Catamaran snorkeling beats beach chaos. On this St Maarten sail from Bobby’s Marina, you get a smooth day of snorkeling stops plus rum punch time in between, away from the busiest shoreline stretches.

I especially like the small-group feel (up to 50) and the way the crew keeps things moving, from snorkeling gear and help for first-timers to a proper onboard BBQ lunch. You’ll also find comfort built in, like shade and big lounging space on the trampoline-style front.

One possible drawback: water clarity and fish action can vary by day, and the open bar can make the vibe feel louder if you prefer a quiet boat.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Little Bay is close: first or last snorkel stop is about 15 minutes from the dock
• Snorkel support is real: gear and instruction before your first dip
• Open bar all day with top-shelf liquor, rum punch, beers, and sodas
• Dinghy service when conditions allow so you can tender to the beach if you want
• Comfort for hang time: trampoline in front, shade at the back, electric toilets
• Food is part of the plan: BBQ-style buffet lunch plus snack baguettes

From Bobby’s Marina to the Calmer Leeward Side

This trip starts at Eagle Tours at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, with a 10:00 am departure. The best part of this meeting setup is how quickly you move from walking around town to being on the water. If you’re on a cruise day stop, you can usually handle the short walk from the pier to the marina and be ready before the boat really fills up.

Once aboard, you head out along the leeward coast, which is the calmer side. That matters because it affects how comfortable you feel during the sail between swim and snorkel stops. A lot of snorkeling tours spend a big chunk of time fighting waves; this one is designed so you can actually enjoy being out there.

The crew also runs the day like a schedule, not just a “let’s see what happens” kind of cruise. You’ll see this in the way they time the snorkeling, drinks, and food so you’re not stuck waiting forever without something to do. From the crew names people mention often—Captain Josh, Captain JP, Captain Melina, plus first mates like James and Jasper—you get the sense this is a team that likes to stay in control and keep things friendly and safe.

Little Bay First: Snorkel Gear, Quick Help, Then the Water

Your first snorkel stop is Little Bay, and it’s close—about 15 minutes from the dock. That short ride is a gift. You’re not spending the first hour only looking at water; you’re kitted out and in the water early.

The tour provides snorkeling gear, and there’s also snorkeling instruction, especially helpful if you’ve never snorkeled before. You can expect some guidance before you jump in, so you’re not guessing how to use the mask or what to do once you’re floating.

Little Bay is one of those places that works whether you’re a confident swimmer or you’re still building comfort. If you want to just float and watch, you can. If you’re eager to swim a bit farther, you’ll likely have chances to do that too. And because it’s early in the day, you’re more likely to feel fresh instead of worn out from sun and motion.

Practical note: even with good instruction, snorkel days can be about conditions. Some days you get clear water and lots of visible fish. Other days visibility can be less sharp, so focus on enjoying the experience even if the fish count feels lower than you hoped.

Between Stops: Trampoline Sun, Shade, and Drinks That Keep Pace

The catamaran setup is built for relaxation. The front has a large trampoline-style area, which is perfect for sunbathing and lounging without crowding everyone in one spot. If you’re traveling with a mix of ages or skill levels, this matters because not everyone wants to be in the water at the same times.

At the back, there’s lots of shade and comfortable seating. A smart perk is that the bar and seating area are near the captain, which makes the vibe feel social without being chaotic. You’re close enough to feel like part of what’s happening onboard.

You’ll also appreciate the basics that many boats skip:

• electric toilets onboard
• a shade-forward layout so you can cool down
• a fresh water shower

Then there’s the drinks. The open bar is a big part of why this tour feels like more than a snorkeling trip. You can expect beer, sodas, and rum punch made with Mount Gay rum. People often mention rum punch and top-shelf spirits, and the list includes vodka and gin plus mixers like tonic.

A small truth you should plan for: if you’re sensitive to noise, the open bar can create a more party-like energy. On good days it’s fun and easy. On other days it can feel like people are taking full advantage of all-day drinking.

How the Sailing Works: Calm Anchors and Beach Time

After your first snorkel stop, you sail out with a following breeze, then the crew looks for a calm beach to anchor. This is a key part of the tour style. Instead of constant motoring, you’re more likely to get a stable moment to swim, snorkel, or just float.

At the anchor, you’ll likely have a couple options:

• snorkel again, if conditions and water access are good
• take a noodle and float toward the beach

There’s also dinghy service for tendering to the beach, and it’s weather dependent. That means if the sea state is calmer, you can hop in with the crew’s help. If it’s not, you may find it easier to stay on the boat or swim from where you’re anchored.

During this time, drinks and snacks keep showing up, and the crew prepares lunch while you relax. The flow is usually what makes the day feel smooth: you don’t just jump from one hard activity to another. You get a rhythm of water time, then a break.

The Beach and Snorkel Stops: Little Bay, Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, Happy Bay

This itinerary rotates through several well-known areas and some calmer anchor spots: Little Bay, Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Happy Bay. The exact order can shift, and alternate stops may be chosen due to weather, but the pattern stays the same: snorkel points plus beach time.

Here’s how I think about each stop for planning your expectations:

Little Bay

Close to the dock, often your first or last stop. Great for easing into the snorkeling day, especially because you start feeling confident early.

Simpson Bay

A stop that tends to give you plenty of scenery and a solid setting for swimming and snorkel time. If you like being near the action of the island while still escaping the crowded beach vibe, this is one of those stops that can feel like a balance.

Mullet Bay

Another name you’ll hear around St Maarten. Expect a straightforward swim/snorkel day, with the crew aiming for comfortable water conditions when possible.

Long Beach

Long stretches usually mean more room to spread out once you’re on the sand or near your swim area. If you’re in the mood to swim, then step back and let the sun recharge you, this kind of beach stop fits well.

Happy Bay

Happy Bay is often linked with a more laid-back beach feel. If you want that “settle in and enjoy” part of the day, this is the kind of stop that can help you do that.

One extra detail worth knowing from experiences people share: on some days, you may even get a beach stop where you can watch planes coming and going nearby. If that sounds fun to you, don’t be surprised if the scenery includes aviation as part of the entertainment.

BBQ Lunch and the Open Bar: Why the Price Can Make Sense

The tour price is $132.08 per person for about 6 hours, and the value is tied to what you do not have to pay for separately.

Included:

• BBQ-style buffet lunch: barbecue chicken, barbecue ribs, island rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, gouda cheese, and French baguettes
• mini baguette snacks (turkey ham and gouda with lettuce and tomatoes, plus tuna salad or a vegetarian option)
• open bar all day with rum punch and top-shelf liquor (Mount Gay rum, vodka, gin), plus tonic, sodas, and beer like Coors Light and Carib beer
• shade, comfortable seating, and onboard facilities like electric toilets
• snorkeling gear and instruction

If you’ve ever booked snorkeling plus lunch plus drinks on separate purchases, the math often gets messy fast. Here, you’re paying for a package where food and drinks are part of the schedule, not an optional extra you have to hunt down later. That’s especially helpful on a cruise day, when time is short and you don’t want to spend it walking around looking for a meal.

One more reason this can feel like a fair deal: the tour also includes the small “stuff” that makes the experience less stressful, like easy boarding from Bobby’s Marina and the gear plus instruction. You’re not showing up to borrow equipment and figure it out alone.

Dining note: a vegetarian option is available if you tell the operator when you book. If you have any dietary needs, it’s smart to share them at booking so the crew can plan ahead.

Boat Comfort: Trampoline Fun, Toilets Onboard, and Real Shade

A lot of catamarans look good in photos but feel cramped in real life. This one is positioned as a comfort-first setup.

The front trampoline is a big deal for the day. It turns the boat into a floating lounge instead of a place you just pass through between stops. You can lie back, stretch out, and enjoy the breeze without stepping into someone’s snorkel gear area.

At the back, there’s shade and seating. That means even if the sun is strong, you can still stay outside and enjoy the ride. The bar area near the captain also gives you a lively social center, so you’re not isolated if you’re traveling solo or with a small group.

Also worth calling out: two electric toilets onboard. On a 6-hour outing, this is one of those details you don’t think about until you need it, and then you’re very glad it’s there.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Want a Different Vibe)

This experience fits well if you want a full day that mixes water time, beach time, and food and drinks without overplanning.

You’ll probably love it if:

• you want snorkeling stops plus real downtime on the boat
• you like being on a small-to-mid sized catamaran with room to relax
• you enjoy an all-day open bar style of experience
• you’re traveling with family members of different ages and interests

You might think twice if:

• you’re picky about snorkeling visibility and fish density
• you hate crowds on boats
• you prefer a quiet outing without the party energy that can come with unlimited drinks

There’s also a reality to plan for: even with a maximum around 50 travelers, conditions and timing can make snorkeling feel busy. When the water is clear and the fish are active, that buzz can feel great. When visibility is lower, it can be harder to get the experience you expected.

Tips to Have a Smoother Day on the Water

A few practical things can help you enjoy your day more, no matter your swim level.

• Arrive with your day mindset set to flexibility. Weather can shift stops, and the crew adjusts.
• If you’re a first-time snorkeler, take advantage of the instruction right away. A few minutes of setup saves frustration later.
• Bring sun protection and plan to reapply. You’ll be outside for long stretches, plus you might spend time floating after snorkeling.
• If alcohol is not your focus, sip water too. The drink flow can be steady all day.
• If you have dietary requirements, mention them at booking so the lunch matches your needs.

One last small “crew matters” note: people consistently talk about the team’s attention to comfort and safety. Names that come up again and again include Tamara (often described as host/bartender/cook caretaker) and crew like James, Ty, Jasper, Charlie, Matias, and others. The pattern is clear: this is a crew that checks in and keeps the day moving.

Should You Book Too Rhum Punch Catamaran Snorkeling?

I think this is a smart booking if you want a 6-hour St Maarten day that feels like a complete package: snorkeling plus beaches plus BBQ lunch plus open bar, all with a comfort-forward catamaran.

Book it if you’re aiming for an easy day with good vibes and you’ll enjoy the schedule the crew sets—especially starting with Little Bay and then hopping around beaches like Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Happy Bay.

Pass or consider an alternate option if your top priority is guaranteed crystal-clear snorkeling with lots of fish. Even when conditions are good, nature sets the rules. And if you prefer a quiet boat experience, also remember the open bar can shape the energy onboard.

If you’re good with that tradeoff, this tour can be a very satisfying way to spend a St Maarten day without spending it in beach crowds.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the catamaran experience?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Eagle tours at Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

What does the tour include?

It includes a BBQ buffet lunch, open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snorkeling gear and instruction, snacks, shade and comfortable seating, a fresh water shower, and electric toilets. Dinghy service is available depending on weather.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour offers an open bar all day, including rum punch with Mount Gay rum, vodka, gin, tonic, sodas, Coors Light, and Carib beer.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know at booking if you need it.

Will I get help if I am new to snorkeling?

Yes. Snorkeling instruction is provided, and you should receive help and guidance before your first dip.

Are all the stops guaranteed to be the same?

Not always. Alternate stops may be chosen based on weather conditions.

Is parking available near the marina?

Secure parking is available for $2 per hour.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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