buffet-style lunch with chicken, ribs, coleslaw, orzo salad, and Johnny Cakes, served on board. The open bar is included throughout the day.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, snorkel equipment is provided and included in the tour price.

What do I need to bring for check-in?

A valid passport is required. Passport cards are not accepted. Cruise ship IDs are not recommended for this tour.

Will I be able to wear shoes on the boat?

No, this is a barefoot cruise. Shoes are removed before boarding and stored in a basket, then returned to you on the dock after the cruise.

Is there a stop at Mead's Bay?

Yes, on the return journey to St Maarten, there's a refreshing dip stop at Mead's Bay before heading back to the marina.

How far is Prickly Pear from St Maarten?

Prickly Pear Island is located 16 miles from St Maarten and about 6 miles off the mainland of Anguilla.