7 Best St. Maarten Boat Tours for Snorkeling (and Turtles!)

Looking for the best boat tours in St. Maarten?

We’ve spent a lot of time on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, scoping out all the fun things to do. And a boat trip is hands-down a highlight!

Maybe you want to sail to uninhabited Tintamarre Island to snorkel with sea turtles and stingrays? (We’ve done this. Fabulous!) Or you fancy sailing on a luxury catamaran or cruising over to Anguilla?

Whatever floats your boat, there’s a perfect tour for you.

If you’re staying on St. Maarten (Dutch side) – or visiting on a cruise – the most convenient boat trips leave from Philipsburg (near the cruise port) or Simpson Bay.

Here are our picks for the 7 best St. Maarten boat tours. All are rated 5 stars.

Our favorite tour?

Want a quick answer? It’s too hard to pick just one favorite tour! But if forced to choose, we’d recommend these three:

Speedboat adventure!

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Book this thrilling St. Maarten speedboat tour: ➡️ For cruise passengers too! (see #1)

Luxury sailing!

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Book this luxury St. Maarten catamaran sailing trip (see #5)

Anguilla day trip!

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Book this awesome catamaran cruise to Anguilla (see #6)

1) Speedboat tour around the island

Tintamarre turtles plus the island’s top spots? Sign us up!

Run by Captain Bob’s, this thrilling 6-hour speedboat adventure includes it all.

They use new speedboats – carrying between just 10 and 17 passengers – and their tours have racked up over 4,100 rave reviews.

Bonus: For cruise ship passengers, especially, these tours guarantee you’ll get back to the ship on time. (They’ve taken thousands of cruise passengers and never let anyone miss their ship!)

Where you’ll go

Leaving from Philipsburg, you’ll first cruise through Simpson Bay Lagoon, the largest lagoon in the Caribbean. You’ll be gawking at the million-dollar mega-yachts of the rich and famous who flock here in winter!

Then you’ll make five great stops:

• Tintamarre Island – Snorkel with turtles and stingrays in a protected marine reserve.
• Pinel Island – Wade through waist-deep waters and enjoy lunch.
• Creole Rock – Snorkel at a vibrant coral reef.
• Mullet Bay – Grab a drink and a noodle and float in the turquoise water.
• Maho Beach – Watch airplanes landing and taking off, just feet over your head!

Definitely book with Captain Bob!

“We chose this experience over our cruise excursions and it did not disappoint. [They] were knowledgeable about the island, ensured our safety, kept their word on making sure we returned to our cruise in time, and kept us laughing the whole day… Money well spent!

Don’t hesitate and definitely book this one! (I’m one that reads a million reviews before booking.)”

Ashley

What’s included

• Beer, soft drinks and bottled water
• Fresh sandwiches, chips and fruit for lunch
• Use of snorkeling gear
• Ice-cream at the end of your adventure

Why we like this tour

• Zipping around in the speedboat is a blast!
• You hit top coastal highlights on both the Dutch and French sides of the island – including Tintamarre Island to snorkel with turtles.
• The small group size makes it feel personal and uncrowded.

2) Boomerang’s “best of the island” power cruise (with turtles!)

Touted for speed and comfort, Boomerang’s spacious aqua-blue, 54-foot power catamaran offers one of the top St. Maarten catamaran tours.

Cruising at 20 knots, it’s fast and stable – with plenty of shade, cushy bean bags on the bow, comfy seating throughout, a restroom and a top-notch sound system for island tunes.

Oh, and this fun-filled full-day boat tour from Simpson Bay showcases the best of the island, without the early wake-up call!

Where you’ll go

• Creole Rock – As you snorkel, look out for spotted eagle rays, turtles and maybe even dolphins!
• Pinel Island – Meet the island’s famous iguanas, paddleboard in the calm shallows and dig into lunch.
• Tintamarre Island – Snorkel with turtles at this remote marine sanctuary.
• Mullet Bay – Wrap up with tropical fruit and one last refreshing swim

Beautiful nature and fun vibes

“This snorkel cruise is so awesome we’ve done it twice, including once on our honeymoon!

The staff was so nice on both trips and the stops are all fantastic. We saw a sea turtle, stingrays and lots of fish. The food is great and so is the open bar. Pinel Island also has a lot of great and unique souvenirs.”

~ Mansie

What’s included

• Open premium bar, featuring hand-shaken cocktails, plus soft drinks and bottled water
• A delicious hot BBQ lunch onboard – a jerk and curry chicken skewers, garlic shrimp, Greek pasta salad, baguettes and garlic bread
• Tropical fruit platter (pineapple and watermelon)
• Floating lily pad mat and snorkeling gear

Why we like this tour

• The power catamaran offers a smooth and comfortable ride.
• There’s no crack-of-dawn rush with its 10:00 am start.
• While it costs a tad more than some other tours, you get good value for your dollar.

3) Relaxed St. Maarten sailing trip (with Tarzan swing!)

For a great laid-back day on the water, hop aboard Random Wind, a 52-foot luxury catamaran that sails from Simpson Bay.

This top-rated, small group sailing tour is limited to just 30 guests. There’s plenty of space to stretch out on cushioned seats, whether you prefer sun or shade.

There’s also a bathroom onboard plus easy-access steps (and a ladder) for getting in and out of the water without needing to jump.

And the best part? It features St. Maarten’s original Tarzan swing – a crowd favorite allowing guests of all ages to swing out over the water!

Where you’ll go

You’ll sail the calm Caribbean Sea (not out into the Atlantic, which is a bit rougher), usually stopping at two gorgeous spots:

• Mullet Bay – Snorkel, swim and SUP, try the trapeze-like swing and have lunch.
• Little Bay – Dive back in for more fun in the sea!

Unforgettable catamaran experience in SXM!

“From start to finish, our catamaran cruise in Sint Maarten was nothing short of magical!…

The food? Absolutely delicious… Plus, it was super kid-friendly – which any parent knows is a total game-changer on an all-day adventure. The boat was pristine, the vibe was relaxed and joyful, and the views were breathtaking…

Can’t recommend this experience enough… Don’t miss out!”

~ Lauren

What’s included

• Unlimited open bar with top-shelf drinks, plus snacks
• A fresh lunch, grilled onboard by the captain – marinated chicken skewers, green salad, Caribbean rice and crusty baguettes
• Stand-up paddleboard and all snorkeling equipment
• Use of the Tarzan trapeze swing
• Great music and chill vibes

Why we like this tour

• The Tarzan swing is a fun highlight.
• The 10:00 am departure means no early-morning rush.
• With just two scenic stops, the pace is relaxed, so you can really unwind.
• Sticking to Caribbean waters means it’s smooth sailing (great if you’re prone to seasickness)

4) Anguilla getaway cruise (with Sandy Island)

Looking to do a day trip to Anguilla? Great choice! It’s a bucket list activity for many visitors when planning a St. Maarten trip.

Upscale, uncrowded and more tranquil than St. Maarten, Anguilla is known for its postcard-perfect beaches – think powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Departing from Simpson Bay, this full-day speedboat cruise (with Billy Bones Boat Charters) takes you there. You’ll drop in at the pinch-me-I’m-dreaming cay of Sandy Island too!

The boat has a roof for shade but you’ll still need to bring plenty of sunscreen.

And don’t forget your passport! Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, and even day-trippers need one to visit.

Where you’ll go

• Sandy Island – Swim, snap pics and relax on this dreamy little cay (with a famous beach shack bar/restaurant).
• Little Bay – Swim at one of Anguilla’s most secluded beaches.
• Shoal Bay – Stroll the champagne-powder sand at Shoal Bay and enjoy lunch here.
• Meads Bay – Float in the water or sip a drink at this long stretch of ultra-soft white sand.

Do it!

“This was so fun and worth it! Definitely do it. We had… great hosts on the boat… You will coast around the island of Anguilla and see their beautiful beaches.

Way better than taking a ferry!”

~ Lindsey

What’s included

• Open bar
• Lunch of freshly-made sandwiches, chips and fruit
• Snorkeling gear

Why we like this tour

• It’s a passport stamp kind of day – you’ll technically visit a whole other country!
• You visit several of Anguilla’s beaches, all on one easygoing boat trip.
• It’s the only Anguilla day tour from St. Maarten that takes you to Sandy Island.

5) Luxury catamaran sailing (15 people max)

Sail in style on this upscale full-day catamaran cruise around St. Maarten! This shared luxury charter gives you the feel of a private tour, but without the price tag.  

Departing from Philipsburg, the sleek 48-foot Flagship II is capped at just 15 guests – so there’s tons of space to relax, whether you want sun or shade.

Where you’ll go

• Tintamarre Island – Spend 2 full hours snorkeling with sea turtles, beachcombing, swimming and enjoying lunch.
• Happy Bay – Swim to this secluded beach, only reachable by hiking trail or boat.
• Long Bay – Float and swim off the goldens sands fronting the island’s swankiest hotel (Belmond La Samanna).

A little more money but worth every penny

“A little more money but absolutely worth it. There are many charters that will take you around the island. I’ve been on several of them over the years, but this one was the best.”

~ David

What’s included

• Welcome breakfast – pastries, fresh fruit, welcome Mimosas and coffee/tea
• Full open bar, including wine and cocktails
• Appetizers and snacks throughout the day
• Gourmet 4-course French-style lunch, served onboard
• Fishing and snorkeling gear, plus two paddleboards

Why we like this tour

• You visit Tintamarre Island.
• The food and drinks are next-level.
• It’s a deluxe sailing experience, with lots of room to spread out on the catamaran.
• It’s great for all-day sailing lovers – this is the longest sailing tour around St. Maarten and St. Martin.

6) “Best of Anguilla” catamaran cruise (with Prickly Pear Cays)

With its dazzling white-sand beaches and chill upscale vibe, Anguilla is calling… And this full-day “best of Anguilla” catamaran cruise (with Boomerang) is the perfect way to answer!

You leave from Simpson Bay. And with a smooth cruising speed of 15 to 20 knots, indoor and outdoor seating, and an onboard restroom, you’re in for a relaxed and comfortable ride.

A tour highlight? The Prickly Pear Cays – two tiny uninhabited islands off Anguilla, protected as part of its marine park system. Think calm shallow waters, wild canaries and finches that feed from your hand (how fun!) and the chance to spot sea turtles.

Where you’ll go

• Little Bay – Swim and SUP at this calm secluded cove, accessible only by boat.
• Shoal Bay – Stretch out on one of Anguilla’s prettiest beaches, famed for its turquoise water and soft sand
• Prickly Pear Cays – Snorkel, swim and keep your eyes peeled for turtles at these unspoiled islets, one of the region’s top snorkeling spots!
• Meads Bay – Sink your toes into the thick soft white sand of this gorgeous beach.

Great day on the water!

“One of the best days we’ve had on this type of trip and we have done many sail/snorkel excursions…

This craft has the best entry and exit ladders I have seen. Also, better heads with more room and seating choices. Excellent staff of 3 plus the captain. Quality drinks, beautiful beaches.”

~ Richard

What’s included

• Signature cocktails and an open bar
• A delicious BBQ lunch on the beach
• Snorkeling gear, paddleboards and floaties

Why we like this tour

• You visit Anguilla’s top beaches, including the pristine Prickly Pear Cays.
• The power catamaran is stable and comfy.
• Boomerang does an excellent job ensuring everyone has a great day out!

7) Full-day eco sailing tour around the island

Departing from Philipsburg, this full-day catamaran cruise offers a relaxed yet adventure-filled way to sail around the entire island of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Lounge on the large trampoline deck for sunbathing, or chill in the shady seating area while taking in the views.

Where you’ll go

• Tintamarre Island – Spend an hour snorkeling with turtles or strolling the white sand beach.
• Creole Rock – Enjoy a 30-minute snorkel at this reef.
• Happy Bay or Grand Case Beach – Tuck into a buffet lunch onboard, while anchored off a beautiful beach on the French side of the island.
• Long Bay – Stop in front of the island’s most deluxe hotel for a floating bar and final swim.

Awesome trip

Awesome crew [who] were so friendly and made sure everyone got everything they needed whether it be drinks, food, etc. The snorkeling with the turtles and stingrays was amazing as well.

The crew provided so much information about the island and made the experience worth every penny! Would highly recommend to anyone!!

~ Suzanne

What’s included

• Open bar, including special premium rum punches
• Morning snacks of French baguette mini-sandwiches
• Tasty BBQ lunch of chicken, ribs, rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, pasta salad, cheese and crusty baguettes
• Afternoon cake and grapes
• Snorkeling gear and noodles
• A champagne toast to end your day

Why we like this tour

• You get to swim with Tintamarre’s turtles.
• You see it all – the full sail around the island shows off the whole St. Maarten/St. Martin coastline.

What are the best places to snorkel in St. Maarten?

Top spots include Tintamarre Island (where you can snorkel with green sea turtles) and Creole Rock (known for its vibrant coral, reef fish and occasional sightings of spotted eagle rays).

Little Bay also offers easy calm snorkeling close to shore – perfect for beginners or a relaxed swim.

There’s also the unique new SXM Underwater Sculpture Park. You can take a boat trip to snorkel over 300 life-size artificial reef sculptures arranged along a designated trail. The total tour is 90 minutes long.

Is it worth taking a boat tour to Anguilla?

Absolutely! Anguilla is the Caribbean dream – think powdery white-sand beaches, calm turquoise waters and a laid-back, luxe vibe.

The island is made up of one main island plus several offshore cays, including gems like Sandy Island and Prickly Pear Cays.

It’s just a quick 20- to 25-minute speedboat ride from Philipsburg or Simpson Bay. Just don’t forget your passport. Since Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, you’ll need it to clear customs.

Are boat tours available on both the Dutch and French sides?

Yes. Here in this guide, we’ve written about departures from Philipsburg and Simpson Bay (Dutch side).

But if you’re staying on the French side (St. Martin), then a boat tour from Grand Case or Anse Marcel is more convenient. We boarded this top-rated Tintamarre Island sailing trip in Grand Case – and highly recommend it!

See our other St. Martin/St. Maarten travel guides

• Planning Your Trip to St. Maarten and St. Martin
• Which is Better? St. Martin or St. Maarten?
• 25 Unbeatable Things to Do in St. Maarten/St. Martin
• The Island’s 17 Best Hotels and Resorts
• Top Places to Stay in French Saint Martin
• 10 Fabulous Restaurants in Grand Case for Food Lovers
• Review of Hotel L’Esplanade in Grand Case
• 7 Reasons You’ll Love Grand Case Beach Club
• Review of Esmeralda Resort in Orient Bay