Sailing Sint Maarten: Full-Day Eco Snorkel to Tintamarre & Creole Rock
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for casual fitness; you should be comfortable swimming short distances and getting in/out of a dinghy.
Overview
Spend a full day aboard a comfortable catamaran cruising Sint Maarten’s coast, snorkeling pristine reefs at Tintamarre and Creole Rock, and enjoying an onboard barbecue lunch and open bar. Limited to 28 guests, the tour pairs calm bays with expert crew-led reef access for both beginners and confident snorkelers.
Sailing Sint Maarten: Full-Day Eco Snorkel to Tintamarre & Creole Rock
Select participants and date
The catamaran eases off Dock Maarten with a soft shove of wind and a promise: turquoise water, coral gardens, and two of the island’s clearest snorkeling stages. Guests spread across the trampoline, toes dangling above the Atlantic, while the crew unfurls the sails and the shoreline of Philipsburg recedes into a line of palms and pastel rooftops. The day finds its rhythm in the slap of bow waves and the tang of sea-salted rum punch—an efficient, joyful cadence that alternates instruction, exploration, and long idle swims.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to be at Bobby’s Marina by 8:15–8:30 a.m. to secure parking and a good spot on the boat; the office is next to the gazebo.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and avoid greasy lenses on underwater cameras.
Bring Seasickness Remedies
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication or use acupressure bands the night before and morning of the trip—open ocean sections can be choppy.
Respect the Reef and Crew Instructions
Follow briefing guidance, use flotation devices when offered, and enter/exit reefs via the dinghy to minimize coral damage.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawksbill turtles
- Various reef fish including parrotfish and snapper
History
Sint Maarten’s coastline has long been a meeting point for European colonial routes; the island’s split governance (Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin) shaped bilingual culture and a rich culinary scene in towns like Grand Case and Philipsburg.
Conservation
The French Nature Reserve protects sensitive reef and turtle habitat; guests are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and follow crew guidance to minimize impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Philipsburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects both your skin and coral ecosystems while preventing lens smudges on underwater cameras.
Light windbreaker
Blocks wind and light spray on open-water sails, especially in the cooler mornings.
spring specific
Water shoes
Useful for rocky shore entries and slippery dinghy ramps during reef access.
summer specific
Waterproof phone case or small dry bag
Keeps essentials dry and lets you capture on-deck moments without risking electronics.