Tropical Catamaran Snorkeling, Sailing – Cruise Ship Friendly

Set out on a tropical adventure that’s perfect for cruise ship visitors exploring the stunning French and Dutch sides of St. Maarten. This 6-hour Catamaran Snorkeling and Sailing excursion offers an unparalleled experience, complete with a delicious Caribbean buffet lunch, an open bar, and top-notch snorkeling gear. Relax on the shaded catamaran, sip refreshing cocktails, and learn about the vibrant marine life – all while enjoying exceptional service from a dedicated crew. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, this excursion promises to be the highlight of your Caribbean getaway. What lies in store for those who join this unforgettable journey?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In St Maarten.

Key Points

• A 6-hour excursion sailing along the French and Dutch sides of St Maarten, popular among cruisers with a 5.0 rating based on 242 reviews.
• Includes a Caribbean buffet lunch with barbecue chicken, ribs, and local specialties, along with an open bar featuring a variety of beverages.
• Provides snorkeling gear and instructions for a memorable underwater exploration experience.
• Features amenities such as a floating bar, shaded areas, freshwater showers, and electric toilets for convenience and relaxation.
• Meets at Bobbys Marina in Philipsburg, with a 9:30 am check-in and a 10 am departure, returning to the same location.

Overview and Experience

The Tropical Catamaran Snorkeling tour offers a 6-hour excursion that sails along the French and Dutch sides of St Maarten, providing participants with opportunities to snorkel, swim, and spot planes at the famous Maho Beach.

With a 5.0 rating based on 242 reviews, this popular tour has established itself as a must-do activity for cruisers visiting the island.

Onboard, guests can expect a Caribbean buffet lunch featuring barbecue chicken, ribs, and other local specialties, as well as an open bar with a variety of beverages.

The tour also includes snorkeling gear and instruction, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable day on the water.

Inclusions and Amenities

Aboard the tropical catamaran, guests are treated to a Caribbean buffet lunch featuring barbecue chicken, ribs, island rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, Gouda cheese, and freshly baked French baguettes.

The open bar offers a selection of Carib, Coors Light, sodas, fruit punch, rhum punch, gin and tonic, and vodka mixers, ensuring everyone can indulge in their preferred beverages.

Along With the sumptuous meal and drinks, the excursion provides:

• Snorkeling gear and instruction for exploring the vibrant underwater world.

• A floating bar, snacks, and shaded areas for relaxation.

• A freshwater shower and electric toilets for convenience.

• Gratuities included, so guests can sit back and enjoy the experience.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Guests meet at Bobbys Marina, located at 22H Juancho Yrausquin Blvd in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, just a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal.

Check-in time is at 9:30 am, and the tour returns to the same meeting point at the end of the excursion. For those needing a ride back, water taxis are available.

The 6-hour catamaran tour departs promptly at 10 am, allowing guests to fully enjoy the sailing, snorkeling, and other activities.

At the conclusion of the tour, travelers can easily make their way back to the cruise ship or explore the local shops and restaurants in the area surrounding the marina.

Safety and Accessibility

For the Tropical Catamaran Snorkeling tour, there’s a weight restriction of 125 kg (275 lbs) for safety reasons. The excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, though vegetarian options are available for those with dietary requirements – just let the tour operators know at the time of booking.

While the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant guests, the crew takes safety seriously.

The experience includes:

1. Snorkeling gear and thorough instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable underwater exploration.

2. A floating bar and shade areas to relax between activities.

3. Fresh water showers to rinse off after snorkeling.

4. Electric toilets for convenience.

With these safety measures in place, guests can focus on making the most of their tropical adventure.

Positive Customer Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional service and attentiveness of the friendly and knowledgeable crew, who go above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable experience.

Many highlight the crew’s expertise, noting their ability to provide thorough snorkeling instructions and point out the best spots to see vibrant marine life.

Guests also commend the delicious Caribbean buffet lunch and well-stocked open bar, which perfectly complement the day’s activities.

Several reviewers even single out specific crew members for their outstanding service, emphasizing how their personalized attention contributed to the overall enjoyment of the tour.

With its fantastic food, drinks, and top-notch staff, it’s no wonder this catamaran excursion receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from travelers.

Notable Crew Highlights

The crew’s exceptional service and attentiveness consistently shine through in the overwhelmingly positive reviews, with multiple guests singling out specific members for their outstanding contributions to the overall experience.

Four crew members in particular were highlighted for their exemplary efforts:

1. Captain John, praised for his engaging commentary, expert navigation, and commitment to ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

2. First Mate Emily, noted for her boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and exceptional snorkeling guidance.

3. Bartender Alex, commended for his friendly demeanor, skillful cocktail-making, and ability to keep the drinks flowing seamlessly.

4. Server Isabelle, appreciated for her attentive service, culinary knowledge, and ability to cater to dietary needs with a smile.

Potential Discrepancies and Concerns

While the overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight the exceptional crew and memorable experience, a few guests noted discrepancies in the tour duration and snorkeling time, as well as some safety concerns regarding the life jackets.

Some travelers reported the tour was shorter than the advertised 6-hour duration, leaving them with less time for snorkeling and exploring. Plus, there were a couple of comments about the life jackets not fitting properly or appearing worn, raising safety questions.

However, these critiques were minor and isolated, with the vast majority of guests thoroughly enjoying the excursion.

Overall Recommendation

Travelers overwhelmingly recommend the Tropical Catamaran Snorkeling tour as a must-do excursion for cruise ship visitors to St Maarten. The tour consistently earns 5-star reviews, with guests praising the friendly and knowledgeable crew, delicious Caribbean buffet lunch, and memorable snorkeling experiences.

Key highlights include:

1. Sailing along the scenic French and Dutch sides of the island

2. Spotting planes at the famous Maho Beach

3. Snorkeling in the crystal clear turquoise waters to see vibrant marine life

4. Relaxing on the shaded catamaran with refreshing cocktails and tropical punches

With convenient meeting points, inclusive amenities, and an overall sense of fun and relaxation, the Tropical Catamaran Snorkeling tour offers an unforgettable day on the water in St Maarten.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size is not specified in the given knowledge. However, the tour is described as a ‘snorkeling and sailing’ excursion, suggesting it accommodates a reasonable number of participants to ensure a pleasant and safe experience for all travelers.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participation?

There are no age restrictions for participation. The tour is open to travelers of all ages, though it’s recommended that younger children be able to swim. Adults and children alike can enjoy the snorkeling and sailing activities.

Is There an Option to Add a Photo Package to the Tour?

Yes, there is an option to add a photo package to the tour. Guests can purchase a digital photo package to capture their snorkeling and sailing experience on the catamaran. The package details and pricing are available at the time of booking.

Can the Tour Be Rescheduled if the Weather Is Poor?

The tour can generally be rescheduled if the weather is poor, subject to availability. Guests should contact the tour operator as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling options, which may incur a fee. Flexibility is important due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

There are no additional fees or taxes not included in the tour price. The inclusions cover all activities, equipment, meals, and drinks. Travelers only need to pay the listed price and expect no hidden charges.

Recap

The Tropical Catamaran Snorkeling and Sailing excursion offers cruise ship visitors an unforgettable Caribbean adventure.

With a delectable buffet, open bar, and top-notch snorkeling gear, guests can relax on the shaded catamaran, enjoy refreshing cocktails, and explore the vibrant marine life of St. Maarten’s stunning coastline.

Exceptional service from the dedicated crew makes this a highly recommended must-do for a memorable day at sea.