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Sint Maarten
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Philipsburg
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Tours & Activities
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Self-Drive Boat Tour and Snorkel from Simpson Bay
2h30
Instant confirmation
About this activity
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.
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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.
Included
- Local guide
- Use of Rhino Rider
- Use of snorkel equipment and noodles
- Use of life jacket
- Fuel
- Bottled water or soda on the watercraft
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Marine park fee (approx US$5)
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Must be 18 years old to drive the watercraft or have a valid license
- Valuables and any belongings you don't want to get wet can be stored with the local tour operator; the watercraft does not have a dry compartment
Features
Tourism
90%
Cultural
50%
Aquatic
40%
Adrenaline
35%
Reviews
Fantastic. Highly recommended. Enough time and freedom for everything. The boats were fun.
I recommend this excursion. I would do it again.
We were a party of 4 mum, dad, daughter and son in law on a cruise. Booked in the UK a week before leaving. Taxi took about 20 minutes from the port, Philipsburg and cost 7.00 per person each way. Weather was perfect. Instruction and equipment adequate. Staff really friendly and informative. The trip is suitable for all ages and sizes - there were 2 toddlers on our trip. If you have a bad back this may not be for you in particular if the sea is a bit rough. The rhinos are easy to drive, great fun and apparently have a top speed of about 40mph. Without question the BEST trip of the holiday. Would definitely re book when in St.Maarten again.