St Maarten to Prickly Pear: Catamaran Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Catamaran sailing to Prickly Pear Island with snorkeling lunch and Anguilla swim

You’ll board a barefoot catamaran in St Maarten for a full-day trip to Prickly Pear Island, snorkeling clear waters with reef fish and relaxing on powdery beaches. Enjoy a Caribbean buffet lunch right onboard before swimming at Anguilla’s Mead’s Bay. With open bar, snorkeling gear provided, and local guides who keep things easygoing—it’s more than just another boat ride.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the feeling of sand under my bare feet as we handed our shoes into a basket before stepping onto the catamaran in Simpson Bay. There was this salty morning breeze — not too hot yet — and a mix of chatter as everyone found their spot on deck. Our guide, Marcus, checked passports with a grin and reminded us (again) about sunscreen. I’d almost forgotten mine in the rush, so that was lucky.

The sail out to Prickly Pear took nearly two hours but honestly, it slipped by. You get these shifting blues in the water — almost hypnotic — and at one point someone started playing old reggae through the speakers. I tried snorkeling for the first time here (Marcus helped me with the mask, bless him), and there were these tiny darting fish everywhere, neon flashes against the rocks. The water tasted sharp if you accidentally got a mouthful. Lunch was back on board: chicken, ribs, orzo salad, and Johnny Cakes that were still warm. I ate too many but no regrets.

After lunch we drifted towards Mead's Bay for a quick swim — the sand there is so fine it squeaks underfoot. I floated for a bit just listening to people laughing nearby and this low hum from the catamaran’s hull. On the way back, everyone looked sun-tired but happy; someone passed around cold drinks from the open bar. I caught myself thinking how strange it felt to be barefoot all day but now I sort of miss it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day catamaran trip to Prickly Pear

• Check in at Simpson Bay Marina
• Clear immigration by 8:35am
• Motor-sail to Prickly Pear Island
• Snorkel and swim at Prickly Pear
• Relax on Prickly Pear shoreline
• Enjoy Caribbean buffet lunch on board
• Sail to Mead's Bay
• Swim and dip at Mead's Bay
• Sail back to St Maarten

Top questions

How long does the catamaran trip from St Maarten to Prickly Pear take?

The motor-sail to Prickly Pear takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way.

Is lunch included on the Prickly Pear day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch of chicken, ribs, sides like orzo salad and Johnny Cakes is served onboard.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes, there is an open bar with light snacks available throughout the day.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Simpson Bay Resort marina in St Maarten.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you check in directly at Simpson Bay Resort marina.

Do I need my passport for this trip?

Yes, valid passports are required for check-in due to immigration clearance between St Maarten and Anguilla.

Can cruise passengers join this tour?

No, this tour is not recommended for cruise ship passengers due to timing constraints.

What’s included

Your day includes check-in at Simpson Bay marina (bring your passport), barefoot boarding onto a 65-foot catamaran with open bar and light snacks as you sail out. Snorkeling gear is provided for exploring Prickly Pear’s reefs before enjoying a Caribbean buffet lunch onboard—think chicken, ribs, salads, Johnny Cakes—plus time for swimming at Mead’s Bay before sailing home sun-kissed and sandy-footed.