Snorkel Tintamarre: Half‑Day Boat Tour from Grand Case, St. Martin
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic swimming ability and general fitness; long snorkeling sessions favor those comfortable in water.
Overview
A four‑hour boat trip from Port La Royale that pairs reef snorkels at Creole Rock with a long stop at Tintamarre in search of sea turtles. Small groups, full equipment and local crews make it an easy, sun‑soaked introduction to St. Martin’s offshore life.
Snorkel Tintamarre: Half‑Day Boat Tour from Grand Case, St. Martin
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The marina smells of diesel and sea salt when the crew radios the last pass-through. You step aboard a compact dayboat at Port La Royale, the island sliding away behind you as the bow cuts a line toward Friar's Bay. The water opens into the Caribbean’s hard blue—warm, buoyant, and quick to invite—while the trade winds push the bow and the island's low silhouette shrinks into the horizon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early
Plan to be at Port La Royale 30 minutes before departure to check in and stow gear.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
Apply reef‑safe SPF before boarding to protect coral and avoid greasy lenses in masks.
Bring motion‑sickness remedies
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before departure and sit mid‑boat where motion is least felt.
Reserve meal options early
If you want the onboard meal, place your order at least 48 hours before departure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Southern stingrays
History
Tintamarre was historically visited for grazing and by sailors; it’s now uninhabited and valued for nesting seabirds and marine habitat.
Conservation
Coral reefs here are sensitive; operators encourage reef‑safe sunscreen, no touching of coral, and anchoring practices that avoid reef damage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Grand Case
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin and fragile coral; applies before boarding to avoid fogged masks.
Water shoes
Protects feet when entering shallow reefs or stepping on rocky shorelines at Tintamarre.
Waterproof camera or phone case
Captures underwater life and island approaches; midday light gives the clearest shots.
Light long‑sleeve rashguard
Provides sun protection on the water and a little insulation if the breeze picks up.