Three-Beach Motorboat Cruise in St. Maarten — Divi, Mullet Bay & Happy Bay
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with a moderate level of fitness who can board small craft, swim short distances, and walk on sand and uneven shorelines.
Overview
A private, six-hour motorboat loop that visits Divi Beach, Mullet Bay, and Happy Bay—ideal for multigenerational groups who want easy snorkeling, swimming, local lunch, and island views from the water. Expect three 45-minute beach stops, onboard snacks and drinks, and leisurely cruising past St. Maarten’s European-Caribbean shorelines.
Three-Beach Motorboat Cruise in St. Maarten — Divi, Mullet Bay & Happy Bay
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You step off the dock and the boat is already playing soca, the bass a steady heartbeat beneath the call of the harbor. The skipper greets your group with chilled water and a nod; coconuts are sliced open nearby, steam and salt tang mingling with the smell of frying fish from the galley. The motor hums, and the shoreline of Philipsburg—its low European-Caribbean facades and bleached piers—slides starboard as the motorboat pulls into open water.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding
Reef-safe sunscreen protects coral and saves time—apply on shore so you’re ready to swim once the boat anchors.
Bring water shoes
Beaches have rocky patches and coral; quick on/off water shoes make wading and snorkeling more comfortable.
Prep for seasickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take preventative medication an hour before departure and sit mid-boat where motion is minimized.
Keep valuables dry
Use a small dry bag or waterproof phone case for cameras, phones, and passports during swims and transfers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Caribbean reef fish (parrotfish, sergeant majors)
- Occasional green sea turtle sightings near reef drop-offs
History
St. Maarten’s coastline reflects its divided past—Dutch and French governance since the 17th century created overlapping cultural influences along the shore.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and follow guides’ briefings to minimize impact on sensitive marine habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Philipsburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the coral ecosystems frequented on this trip.
summer specific
Snorkel set
Having your own mask and snorkel ensures a better fit and more time in the water.
Water shoes
Protects feet from coral, rocks, and hot sand during beach stops.
Light waterproof jacket/windbreaker
Trade winds can make mornings or late afternoons cool on the water.
spring specific