Salt air, snorkels, and a calm-coast sail. This small-group catamaran outing from Bobby’s Marina blends snorkeling, beach stops, and an all-day open bar BBQ lunch in St Maarten’s leeward-side waters.

I especially like that you start close to the dock at Little Bay, get gear and help for first-timers, and then you’re free to enjoy the water at your pace. One thing to consider: snorkeling can vary by day, and some stops may look a bit murky rather than crystal-clear.

Key Points Before You Go

• Little Bay first: quick hop from the dock, gear on fast, and a first swim early.
• Open bar all day: rum punch plus beer and top-shelf spirits keep the vibe easy.
• Snorkeling support: gear provided and instruction/assistance for first-timers.
• Beach time with options: swim from the boat or go in by dinghy when conditions allow.
• Comfort perks: shade, comfortable seating, electric toilets, and a front trampoline.
• Real-world crew praise: names like Captain Josh, First Mate James, and Tamara come up again and again.

What This St Maarten Catamaran Trip Feels Like

This is a classic St Maarten day in the sun, but it’s built to avoid the “just standing in line at the beach” feeling. You’re out on a catamaran with a crew that runs a tight ship, and the schedule mixes time in the water with time relaxing on deck.

The vibe is part sightseeing, part beach day, and part snorkeling lesson for whoever wants it. The boat also gives you lots of “float and chill” space. One review even highlighted the great work of Captain JP and the first mate, showing how much they focus on keeping everyone comfortable and taken care of.

Sailing on the Leeward Side: Why the Timing Matters

You don’t spend the day fighting rougher open-water conditions. The cruise sails along the leeward coast, which is typically the calmer side of the island. That matters because it makes the ride feel more “vacation” and less “hold-on-tight.”

You can still feel some movement. A few people note it can get a bit wavy on the travel between stops. The catamaran helps, but if you’re prone to seasickness, bring your usual solution. The crew’s response to motion and injuries is mentioned positively in multiple reports, which is reassuring if you’re worried about how things get handled.

Getting Kitted Out: Little Bay Sets the Tone

Your first stop is Little Bay, about 15 minutes from the dock. This is a smart start. You’re not wasting your morning on long travel just to get to your first swim.

Once you arrive, you’ll be set up with snorkeling gear right away. First-timers get instruction and assistance before you head in. That’s a big deal if you’re new to snorkeling. It cuts the uncertainty and helps you actually enjoy the water instead of guessing what to do.

Little Bay is also a good “confidence builder.” Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, you can just float, watch, and get comfortable with the rhythm of swimming in open water.

The Main Swim Stops: Big Water, Small-Spot Choices

After Little Bay, the day usually includes multiple beaches and snorkeling areas. The stops commonly include Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Happy Bay.

Here’s how to think about those places without overhyping them:

Simpson Bay and Mullet Bay: Good for variety

These areas often give you a mix of scenery and water time. You’ll typically have another snorkel window, and it’s a chance to compare what you saw at Little Bay.

The catch: water clarity can change depending on the day, wind, and conditions. Some reviews praise the fish and visibility. Others mention a snorkel spot feeling less alive than expected. So go in with the right expectation: you’re paying for the full day on the water, not a guarantee of perfect underwater viewing at every stop.

Long Beach: Easy sand break, plus entertainment vibes

Long Beach is frequently the kind of stop people remember for the beach setting. One report mentions swimming while watching planes, which fits the idea that this is a more active, noticeable shoreline than a remote sand pocket.

If you like a “board the boat, hop off, then forget time” kind of day, this is that moment.

Happy Bay: Another calm swim-and-relax pause

Happy Bay rounds out the day with more beach time and snorkeling opportunities. It’s the kind of stop where you can balance effort and comfort. If you’re tired, just float or swim casually. If you’re feeling energetic, you’ve got time to see more underwater action.

Beach Time Options: Swim, Float, or Take the Dinghy

A big part of the value here is that you’re not stuck doing one thing all day. When the boat anchors at calmer spots, you can:

• snorkel from the boat
• float using a noodle
• tender to shore via dinghy when conditions allow

That dinghy detail matters. Weather affects whether tendering is smooth or realistic. The crew handles it, but if you hate transferring boats, aim for the swim-from-the-catamaran option whenever possible.

Also, the inclusion of noodles is practical. Even if you can swim, a float makes it easier to relax and spend more time enjoying the water instead of kicking to stay afloat.

Food and Drinks: BBQ Lunch on a Moving Day

This is where the trip really earns repeat-booking energy.

You get a buffet-style barbecue lunch prepared on board while you’re living your best life at sea. The menu is clearly laid out and includes barbecue chicken and ribs, island rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, Gouda cheese, and French baguettes.

On top of that, there are mini baguette sandwiches with turkey ham and gouda with lettuce and tomatoes, plus tuna salad sandwiches or vegetarian options. People also mention food as plentiful and well-timed, which is key on a trip like this. You don’t want to be starving while someone else is finishing their second rum punch.

The open bar is a real part of the plan

You also get an all-day open bar. Drinks mentioned include happy rhum punch made with Mount Gay rum, plus vodka, gin, tonic, sodas, Coors Light, and Carib beer.

A simple way to look at it: this isn’t a “tiny beer token” excursion. It’s built around the social part of a catamaran day. Just remember that alcohol can make seasickness feel worse for some people. If you’re sensitive, sip slowly and balance with water.

Also, a safety note from how the day is described: some reviews mention drunkenness when alcohol is flowing. You can avoid that by pacing yourself. Your trip quality depends a lot on how you manage the drinks and the sun.

On-Deck Comfort: Trampoline, Shade, and Toilets That Matter

This boat has practical comfort features that people don’t always think about until they’re out there for hours.

• A large trampoline at the front for sunbathing and relaxing
• Shade at the back with comfortable seating
• Seating near the captain and bar, which is often a fun place to be
• Electric toilets onboard
• A fresh water shower

That trampoline is great if you like lounging and taking photos from a unique angle. The shade and seating help when the sun is doing its thing. And the toilets matter more than you’d think on a long day.

If you’re the type who likes being near the action, the area near the captain/bar is often described as a good spot.

Snorkeling Reality Check: What You Can Control

I want you to enjoy the day, so here’s the honest snorkeling expectation.

You’ll get gear and instruction, and you’ll hit multiple snorkeling opportunities. That’s the good part. But underwater visibility and fish activity are not guaranteed every day. One review calls out murkiness at a snorkeling stop and fewer fish than hoped. Another review says they saw clear water and plenty of fish with lots of fun swimming.

What you can control:

• Choose snorkeling time when the water looks best from the surface.
• Keep your gear checked and your breath steady so you don’t burn energy.
• If the first snorkel spot isn’t your best, don’t assume the whole day will be the same. Conditions can change at each stop.

The Crew: Where the Experience Really Earns Trust

The biggest “secret sauce” here is the crew. Across multiple accounts, the staff gets praised for being attentive, friendly, and good at keeping the day flowing.

Names that come up often include:

• Captain Josh
• Captain JP
• First Mate James
• Tamara (hostess/bartender/cook roles)
• Jasper, Tyrell, Fritz, Alan, Malina, Charlie, Matias, Alicia, and others

One detailed report describes the crew reacting professionally to injuries and even assisting in a rescue situation. That’s the kind of thing you hope you never need, but it’s comforting to know the response is taken seriously.

In plain terms: if you’re worried about whether you’ll be cared for—this is the reason the rating is so strong.

Price and Value: Why $132-ish Can Make Sense

At about $132.08 per person, the price lands in the “mid-range” for St Maarten catamaran days, but the value depends on how you like to spend your vacation.

You’re getting:

• a full roughly 6-hour day on the water
• snorkeling gear and instruction
• a buffet lunch with specific meal components
• unlimited open bar with named drinks
• multiple beach and snorkeling stops
• onboard comfort items like shade and electric toilets

If your idea of a good day includes snorkeling and food and drinks without chasing cash-only extras, this price can feel fair. If you only want one quick swim and you don’t drink alcohol, you might feel it’s pricier than it needs to be. But even then, the included lunch and gear are doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

For cruise passengers, another value angle is time efficiency. A short walk from the pier to Bobby’s Marina makes the start smoother, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This trip is a strong match if you want:

• a relaxed day out on calm-ish water (leeward side)
• snorkeling with help for first-timers
• a social boat day with food and drinks included
• multiple stops rather than one long stretch at a single beach

It can also work for families and mixed ages. Multiple reports include groups spanning kids through older adults, and the crew is described as caring and accommodating.

If you’re a serious underwater hunter who expects the best visibility every time, you may find the results inconsistent based on the day’s conditions. But you’ll still likely appreciate the overall day structure and the comforts onboard.

Should You Book This St Maarten Catamaran Experience?

I think it’s a good pick if you want your St Maarten day to feel organized but not stiff: get gear, hit a quick first swim at Little Bay, then bounce between snorkeling and beach time while lunch and drinks keep you happy.

Book it if:

• you like catamaran comfort and want space to lounge
• you plan to snorkel more than once
• you want BBQ lunch and an open bar included
• you’d rather sail past crowds to quieter spots

Skip or adjust expectations if:

• you’re picky about snorkeling visibility and fish density
• you strongly prefer one beach over several short stops
• you tend to get seasick and don’t handle motion well (the trip can be wavy between areas)

If you’re planning a day from Bobby’s Marina with snorkeling, beach breaks, and a crew that clearly cares, this is the kind of tour that earns its reputation.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran snorkeling and beach experience?

It lasts about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Eagle tours, Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

What time does it start?

Start time is 10:00 am.

What does the tour include?

You get a buffet lunch, unlimited drinks (open bar), snorkeling gear and instruction, snacks, shade, comfortable sitting, a fresh water shower, and electric toilets. Boarding is described as easy from the dock at Bobby’s Marina.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes happy rhum punch with Mount Gay rum, vodka, gin, tonic, sodas, Coors Light, and Carib beer.

Which snorkeling and beach areas are visited?

Stops can include Little Bay, Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Happy Bay. Alternate stops may be chosen depending on weather.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise the provider at booking.

Is parking available?

Secure parking is available for $2 per hour.

Is this tour dependent on good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.