Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour & Lunch St Maarten
Back at the ship by about 3:00 pm, 1 h 30 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 30 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip docks in St. Maarten20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
- 8:20 amLeave the pierAbout 20 min to the start point
- 8:40 amEarliest tour startTour runs 6 h. Latest sensible start: 9:10 am.
- 2:40 pmTour ends20 min back to the pier
- 3:00 pmBack at the gangway1 h 30 min before all aboard
- 4:30 pmAll aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
About this tour
Come experience firsthand what has made this St. Maarten's #1 ranked excursion on TripAdvisor for the last 10 years running and the absolute best way to avoid the cruise ship crowds and visit both the Dutch and French sides of the island in a family friendly, small group setting. From the moment you hop aboard our deluxe speed boat and venture out to sea you'll realize that your vacation has only just begun. Highlights of the 5 stop, 6 hour tour include unforgettable snorkeling with sea turtles, sting rays and tropical fish on uninhabited islands, sunbathing on some of the finest white sand beaches the Caribbean has to offer and feeling the rush of commercial jets landing directly over your head at the famous airport. All the while your captain and guide will make sure that you are not only educated and entertained but also well-tended to with food and drinks on the boat, all included in the price. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out on the water!
Max 16 per group English
What's included
- Lunch and snacks
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Soft Drinks
- We guarantee to get you back to your cruise ship on time
- Flotation devices
- Captain/local guide
- Alcoholic Beverages
Not included
- Nature Reserve Fee $10/person (payable in cash at check-in)
- Gratuities (15-20% recommended)
Itinerary
- 1Simpson BayCaptain Bob's most popular speed boat, snorkeling and beach tour is a full day, 5 stop adventure of a lifetime that is uniquely designed to show you the very best of both the French and Dutch sides of Sint Maarten/St. Martin. Departing from Philipsburg, you'll first head past the islands of Saba, Statia and St. Barts before passing under the bridge into Simpson Bay Lagoon, the biggest lagoon in the Caribbean. While sightseeing in the lagoon you will be taken aback by the size of the million dollar "mega yachts" of the rich and famous that frequent the island in the wintertime. After officially crossing onto the French side of the island you will make your way around Marigot, Happy Bay, Friar's Bay and finally Grand Case.
- 2Tintamarre IslandYour first stop is the island of Tintamarre, an uninhabited island within the French Nature Reserve that is only accessible by boat and where large groups are forbidden, a great way to escape the cruise ship crowds. Here your knowledgable captain will give you a brief tutorial, provide you with snorkel gear and flotation devices and send you off to snorkel with the protected sea turtles and stingrays that reside there.
- 3Pinel IslandFrom there it's on to Pinel Island- a breathtaking place that boasts calm, waist-deep waters and swaying palm trees. It's the ultimate spot to unwind and relax with a drink in your hand and your feet in the soft sand. A delicious lunch will be served at Pinel, all included in the price. Before leaving don't forget to check out the boutique for souvenirs/gifts and say hello to the friendly local iguanas!
- 4Stop 4Next it's off to Creole Rock for another snorkel stop but this time at a vibrant coral reef with some of the most colorful fish and marine life in all of the Caribbean. Once everyone is safely back on board, you'll continue around the Northern side of island passing Baie Rouge, Plum Bay and the rest of Terres Basses, the most expensive zip code on the island.
- 5Mullet BayEnjoy one last dip in paradise at either Long Bay or Mullet Bay- both universally recognized as some of the top beaches in the world. This is your last chance to grab "a noodle and a beer" and float around in the stunning turquoise waters while jamming to some of your favorite tunes. Drinks are complimentary all day long!
- 6Stop 6Last but not least, make one last stop at the famous Princess Juliana International Airport to experience the thrill of the commercial jets taking off and landing directly over your head. You'll be sad to see the day end as we drop you back off at the dock but the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
Departure Point: Departs from Dock Maarten Marina (Chesterfields Restaurant) for cruise ship visitors and hotel guests. It is a short (10-15 minute), safe walk from the cruise ship terminal.
Directions:
FOR CRUISE SHIP VISITORS: Exit the cruise ship facility through the main gate to the street. Make a left turn onto the main road and follow the sidewalk under the palm trees. A short distance along this road you will see the first commercial complex of yellow buildings on your left. This is Dock Maarten Marina. There is also a restaurant called Chesterfields in the complex. Walk through the main underpass of the complex and onto the marina dock. Ask for Captain Bob.
FOR HOTEL GUESTS: Dock Maarten Marina is located in Point Blanche, near the port and the cruise ship terminal. At most intersections and roundabouts there are green or white signs with directions. Follow the signs to the "Cruise Ship Terminal". Dock Maarten Marina is on the main road just before the cruise ship terminal. There is also a restaurant called Chesterfields at the marina. There is parking available at the marina. Walk through the main underpass of the complex and onto the marina dock. Ask for Captain Bob.
Return point: Returns to original point of departure (Dock Maarten Marina)
Departure Point: Departs from Dock Maarten Marina (Chesterfields Restaurant) for cruise ship visitors and hotel guests. It is a short (10-15 minute), safe walk from the cruise ship terminal.
Directions:
FOR CRUISE SHIP VISITORS: Exit the cruise ship facility through the main gate to the street. Make a left turn onto the main road and follow the sidewalk under the palm trees. A short distance along this road you will see the first commercial complex of yellow buildings on your left. This is Dock Maarten Marina. There is also a restaurant called Chesterfields in the complex. Walk through the main underpass of the complex and onto the marina dock. Ask for Captain Bob.
FOR HOTEL GUESTS: Dock Maarten Marina is located in Point Blanche, near the port and the cruise ship terminal. At most intersections and roundabouts there are green or white signs with directions. Follow the signs to the "Cruise Ship Terminal". Dock Maarten Marina is on the main road just before the cruise ship terminal. There is also a restaurant called Chesterfields at the marina. There is parking available at the marina. Walk through the main underpass of the complex and onto the marina dock. Ask for Captain Bob.
Return point: Returns to original point of departure (Dock Maarten Marina)
From the cruise pier
About 20 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We accommodate ALL cruise ship visitors and hotel guests staying on island
- We accommodate parties larger than 15 passengers by special request
- Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Refunds WILL be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- In order to ensure your safety and comfort, the captain may use his/her discretion to make adjustments to the itinerary and locations visited
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Infant meals not included
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Please advise of any health issues or handicaps at time of booking if required
- In order to accommodate all cruise ship schedules we also offer earlier and later departure times upon request
Traveler reviews
Operated by Captain Bob's Soualiga Destinations Boat Tours. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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