Self-Drive Rhino Rider: 3-Hour St. Maarten Snorkel & Lagoon Cruise

Simpson Bay•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Good for most people who can climb on and off a low boat and stand for short periods; balance is helpful.

Overview

Take the wheel of a Rhino Rider and race across Simpson Bay Lagoon to snorkel Creole Rock or relax on Happy Bay. This three‑hour self‑drive tour mixes hands‑on throttle time with a guided reef stop inside St. Maarten’s protected marine reserve.

Self-Drive Rhino Rider: 3-Hour St. Maarten Snorkel & Lagoon Cruise

Boat Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The engine coughs alive beneath you and the Simpson Bay Lagoon slides open—an inland sea rimmed with marinas, mastheads flashing like a city skyline. You and your Rhino Rider split the wake, skimming past mega‑yachts and anchored cruisers while jumbo jets climb out of Princess Juliana overhead, their thunder a steady companion to the sea spray.

Adventure Photos

Self-Drive Rhino Rider: 3-Hour St. Maarten Snorkel & Lagoon Cruise photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring your own mask

Masks provided, but a well‑fitted personal mask prevents leaks and fog during the snorkel stop.

Pay the marine park fee

Carry about USD $6 per person for the La Réserve Naturelle entrance—it's collected on the day.

Sun protection

Apply reef‑safe sunscreen before boarding and reapply in the shade; the Caribbean sun intensifies on the water.

Secure valuables

Leave valuables with the operator—Rhino riders have no dry compartment and items can get soaked.

Local Insights

Wildlife

sea turtles
parrotfish

History

The route passes Fort Louis, a French defensive fortification built in 1789 that still dominates Marigot's skyline and marks the island's long colonial past.

Conservation

Creole Rock and surrounding reefs lie within La Réserve Naturelle de Saint‑Martin; operators collect a small park fee and follow guidelines to minimize anchor and reef damage.