St. Martin: Boat Charter, Snorkel with Turtles & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Caribbean boat day snorkeling turtles BBQ lunch music & paddle boards

You’ll feel that first rush of Caribbean wind as soon as you board in St. Martin. Snorkel with turtles near Creole Rock and Tintamarre Island, try paddle boarding off Pinel Island’s calm shallows, then dig into a Caribbean BBQ lunch right on deck—all with an open bar and good music in the background. It’s one of those days you’ll replay later when you need a smile.

What’s the experience like?

I hopped onto the Boomerang in St. Martin not really knowing what to expect—just hoping I wouldn’t embarrass myself with the snorkel gear. The crew greeted us like we were old friends (I think one of them actually fist-bumped my partner?), and as soon as we took off, that salty air hit. It was loud but good-loud: reggae on the speakers, wind in your face, everyone sort of grinning at each other because hey, we’re all here for this.

First stop was Creole Rock. Our guide—Alex? Or maybe it was Alain—pointed out where to jump in if you wanted to spot turtles or rays. I got lucky and saw a turtle gliding under me, just doing its thing. There’s something about seeing them up close that makes you forget about everything else for a minute. Back on board, someone handed me a drink (the “Boomerang Breeze,” which tasted like pineapple and something stronger) and I tried not to spill it while standing on the lily pad mat. Not my most graceful moment.

Pinel Island came next—iguanas everywhere, just sunning themselves like they owned the place. Some folks went paddle boarding; I mostly watched and laughed when one guy wiped out (he laughed too). By then I was starving, so when they started serving lunch—jerk chicken skewers, garlic shrimp, pasta salad—I probably ate more than my share. The smell of grilled chicken mixed with ocean air is weirdly perfect together.

We ended up snorkeling again at Tintamarre Island—more turtles (I counted two this time), plus these little flashes of silver fish darting around my ankles. On the way back towards Mullet Bay, the light got softer and people started talking less; just music and the sound of water slapping against the hull. I still think about that ride home sometimes—the kind of tired you only get from sun and saltwater.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day boat tour with snorkeling and lunch

• Board the boat and meet crew
• Cruise to Creole Rock for snorkeling
• Snorkel and spot rays, turtles, dolphins
• Explore Pinel Island and iguana colony
• Paddle board in calm shallows
• Enjoy Caribbean style BBQ lunch onboard
• Snorkel with turtles near Tintamarre Island
• Relax on downwind ride with music
• Stop at Mullet Bay for swim and fruit

Top questions

Is snorkeling gear provided on this St. Martin boat tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included for guests on the boat charter.

Do you see turtles during this day trip from St. Martin?

You have a good chance to snorkel with turtles around Creole Rock and especially at Tintamarre Island.

Is lunch included on the St. Maarten boat charter?

Yes, a Caribbean-style BBQ lunch is served onboard featuring chicken skewers, shrimp skewers, pasta salad, bread, and fruit.

Are drinks included during the tour?

The open bar includes cocktails (with Captain Morgan rum), beer, soda, juices, and water throughout the trip.

Can children join this St. Martin snorkeling tour?

The trip is suitable for all ages; flotation vests are available for kids and adults.

Where does the boat stop during this day trip?

The main stops are Creole Rock for snorkeling, Pinel Island for paddle boarding and iguana spotting, Tintamarre Island for more snorkeling with turtles, then Mullet Bay beach.

Is there music or entertainment onboard?

The boat has a high-quality sound system playing music during the cruise.

Are paddle boards available to use?

Yes, there are two paddle boards available for guests to use around Pinel Island's calm waters.

Does this tour include pickup from hotels or cruise ships?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are nearby; cruise ship passengers can join if their all-aboard time is 6:30 PM or later.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel gear and flotation vests for all ages, two paddle boards to try out at Pinel Island’s shallows, a floating lily pad mat for lounging off the boat side (or attempting not to fall in), plus an open bar serving hand-shaken cocktails made with Captain Morgan rum alongside beer and soft drinks. Lunch is served onboard—a Caribbean BBQ spread with jerk chicken skewers, garlic shrimp skewers, Greek pasta salad with feta dressing, baguette slices—and there’s always fresh pineapple and watermelon to snack on between swims before heading back in the late afternoon.