Speed Boat & Snorkeling Tour Pinel & Tintamarre Islands for CRUISE SHIP GUESTS

The best part of this St Maarten outing is how much island you can cover in six hours. You’ll race from Philipsburg to French-side beaches, an uninhabited turtle island, Pinel Island, Creole Rock, and the famous airport approach, all from a small speedboat. Captains such as Sammy, Nico, Junior, Frankie, and Miguel have been praised for making the trip both lively and safe.

I especially like the small-group setup, which keeps boarding, snorkeling stops, and lunch more relaxed than a large boat excursion. I also like the mix of sea turtles, coral, fish, beaches, and planes overhead, rather than spending the whole day doing only one thing. The main caution is the ride itself: open-water crossings can be fast and bumpy, and the boat ladder may be awkward for some people.

• Swim with sea turtles at Tintamarre, an uninhabited island with warm water and a protected setting.
• Snorkel Creole Rock, one of the island’s best-known spots for colorful fish and coral.
• Eat lunch beside the sand on Pinel Island, with time to swim or walk around.
• Cruise both French and Dutch St Maarten, including Marigot, Fort Louis, Friars Bay, and the yacht-filled lagoon.
• Watch aircraft approach Maho Beach, with planes passing low over the water near Princess Juliana Airport.
• Use the onboard bar, with unlimited beer, soda, and water included in the tour price.

Why This Six-Hour Boat Trip Covers So Much

At $139 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in St Maarten. It is a strong value if you want several island sights, lunch, snorkeling equipment, floating devices, and drinks without arranging separate taxis, beach stops, and boat trips.

The speedboat matters. You can reach Tintamarre and Creole Rock more quickly than a slow sightseeing boat, leaving time for several stops. The boat also lets you see both sides of the island from the water, including French Marigot, Dutch Philipsburg, the large Simpson Bay Lagoon, and the beaches of the western coast.

The group limit needs a little clarification. The tour information gives a maximum of 16 people, while the meeting details also refer to a maximum of 20 and a smaller group of 11 or fewer. In practical terms, you should expect a small boat rather than a crowded party vessel, but confirm the final number if personal space matters to you.

The crew is a major part of the day. Names appearing in the operating teams include Sammy, Nico, Junior, Frankie, Miguel, Nacho, Lucas, Alex, and others. Their roles can change, but the strongest pattern is clear: the crew handles the boat, offers drinks, explains the island, and helps people get in and out of the water.

Leaving Philipsburg and Crossing the Island by Sea

The meeting point is Bobby’s Marina at 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg, also identified with the Dock Maarten Chesterfield Wharf area. The scheduled departure is 9:30 a.m. You should arrive ready to board, with a swimsuit and towel already packed.

The opening ride takes you past Simpson Bay Bridge and into the huge Simpson Bay Lagoon. From the water, the lagoon becomes a display of large yachts, including vessels that reach roughly 150 feet. It is a quick introduction to St Maarten’s split personality: working harbor, luxury marina, beach resort, and small Caribbean island all sharing one shoreline.

The captain then points out the French side around Marigot. Marina Royale has cafés along the waterfront, while Fort Louis sits above town with the French flag flying from its summit. You will not be stopping for a town walk here, so consider this a scenic introduction rather than a full visit to Marigot.

The boat continues past Friars Bay and Happy Bay. Friars Bay is associated with the island’s famous full-moon parties, while Happy Bay is quieter and less developed. These passing views help you understand the coast, but the trip is not designed for long beach stays at every location.

Tintamarre: Sea Turtles in a Protected Cove

Tintamarre is the first major water stop, with about 45 minutes at Baie Blanche. This uninhabited island once had its own king, navy, and airline, an odd little piece of island history that your captain may explain as you approach.

Today, the attraction is the water. The calm, warm sea around Tintamarre is known for sea turtles, and the stop gives you a chance to snorkel or swim in a protected setting. Several tour parties have reported seeing green turtles, and some also saw rays and other fish.

Keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the time in the water is limited. Still, Tintamarre is one of the most memorable parts of the route because you are swimming off a deserted island rather than beside a developed resort.

You should bring a towel and swimsuit, and wear something easy to manage on a boat. The crew supplies masks, snorkels, and other snorkeling equipment, along with floating devices. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the safest way to use the floatation gear before entering the water.

Pinel Island: Lunch, Shallow Water, and a Short Island Break

Pinel Island sits in Orient Bay and is known for soft sand and shallow, warm water. The boat allows roughly 45 minutes at Pinel, followed by about an hour connected with the lunch stop, so your exact time may depend on the day’s conditions and restaurant arrangements.

Lunch is served at a beachfront restaurant on or near Yellow Beach. The meal is included, and the food has earned strong praise, with ribs singled out as a good choice. Other descriptions place the meal at Grand Case restaurants such as Lola’s or Skubi’s, so the precise restaurant may vary.

This is not a formal dining stop. You can eat near the beach, have a drink, sit in the shallows, or take a short walk around the island. Pinel is also known for iguanas and tide pools along the shore, giving you something to look for after lunch.

The timing is the trade-off. An hour is enough for a meal and a quick swim, but not enough for a long island walk or a lazy afternoon. You will need to stay aware of the meeting time, since the boat has several more stops ahead.

Creole Rock: The Best Snorkeling Stop of the Day

Creole Rock sits off Grand Case in a marine reserve and is presented as the strongest snorkeling spot on the route. You get about 45 minutes here, with masks, fins, and snorkels supplied.

This is where you are most likely to see many tropical fish around coral. Past outings have included colorful fish, rays, and other sea life, and the crew can point out better areas for snorkeling. The water conditions can change, so visibility and marine life will not be identical every day.

Creole Rock is a better fit for people who want active time in the water than for anyone hoping to remain on the boat. You will need a moderate level of physical fitness, and getting back aboard requires using the boat ladder. One person specifically found the ladder difficult, so anyone with limited mobility should ask about boarding before booking.

The boat’s small size helps here. The crew can get everyone in and out without the long lines common on large excursion boats. It also means the captain can adjust the position of the boat as conditions and groups change.

The French Coast, La Samanna, and Fish Along Long Bay

After the main swimming stops, the route becomes a coastal sightseeing cruise. You pass the mansions of Terre Basse and the red cliffs around Baie Rouge, then continue toward Long Bay and La Samanna Resort.

The crew may stop so you can feed fish from the boat or near the beach. La Samanna is one of the island’s best-known luxury resorts, and the view gives you a glimpse of St Maarten’s high-end side. You are not checking in or using the resort, so treat this as a scenic pass rather than a resort visit.

This portion is useful because it breaks up the snorkeling and lunch. You can sit back, have a beer, soda, or water from the onboard bar, and listen as the captain explains the coast. Drinks are unlimited and included, though a $10 marine park or docking fee is separate from the tour price.

Bring cash for that fee. One person reported that the registration desk did not accept credit cards and could not always make change. Even if payment arrangements change, having small bills is a sensible precaution.

Maho Beach and the Low-Flying Plane Spectacle

The final photo stop is near Princess Juliana International Airport, beside famous Maho Beach. The boat waits for aircraft arrivals so you can photograph planes passing directly overhead as they come in to land.

This is a brief stop of about 10 minutes. It is not a substitute for spending time on Maho Beach, but seeing the approach from the water gives you a different view and avoids the need to arrange a separate taxi ride.

Flight timing is not fully within the crew’s control. You may see several aircraft, or you may have to wait for the next arrival. Keep your camera ready, but do not measure the entire tour by the number of planes you catch.

The return cruise runs back around Simpson Bay, with another look at the large yachts before you arrive at the marina. Cruise passengers should pay close attention to local time. One group found that ship time and island time differed, with the ship gangway opening at what was already 9:30 a.m. locally. The operator reportedly agreed to wait in that case, but you should contact the company before the tour and clearly state your ship name, docking time, and local arrival time.

Speed, Comfort, and Weather Considerations

The speed is the reason this route works, but it is also the chief comfort issue. Open-water crossings can be fast and bouncy, especially on windy days. Several outings handled rough weather well, including sudden rain and high waves, but no captain can make the sea smooth.

If you get motion sick, sit where the crew recommends and consider bringing your usual remedy. Keep cameras and phones secure during the faster stretches. The ride is part of the fun for many people, especially teenagers and children, but it may feel too rough for anyone wanting a quiet cruise.

Weather can also change the order or location of stops. On one outing, the crew could not follow the planned route because of conditions, but still provided snorkeling, lunch, and a full day on the water. The trip requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Who Will Get the Most From This Tour

I would choose this excursion if you want a busy day with several distinct highlights. It suits couples, families with older children, teenagers, and cruise passengers who prefer a small independent boat to a large ship excursion.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want both Tintamarre turtles and Creole Rock fish.
• You like fast boat rides and several short stops.
• You want lunch and drinks included.
• You want to see French and Dutch St Maarten from the water.
• You need to return to a cruise ship the same day and value a planned schedule.

I would think twice if you dislike bumpy boat rides, need a long relaxed beach stay, or have trouble climbing a swim ladder. The tour has a moderate physical requirement, and each stop is timed. It is active sightseeing, not a slow beach day.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Details

The tour costs $139 per person and lasts about six hours. Snorkeling equipment, lunch, unlimited beer, soda, water, and floating devices are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the Philipsburg marina yourself.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The tour can also be canceled if the minimum number is not reached, with a different date, another activity, or a full refund offered.

Pack a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and a secure way to carry your phone. Bring cash for the $10 marine park or docking fee, and leave enough time to walk from your ship to the marina. Most important, use local island time when planning your morning.

Should You Book This Speedboat Tour?

Yes, if you want to see a lot of St Maarten in one well-packed day. The combination of Tintamarre turtles, Creole Rock snorkeling, Pinel Island lunch, French-side scenery, unlimited onboard drinks, and Maho Beach aircraft gives you far more variety than a single beach stop.

I would not choose it for a quiet, slow-paced outing. The ride can bounce, the stops are measured, and the boat ladder takes effort. But if you enjoy being on the water and want an excursion that works especially well for families, couples, and cruise passengers, the $139 price is reasonable for the amount included. Confirm the meeting time in local time, bring cash for the separate fee, and tell the operator your ship details before departure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours and starts at 9:30 a.m.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, in Philipsburg, also associated with the Dock Maarten Chesterfield Wharf area.

Does the tour return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a beachside restaurant is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited beer, soda, and water are available on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floating devices are included.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The stated maximum is 16 people, though other tour details also mention a maximum of 20 and a smaller group of 11 or fewer. Confirm the final group size if this is important to you.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a towel and swimsuit. You should also bring cash for the separate $10 marine park or docking fee.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also result in a different date or a full refund.