St Martin: 3 Islands Snorkeling Tour with Turtles & Beach

Summary

Snorkel with turtles taste French bread watch iguanas on St Martin

You’ll race across turquoise waves by power boat from St Martin to three islands, snorkeling above sea turtles at Tintamarre and feeding iguanas at Pinel. Enjoy cold drinks and fresh French bread as you float between beaches and reefs with a small group and local crew — it’s those little moments you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mask before I even realize we’re slowing down — the water around Tintamarre Island is this wild blue-green, almost fake-looking. Captain Alan’s crew is already laughing about how fast I’ll spot turtles (I didn’t). The boat ride here from St Martin was choppy in a good way, spray in your face and hair all over the place. There’s something about being out there with just a handful of people, everyone sort of squinting at the horizon, that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret.

We slid off the boat and floated above these lazy sea turtles munching on seagrass. I tried to keep up but mostly just drifted, watching fish dart through sunlight. Our guide kept pointing out things under the surface — sometimes I’d see them, sometimes not. At Pinel Island later, we waded into shallow water where iguanas just wandered up like they owned the place. Someone tried feeding one a bit of ham from their sandwich (not sure that’s what they’re supposed to eat), and it actually took it. The whole thing felt weirdly casual for such a wild setting.

I still think about that French bread they handed out — soft, salty, with cheese melting from the sun. Maybe it’s silly but eating that right after swimming made everything taste sharper. On Creole Rock (or was it Greenkey? I lost track), we snorkeled again; more fish than I could count, all colors flickering past my mask. By then I’d stopped worrying if my hair looked crazy or if my sunscreen had washed off. Just sun, salt, and everyone grinning at nothing in particular as we headed back toward St Martin. Sometimes you don’t need a big reason to remember a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and island beach visits

• Visit Tintamarre Island beach
• Snorkel at Creole Rock or Greenkey
• Feed iguanas at Bounty Island

Top questions

How long is Captain Alan's 3 Islands snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, beer, bottled water, Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite are included.

Is lunch or food included on this day trip?

Freshly made French bread with cheese, ham or turkey is served.

Do you swim with turtles on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling with turtles is part of the experience at Tintamarre Island.

Are hotel transfers included in the price?

No, transportation rates are paid separately in cash to the driver.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Which islands do you visit on this trip?

Tintamarre Island, Pinel Island, and either Creole Rock or Greenkey.

What’s included

Your day includes power boat rides between St Martin and three islands—Tintamarre for turtle snorkeling, Pinel for shallow water iguana encounters—and stops at Creole Rock or Greenkey for more underwater exploring. All snorkeling gear is provided along with cold drinks like beer or sodas plus freshly made French bread sandwiches from the crew before heading back in the afternoon.