St Maarten is a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable lunch experience that combines stunning scenery with flavorful cuisine. Unlike many Caribbean destinations, St Maarten offers a variety of tours that serve up more than just a meal—they deliver a full-on adventure. Whether you prefer sailing to Anguilla, speedboating around the island, or a private day on the water, each tour offers its own unique flavor. We especially love the Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip, which combines snorkeling, island lounging, and a buffet lunch all in one relaxing day. It’s ideal if you want a mix of adventure and scenic beauty with plenty of onboard amenities.
If a faster-paced, energetic experience is more your style, the Captain Bob Speed Boat tour offers multiple snorkel stops, a BBQ lunch, and a chance to see the island’s best beaches—all in a family-friendly setting. For those seeking complete privacy and customized options, the Private Full-Day Speed Boat Tour lets you craft your perfect day with personalized stops and a luxury lunch. And for a full-day, all-in-one experience that balances culture, nature, and beach time, check out the Cristal Speed boat or the Discovery Powerboat Tour. Each of these options provides a distinctive way to enjoy a delicious meal amidst some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful scenery.
Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of the top lunch experiences that make St Maarten a standout Caribbean culinary destination, blending scenic views with flavorful bites and Caribbean hospitality.
1. Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip from St Maarten Including Lunch
At number 1, the Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip offers a full day of sailing to Anguilla, with plenty of time for snorkeling, lounging, and enjoying a buffet lunch onboard. Departing from St Maarten, this trip transports you across the turquoise waters to the protected Prickly Pear Cay. Here, you can snorkel among tropical fish and vibrant coral, or simply soak up the sun on the pristine beach. The highlight is the onboard buffet, which features a variety of salads, fruits, and hearty options, complemented by an open bar.
What makes this tour stand out is how it combines water activities with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for families or couples looking for a relaxing yet adventurous day. The crew is friendly and attentive, making sure everyone feels comfortable. The trip also includes a stop at Mead’s Bay on the return leg, giving you a chance to dip in the calm Caribbean waters. Priced at $135 per person, it offers excellent value for a full day on the water with all meals and drinks included.
Guests comment on the fun atmosphere, caring crew, and the beautiful scenery. One review notes, “It was very fun! Weather was nice, and the crew was very caring and fun.” This experience is ideal if you want a balanced mix of snorkeling, scenic sailing, and a hearty lunch in a friendly setting.
Bottom line: A great choice for travelers who want a full-day cruise that mixes beach time, snorkeling, and a generous onboard meal.
2. Cristal Speed boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour & Lunch St Maarten
At number 2, the Cristal Speed boat tour provides an energetic, well-rounded island-hopping experience. For around $139, you get a roughly six-hour adventure that covers some of the best snorkel spots, beaches, and local sights. The tour includes stops at Creole Rock, where you’ll snorkel in a vibrant reef, and Tintamarre Island, famous for its sea turtles. You’ll also visit Pinel Island, known for its calm, shallow waters perfect for relaxing and enjoying a French gourmet sandwich.
What makes this trip unique is the combination of speedboat excitement with laid-back beach time. The boat is fast, and the crew is knowledgeable, sharing insights about the island’s geology and culture. Guests often mention how the crew’s friendliness and the flexibility of the tour make it a memorable day. One review highlights, “The guys on the boat are great, and the speedboat ride is a blast—just be aware it might not be suitable if you have back problems.”
The tour includes a delicious lunch, often French sandwiches, and drinks onboard. It strikes a good balance for those who want active snorkeling, scenic beaches, and a taste of French Caribbean cuisine—all packed into a manageable six hours.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want an action-packed day with top snorkeling, scenic beaches, and a tasty onboard lunch.
3. St Maarten Boat Tour with Lunch, Drinks, & Snorkeling Gear
Number 3 on our list, the St Maarten Boat Tour is a smaller, more intimate experience that emphasizes personalized service. For $175 per person, this four-hour tour takes you around the island to snorkel at Creole Rock, Baie Rouge, Long Beach, and Mullet Bay. The focus is on relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and exploring multiple beaches, all while having a delicious lunch served onboard.
This tour is ideal if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed vibe. The small group size allows for more attention from your skipper, which means better snorkeling tips and local insights. Reviewers love the flexibility and the chance to choose whether to snorkel or relax on the beaches. One says, “A relaxed boat tour around Saint Maarten with a small group, excellent snorkeling, and a tasty lunch.”
The tour offers a great balance between water activities and beach lounging, with each stop lasting about 45 minutes. The inclusive snorkeling gear makes it easy to jump into the water without fuss. It’s perfect for travelers who want a shorter, more personal adventure without sacrificing quality or scenery.
Bottom line: A good pick for travelers seeking a relaxed, small-group tour with plenty of time for snorkeling and enjoying local beaches.
4. Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour & Lunch St Maarten
Number 4, the Captain Bob Speed Boat tour, is a favorite for its high-energy vibe and extensive itinerary. For $139 per person, it packs in five stops over six hours including Tintamarre Island, Pinel Island, and Mullet Bay. You’ll get to snorkel with sea turtles, see stingrays, and float in calm waters—an exciting mix of marine life and beach relaxation.
Guests consistently rave about the professionalism and friendliness of Captain Bob’s crew. One reviewer notes, “The staff is outstanding—friendly and very experienced. The equipment was in great shape, and the snorkeling was fantastic.” The tour emphasizes guaranteed on-time return, making it ideal for cruise passengers with tight schedules. The BBQ lunch on the boat is a highlight, providing hearty Caribbean flavors in a lively setting.
This tour is perfect if you want a full-day adventure with multiple snorkeling stops, white sand beaches, and engaging commentary. Its high ratings and large number of reviews (over 4,300) reflect its popularity and reliability.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers who want a fun, fast-paced, all-in-one boat day with plenty of snorkeling and a great lunch.
5. Private Full-Day Speed Boat Tour of St. Martin with Luxury Lunch
Number 5, the Private Full-Day Speed Boat Tour, offers a tailored, luxurious experience. Costing around $2,333 for up to 10 people, it provides a completely customizable itinerary with stops at Pinel Island, Tintamarre, and Creole Rock, plus scenic views of the island. The trip includes a luxury lunch and the flexibility to add specific locations on request.
What makes this tour stand out is its exclusivity. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized day with privacy, top-notch service, and the chance to see less accessible spots. The itinerary often includes swimming with sea turtles and observing local wildlife, all while enjoying panoramic views of St. Martin. Guests describe the experience as “outstanding and flexible,” with the boat, lunch, and stops tailored to their preferences.
This is best suited for couples or groups celebrating a special occasion, or those seeking a private escape from crowded tours. The high price reflects the bespoke nature and premium service.
Bottom line: The go-to option for travelers who want an exclusive, fully customized day of sailing, snorkeling, and gourmet dining in a private setting.
6. Discovery Powerboat Tour, Snorkeling with Turtles & BBQ Lunch
Finally, the Discovery Powerboat Tour is a lively, fun-filled 7-hour adventure that hits all the high notes. Priced at $139 per person, it includes visits to Tintamarre Island, Pinel Island, and Creole Rock, with opportunities to swim with turtles and explore coral reefs. The tour features a BBQ lunch at Grand Case, renowned for its culinary scene, along with an open bar for a truly festive atmosphere.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on marine wildlife and scenic beaches, combined with the thrill of a powerboat ride. The crew is described as “professional, fun, and attentive,” making the day both exciting and comfortable. Many reviews mention how the tour balances adventure with relaxation, and the BBQ lunch is often highlighted as a delicious highlight.
This is perfect if you want an action-packed day with plenty of snorkeling, beach time, and a hearty Caribbean meal in the middle. The combination of speed and scenic stops makes it one of the most energetic options on our list.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for active travelers who want a full day of marine exploration, scenic scenery, and a tasty BBQ lunch.
How to Choose Your Best Lunch Experience in St Maarten
When selecting among these options, consider your preferred pace and interests. If you want a full-day laid-back cruise with snorkeling and a buffet, Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip is perfect. For adventure seekers, the Captain Bob Speed Boat or Discovery Powerboat Tour offer thrilling rides and marine encounters. Those looking for a more intimate, tailored experience should consider the Private Speed Boat Tour, especially if they’re celebrating something special or want to avoid large crowds.
Budget, time, and fitness level also matter. The shorter, small-group tours focus on snorkeling and relaxing, while private charters deliver maximum flexibility. Book early in peak season to secure your spot and ensure smooth planning—these tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
St Maarten offers a variety of lunch experiences that combine scenic beauty with delicious Caribbean cuisine. For a full-day sailing adventure with snorkeling and a buffet lunch, the Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip is hard to beat. If you want a more energetic, action-filled day, the Captain Bob Speed Boat and Discovery Powerboat Tour deliver excitement and marine encounters. For those seeking privacy and personalized service, the Private Speed Boat Tour offers an exclusive way to explore.
No matter your style or budget, booking early and choosing a tour that matches your interests will help ensure a smooth, memorable day. So, pack your swimsuit, a sense of adventure, and get ready to enjoy some of the best lunch experiences in St Maarten.