St Maarten Catamaran Day Trip: Snorkel, Paddleboard & Beach Lunch
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be comfortable boarding a tender and swimming short distances.
Overview
Set off from Simpson Bay for a full-day catamaran cruise that blends snorkeling, paddleboarding and a gourmet beach lunch. Expect open bar service, two beach stops (plus a Maho Beach fly-by) and calm anchorages for swimming and exploring coral gardens.
St Maarten Catamaran Day Trip: Snorkel, Paddleboard & Beach Lunch
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The catamaran slips away from Simpson Bay with a steady, cheerful thrum — an open deck of sun-warmed teak, an iced bar calling, and the island sliding past in ribbons of limestone and low scrub. Guests gather at the dock behind the quirky Nowhere Special restaurant, trade small talk for sunscreen reapplications, and are ferried out to SV ENIGMA Celine 3, where the day unfurls like a well-planned short story: breakfast, sail, two beach stops, snorkeling, paddleboarding and a gourmet lunch anchored over shallow coral.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early at the dock
Plan to be at the meeting point 30–45 minutes before departure to check in and board the tender without rushing.
Take seasickness prevention
If you get queasy, take motion-sickness meds before boarding and sit mid-ship where motion is least noticeable.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable sunscreen before boarding to protect corals; reapply after swims.
Protect your phone and camera
Bring a waterproof case or dry bag — phones and cameras get wet during snorkeling and on-deck spray.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Parrotfish
History
Maritime trade and plantation routes shaped St. Maarten’s coastline; many bays served as small trading posts and local fishing grounds before tourism expanded.
Conservation
Operators emphasize reef-safe practices; visitors are asked not to touch coral, to use biodegradable sunscreen, and to avoid feeding wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Simpson Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin without harming coral; apply before boarding and reapply after swims.
summer specific
Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Keeps electronics safe during snorkeling, paddleboarding and on-deck spray.
Swimwear and quick-dry towel
You’ll spend extended time in the water and need something warm and dry for the ride back.
summer specific
Light windbreaker or layer
Trade winds can feel cool in the afternoon; a thin shell blocks spray and wind.
spring specific