Captain Bob’s speedboat adventure takes travelers on a captivating 6-hour journey through the picturesque waters surrounding Dutch and French St. Maarten. Snorkeling with sea turtles, stingrays, and vibrant marine life is just the beginning, as visitors can also soak up the sun on uninhabited beaches and witness the thrilling sight of commercial jets landing at the famous Maho Beach. With a small-group setting, a hearty lunch, and high-quality gear provided, this excursion offers an immersive and personalized experience. However, the true magic lies in the surprises that await those who embark on this unforgettable adventure.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 6-hour speedboat tour exploring the picturesque waters and diverse marine life surrounding Dutch and French St. Maarten.
- Visit five different stops, including uninhabited islands for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with a small group of up to 22 guests.
- Highlights include snorkeling with sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish, and watching commercial jets land at Maho Beach.
- Includes alcoholic beverages, hearty lunch, high-quality snorkeling gear, and flotation devices, with gratuities and a $6 Nature Reserve Fee.
- Departs from Dock Maarten Marina, a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal, with convenient pickup for cruise ship visitors and hotel guests.
Overview of the Tour
The tour provides guests with a comprehensive 6-hour speedboat experience to explore the picturesque waters and diverse marine life surrounding the Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten.
Travelers will visit five different stops, including uninhabited islands where they can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe.
The tour features a small group setting, with a maximum of 22 guests, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.
Highlights include snorkeling among sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish, as well as watching commercial jets land overhead at the famous Maho Beach.
Throughout the tour, the captain provides commentary on the local marine ecosystem and the island’s history, ensuring a well-rounded and informative adventure.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour comes with a comprehensive set of inclusions, from alcoholic beverages and a hearty lunch to high-quality snorkeling gear and flotation devices. Travelers can expect a seamless experience, with a guaranteed on-time return to their cruise ship.
However, the Nature Reserve Fee of $6 per person must be paid in cash at check-in.
The tour also includes:
- Soft drinks to stay hydrated throughout the day
- Gratuities, with a recommended 15-20% tip for the excellent service
- A multi-lingual guide to provide commentary and insights into the local marine ecosystem and St. Maarten’s history.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Departing from the Dock Maarten Marina (Chesterfields Restaurant), the tour offers a convenient pickup location just a short 10-15 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal. This makes it easy for cruise ship visitors to access the tour without any hassle.
The return point is the same as the meeting point, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.
The tour is designed to accommodate all cruise ship visitors and hotel guests, providing a hassle-free way to explore the waters around St. Maarten.
With a focus on convenience and accessibility, the meeting and pickup details make it easy for travelers to join this exciting speedboat and snorkeling adventure.
Itinerary and Stops
With the convenient meeting point taken care of, the tour embarks on an exciting itinerary that showcases the diverse marine environments around St. Maarten.
Guests start at Tintamarre Island, where they can snorkel in the protected reserve and observe the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Next, they visit Pinel Island to relax, have lunch, and shop for souvenirs.
The tour then moves on to Creole Rock for another snorkeling stop, followed by a swim at either Mullet Bay or Long Bay, two beautiful beaches.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
Frequently, the tour offers visitors the opportunity to snorkel in the protected marine reserves, where they can observe a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with sea turtles, stingrays, and a variety of tropical fish.
At Tintamarre Island, snorkelers can enjoy the beauty of the island’s natural marine habitat, catching glimpses of these fascinating creatures up close.
Later, at Creole Rock, guests have another chance to explore the underwater world, discovering the diverse array of colorful coral formations and schools of vibrant fish.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable captain provides commentary on the local marine ecosystem, enhancing the snorkeling experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for the island’s remarkable natural wonders.
Beaches and Sightseeing
The tour includes stops at several picturesque beaches, allowing guests to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, and marvel at the iconic sights unique to St. Maarten.
At Mullet Bay or Long Bay, visitors can lounge on the soft white sand and watch commercial jets take off and land overhead at the famous Maho Beach, a thrilling experience as the planes fly just feet above the beachgoers.
The tour also features:
- Relaxation on the beaches of Pinel Island
- Souvenir shopping at local shops
- Stunning vistas of the French and Dutch sides of the island
Throughout the experience, the captain provides commentary on the local marine ecosystem and the history of St. Maarten, enriching the overall excursion.
Booking and Confirmation
Booking this Captain Bob Speed Boat/Snorkeling/Beach Tour + Lunch St Maarten excursion is straightforward, as guests receive confirmation at the time of booking.
This ensures guests have all the details they need, including the meeting point, departure and return times, and what’s included.
The tour accommodates all cruise ship visitors and hotel guests, and even offers a refund if the tour is missed due to a late or non-arrival of the cruise ship.
With clear directions and an easy booking process, guests can focus on the incredible sights and activities that await them on this six-hour adventure around the beautiful island of St. Maarten.
Additional Information
With the booking process covered, the additional details for this Captain Bob Speed Boat/Snorkeling/Beach Tour + Lunch St Maarten excursion provide guests with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring all the necessary information is readily available.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it accommodates cruise ship visitors and hotel guests alike.
The Captain has flexibility to adjust the itinerary and locations as needed for safety and comfort. Guests can expect a vegetarian option, and infants must sit on laps.
Plus, multilingual guides may be utilized to enhance the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children With Disabilities?
The tour may not be suitable for children with disabilities, as it is not wheelchair accessible. However, the captain may be able to accommodate certain needs with advance notice. Families should contact the tour operator for more information.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
Guests are welcome to bring their own snorkeling gear if they prefer. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but using personal gear is allowed. Guests should ensure their equipment is in good working condition before the tour.
Is There an Option to Join the Tour Without Taking the Boat?
Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an option to join the tour without taking the boat. The tour package includes the speedboat ride as a core part of the experience, visiting various islands and snorkeling spots around St. Maarten.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary Based on My Preferences?
The tour allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary based on traveler preferences. Guests can discuss desired activities and locations with the captain, who may adjust the schedule accordingly for comfort and safety.
Is There a Way to Arrange Private Transportation to and From the Meeting Point?
Yes, private transportation can be arranged to and from the meeting point. Travelers can contact the tour operator directly to request a private transfer option, which may incur an additional fee.
Recap
The Captain Bob speedboat tour offers a comprehensive 6-hour experience exploring the picturesque waters and diverse marine life of Dutch and French St. Maarten.
Visitors can snorkel with sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish, while also enjoying the beaches of uninhabited islands and watching commercial jets land at the famous Maho Beach.
With a small-group setting, hearty lunch, and quality gear included, it’s an intimate and personalized way to experience the island’s natural wonders.
