Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour & Lunch St Maarten

Exploring St. Maarten with Captain Bob’s Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour & Lunch

Imagine cruising across the Caribbean’s turquoise waters aboard a swift speedboat with a knowledgeable captain, visiting both the Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten. For about six hours, you’ll snorkel with sea turtles, relax on pristine beaches, and enjoy the thrill of planes flying overhead at Maho Beach—an experience that’s as lively as it is laid-back.

This tour, costing $139 per person, is a favorite among travelers—over 4,300 reviews with a perfect 5-star rating. What we love most? First, the fact that it’s a small-group experience, which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. Second, the inclusion of multiple snorkel stops and a delicious lunch, making it good value for an activity packed with adventure and relaxation.

A couple of considerations: since the tour involves swimming and boating, it’s best suited for those comfortable around water and with a moderate level of physical activity. Also, the nature reserve fee of $10 per person isn’t included, so be prepared to pay that cash at check-in. Overall, if you’re seeking a fun, educational, and memorable day in St. Maarten, this tour will suit families, couples, and adventure lovers alike.

Key Points

• Small-group setting provides a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Multiple snorkeling stops with equipment included allow for plenty of underwater exploration.
• Beautiful beaches and airport views offer unique photo opportunities and relaxing moments.
• Knowledgeable and friendly guides share insights into the island’s marine life and history.
• All-inclusive amenities such as snacks, drinks, and lunch add convenience and value.
• Flexible scheduling accommodates cruise ship timings, ensuring you’re back on time.

Discovering the Waters of St. Maarten: An In-Depth Review

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour is more than just a boat ride; it’s an active, immersive way to experience some of the best sights and sounds of St. Maarten. For a set price of $139, you get roughly six hours of fun, discovery, and relaxation, with the assurance that you’ll return to your cruise ship on time. It’s hosted by Captain Bob and his crew, who have earned glowing reviews for their professionalism, friendliness, and local knowledge.

Two things immediately catch the eye: the small group size and the variety of stops. With a maximum of 22 travelers, everyone gets a chance to ask questions, enjoy personalized attention, and feel like part of the adventure rather than just another face in a crowd. The itinerary is well-designed, balancing snorkeling, beach lounging, and sightseeing—all with plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

The Itinerary Breakdown: Why Each Stop Matters

Tintamarre Island (45 minutes)

Your adventure begins with a visit to Tintamarre, an uninhabited French island within a protected reserve. This stop is a highlight for many; it’s a rare chance to snorkel in a calm, pristine environment where turtles and stingrays swim freely. As one reviewer put it, “the equipment was in great shape,” and the chance to see sea turtles up close is a major draw. Since large groups aren’t allowed here, it remains a peaceful enclave—perfect for underwater photography or simply floating among the marine life.

Pinel Island (1 hour)

Next, you’ll hop over to Pinel Island, a favorite for its calm, shallow waters and swaying palm trees. Here, you can sip a drink, grab some lunch, or browse for souvenirs. The relaxed pace allows for sunbathing or a quick swim in waist-deep waters—ideal for families or travelers wanting a less active break.

Creole Rock (45 minutes)

Back in the water, Creole Rock offers a second snorkel stop—this time at a lively coral reef teeming with colorful fish and marine creatures. Judging by reviews, this is a crowd-pleaser: “Great instructions, great gear, and plenty of local information,” say past travelers. It’s a vibrant underwater world, but the reef’s current can vary, so some might find it more suitable for confident swimmers.

Mullet Bay or Long Bay (45 minutes)

For pure relaxation, the tour visits two of the Caribbean’s top beaches—Mullet Bay and Long Bay. Both are picture-perfect, with soft white sand and clear waters. As one traveler noted, “this is your last chance to float around in paradise,” making it a perfect spot to unwind, soak up the sun, or indulge in a cold drink.

Maho Beach (30 minutes)

No trip to St. Maarten is complete without experiencing the thrill of planes flying just overhead at Maho Beach. It’s a surreal experience—jets taking off and landing right above your head, creating a roar and a gust of wind. It’s a crowd favorite and offers fantastic photo opportunities. Be prepared for the wind and the noise, but it’s all part of the fun.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

The tour covers most essentials: snorkeling gear, flotation devices, unlimited snacks and drinks, and a hearty lunch. The only additional fee is the $10 nature reserve fee payable in cash at check-in. Tips are appreciated but not obligatory; most reviews recommend 15-20%, reflecting the high quality of service provided.

Guides and Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, guides like Brett and Dillon receive high praise for their entertaining commentary, friendliness, and professionalism. Their stories about local marine life and island history add depth to the experience, transforming a simple boat ride into an educational adventure. As one reviewer said, “They were super concerned about safety and making sure everyone had a good time,” which eases concerns especially for families or less experienced swimmers.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Many reviews highlight how this tour feels like a personalized adventure rather than a commercialized activity. The small boat and attentive guides make everyone feel comfortable and engaged. The variety of stops means you get a well-rounded taste of St. Maarten—its beaches, marine life, and iconic airport. The included lunch, featuring a French bakery-style ham and cheese sandwich, is simple but hits the spot after a morning of snorkeling.

The Value for Money

At $139, this tour offers excellent value. You get multiple snorkeling sites, beach stops, and a scenic tour of both sides of the island—all with snacks, drinks, and lunch included. When you compare this to larger, less personalized excursions, the intimacy, flexibility, and knowledgeable guides tip the scales toward a solid investment for an active, fun-filled day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a flexible, engaging way to see St. Maarten. If you love snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and a lively, informative guide, you’ll find this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s also perfect if you want a break from the cruise ship crowds and prefer exploring islands at a relaxed but exciting pace.

The Sum Up

Choosing this speedboat tour around St. Maarten means opting for a day packed with adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic local charm. It’s an experience that balances fun, education, and relaxation, with attentive guides and excellent logistics ensuring everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re snorkeling with turtles, lounging on top beaches, or watching planes fly overhead, this trip delivers memorable moments and great value.

Ideal for those who enjoy water activities, small-group intimacy, and a personalized touch, it’s a fantastic way to experience the island beyond the typical cruise excursions. The included snacks, meals, and snorkeling gear mean you won’t need to worry about much beyond having fun. If a lively, scenic, and well-organized day on the water sounds appealing, this tour is a superb choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy all the stops without feeling rushed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, all snorkeling gear and flotation devices are provided as part of the tour.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Tintamarre Island, Pinel Island, Creole Rock, Mullet or Long Bay, and Maho Beach.

Do I need to pay extra for anything?
Yes, there’s a $10 cash fee per person for the nature reserve. Gratuities are also appreciated but not required.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable for families, but children should be comfortable around water and be accompanied by an adult.

What if my cruise ship arrives late?
The tour guarantees on-time return, and if your ship is delayed, you can often reschedule or receive a full refund if you miss the tour due to late arrival.

In all, this tour offers a fun, engaging, and well-organized way to see the best of St. Maarten’s beaches, marine life, and iconic sights, all with a friendly local touch. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, it’s sure to leave you with plenty of great memories.