Spend a day aboard a 47-foot catamaran exploring Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay and La Samanna with Captain Robert. Family-friendly snorkeling, homemade meals and small-group service make this a relaxed way to see Sint Maarten from the water.
Spend a day aboard a 47-foot catamaran exploring Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay and La Samanna with Captain Robert. Family-friendly snorkeling, homemade meals and small-group service make this a relaxed way to see Sint Maarten from the water.
A short dinghy ride from the canal puts you aboard Hakuna Matata, a 47-foot catamaran that slips out of Philipsburg with the sun warming the spray and Captain Robert at the helm. By mid-morning the island drops away and the Caribbean opens — turquoise water, a breeze that carries salt and laughter, and the promise of long beach stops at Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay and La Samanna.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ocean Tales Adventures · Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
A short dinghy ride from the canal puts you aboard Hakuna Matata, a 47-foot catamaran that slips out of Philipsburg with the sun warming the spray and Captain Robert at the helm. By mid-morning the island drops away and the Caribbean opens — turquoise water, a breeze that carries salt and laughter, and the promise of long beach stops at Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay and La Samanna.
Saint Martin’s geology is volcanic at its core with coral reefs building the shallow fringes that make this coast ideal for snorkeling; the island itself is split between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin, a colonial history that shows up in languages, food and harbor towns. Local seafood, rum-forward drinks and Creole flavors influence the boat’s homemade lunch—grilled mains, fresh fruit and baguettes—served between swims.
On this full-day cruise (approximately 7 hours, depart 9:00 AM, return by 4:00 PM) expect relaxed itineraries: each stop lasts an hour or more for snorkeling, swimming or beach time. The crew supplies snorkel gear and bottled water; encounters with parrotfish, sergeant majors and the occasional sea turtle are common. The trip is family-friendly and limited to small groups for a personal feel.
Practical notes: board via dinghy at the Green House Restaurant/“Venetian Bridge” in Philipsburg, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, a waterproof camera and motion-sickness meds if you’re sensitive. Gratuities are not included—consider cash for excellent service—and confirm return timing if you’re reconnecting with a cruise ship.
easy.
6–7 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; passengers should be able to step into a dinghy, climb aboard and swim short distances.
No passport is required for many visitors departing from Philipsburg, but verify requirements based on your nationality and your port/ship schedule.
Yes — snorkels, masks and basic fins are supplied; you may bring your own for a preferred fit.
Yes — the cruise is family-friendly and suitable for kids, but supervise children during dinghy transfers and in the water.
Trips may be canceled for safety reasons; the operator will notify you and follow the listed cancellation policy if conditions force a cancelation.
Saint Martin’s dual French and Dutch colonial history shaped its ports and cuisine; Philipsburg grew around salt ponds and trade in the 18th century.
Visitors are urged to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid standing on coral and follow crew guidance on anchoring and waste to protect fragile reef habitats.
Ocean Tales Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A short dinghy ride from the canal puts you aboard Hakuna Matata, a 47-foot catamaran that slips out of Philipsburg with the sun warming the spray and Captain Robert at the helm. By mid-morning the island drops away and the Caribbean opens — turquoise water, a breeze that carries salt and laughter, and the promise of long beach stops at Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay and La Samanna.
A short dinghy ride from the canal puts you aboard Hakuna Matata, a 47-foot catamaran that slips out of Philipsburg with the sun warming the spray and Captain Robert at the helm. By mid-morning the island drops away and the Caribbean opens — turquoise water, a breeze that carries salt and laughter, and the promise of long beach stops at Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay and La Samanna.
Saint Martin’s geology is volcanic at its core with coral reefs building the shallow fringes that make this coast ideal for snorkeling; the island itself is split between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin, a colonial history that shows up in languages, food and harbor towns. Local seafood, rum-forward drinks and Creole flavors influence the boat’s homemade lunch—grilled mains, fresh fruit and baguettes—served between swims.
On this full-day cruise (approximately 7 hours, depart 9:00 AM, return by 4:00 PM) expect relaxed itineraries: each stop lasts an hour or more for snorkeling, swimming or beach time. The crew supplies snorkel gear and bottled water; encounters with parrotfish, sergeant majors and the occasional sea turtle are common. The trip is family-friendly and limited to small groups for a personal feel.
Practical notes: board via dinghy at the Green House Restaurant/“Venetian Bridge” in Philipsburg, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, a waterproof camera and motion-sickness meds if you’re sensitive. Gratuities are not included—consider cash for excellent service—and confirm return timing if you’re reconnecting with a cruise ship.