Self-Drive Boat Tour and Snorkel from Simpson Bay
St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
Rating: 
Trip Type: Day Cruises
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore the western coast of St Martin island — from Simpson Bay in Dutch St Maarten to Creole Rock on the French side, St-Martin — on this self-drive boat tour, led by an experienced guide. On board your own 3-person Rhino, an inflatable personal watercraft, you’ll cruise past beautiful beaches as you make your way to the top of the island to snorkel with tropical fish, turtles and other marine life. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you drive yourself across the turquoise sea.
More About This Activity All Day Cruises →
Explore the western coast of St Martin island — from Simpson Bay in Dutch St Maarten to Creole Rock on the French side, St-Martin — on this self-drive boat tour, led by an experienced guide. On board your own 3-person Rhino, an inflatable personal watercraft, you’ll cruise past beautiful beaches as you make your way to the top of the island to snorkel with tropical fish, turtles and other marine life. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you drive yourself across the turquoise sea.Arrive at the local tour operator’s office at Simpson Bay 30 minutes before your selected departure time to check in and listen to a safety briefing. Then grab your provided snorkeling gear and life jacket, and head to your personal watercraft — a 10-foot (3-meter), 3-person inflatable boat called a Rhino.
If you’re driving, hop in the front seat and grab the wheel; if you’re the passenger, sit behind the driver and hold on to the side handles. Warm up the engine and familiarize yourself with the throttle, which controls your speed. Pose for a photo that you can purchase later, if you wish, and then begin your trip through Simpson Bay Lagoon, following your guide toward the open sea.
Admire rows of sleek yachts docked in the marina, and cross under the bridge that takes you from the Dutch side of the island, St Maarten, to the French side, St-Martin. When you reach the open sea, zoom toward Creole Rock, which lies off the island’s northwestern coast and is part of a protected marine park.
Pass by Lovers Beach, Happy Bay and Grand Case on your way to Creole Rock. Follow your guide's lead to anchor your boat, then jump in the water. You have 30 to 45 minutes to snorkel around the rocky island, looking for marine life like sea turtles, rays and reef fish, or you can grab a noodle from your guide and just float. Drinks are also provided.
After snorkeling and swimming, head back to your starting point, where your tour ends. You can look over your photo and purchase drinks or snacks, if you wish.
If you’re driving, hop in the front seat and grab the wheel; if you’re the passenger, sit behind the driver and hold on to the side handles. Warm up the engine and familiarize yourself with the throttle, which controls your speed. Pose for a photo that you can purchase later, if you wish, and then begin your trip through Simpson Bay Lagoon, following your guide toward the open sea.
Admire rows of sleek yachts docked in the marina, and cross under the bridge that takes you from the Dutch side of the island, St Maarten, to the French side, St-Martin. When you reach the open sea, zoom toward Creole Rock, which lies off the island’s northwestern coast and is part of a protected marine park.
Pass by Lovers Beach, Happy Bay and Grand Case on your way to Creole Rock. Follow your guide's lead to anchor your boat, then jump in the water. You have 30 to 45 minutes to snorkel around the rocky island, looking for marine life like sea turtles, rays and reef fish, or you can grab a noodle from your guide and just float. Drinks are also provided.
After snorkeling and swimming, head back to your starting point, where your tour ends. You can look over your photo and purchase drinks or snacks, if you wish.
« Go Back