Tropical Catamaran Snorkeling, Sailing And Beach Experience

The best part of this St. Maarten outing is the mix of easygoing sailing and several water stops. You can snorkel, swim, float toward a beach, or simply stretch out on the forward trampoline while the crew handles lunch and drinks. I especially like the barbecue buffet and the chance to reach beaches without spending the day in a crowded resort area.

I also like the practical setup: snorkeling gear, instruction, shade, fresh-water showers, electric toilets, and dinghy service are included. The main caution is that the advertised small-group feel can vary. The boat may carry up to 50 people, and on some departures the snorkeling area or deck can feel crowded.

Key Points

• Little Bay is often the first or last water stop, only about 15 minutes from Bobby’s Marina, with gear and basic snorkeling help provided.
• Lunch is a full barbecue buffet, with chicken, ribs, island rice, salads, Gouda cheese, and baguettes.
• The open bar runs all day, including Mount Gay rum punch, beer, vodka, gin, tonic, and soft drinks.
• Beach stops can change, with possible visits to Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, Happy Bay, or other sheltered locations.
• The catamaran has useful comforts, including shaded seating, a forward trampoline, two electric toilets, and a fresh-water shower.
• Weather controls the route, so book this for the boating experience rather than one fixed beach or snorkeling site.

Sailing Away From Bobby’s Marina at 10 a.m.

Your day begins at Eagle Tours, Bobby’s Marina, at 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg. Boarding is directly from the dock, which keeps the start simple. If you arrive by car, secure parking is available for $2 per hour. Round-trip bus transportation is not included.

The scheduled start is 10 a.m., and the excursion lasts about six hours. That gives you a proper day on the water rather than a short harbor cruise. The catamaran returns to the same marina, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

If you are coming from a cruise ship, provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and required reboarding time when you book. The marina is near public transportation, but the tour does not include private transfers.

The vessel is called Too Rhum Punch in several accounts, and the crew changes by departure. Names that have been praised include Captain Josh, Captain JP, James, Tamara, Tyrell, Fritz, Charlie, Malina, Matias, Marina, and Alicia. Do not book based on meeting one particular crew member, but you can expect a staff focused on serving drinks, helping with snorkeling, preparing food, and watching the water.

Little Bay Gets the Day Moving

The first or last stop is often Little Bay, a short sail from the marina. This is where the crew hands out masks, snorkels, and other equipment. If you are new to snorkeling, you receive basic instruction and help before entering the water.

That small lesson matters. A boat day is more enjoyable when you are not wrestling with a leaking mask or wondering how to use the snorkel. The crew can also help people who prefer to swim rather than snorkel, and the boat gives you a place to sit if you decide to stay aboard.

Water clarity can vary. On a good day, you might see angel fish and other tropical fish, and one account describes fish gathering when they were fed. On another day, the water was murky and fish were hard to find. That is normal for a coastal snorkeling stop, but it means you should not treat this as a dedicated reef expedition.

Little Bay can also be busy, especially when several boats arrive together. If your priority is quiet snorkeling with lots of marine life, this may not match your ideal. If you want a convenient first swim with gear and crew support, it works well.

A Following Breeze Along the Leeward Coast

After the first swim, the boat heads along St. Maarten’s leeward coast, the calmer side of the island. The catamaran is not only transportation between stops. Sailing time is part of the outing, with views of the coast, open water, and passing beaches.

The ride can still be wavy. One account specifically notes that the boat may move around while underway, so you should be comfortable with normal sea motion. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a shaded seat near the center of the boat when possible and keep your attention on the horizon.

The large trampoline at the front is the spot for lying in the sun and feeling the boat rise and fall over the water. At the rear, you will find shade and comfortable seating near the bar. A seat beside the captain offers another good view and keeps you closer to the crew if you need help.

This layout gives you choices. You can sunbathe, sit in shade, stand near the bar, or watch from beside the captain. The drawback is that preferred spots may go quickly, particularly on a fuller departure. The boat is comfortable for a day outside, but it is not a private yacht.

Beaches, Floats, and Dinghy Rides

At a calm beach anchorage, you can swim from the boat, use a noodle, or float toward the sand. A dinghy can take you to the beach when conditions allow. This is useful for anyone who does not want to climb down into deeper water or swim the entire way.

Possible areas include Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Happy Bay. The exact combination depends on weather and sea conditions. That flexibility is sensible because a beach that looks perfect from shore may be rough for anchoring on a particular day.

Mullet Bay is known for its clear water and broad sand, while Happy Bay generally offers a quieter feel than the island’s busiest beaches. Long Beach and Simpson Bay add variety to the route. Still, the boat may not stop at every place named in the description, so do not view the list as a guaranteed sequence.

One possible stop is near the airport, where you may swim and watch planes. That is a fun change of pace if you enjoy the famous low-flying aircraft views. It is not a secluded beach experience, and people seeking uninterrupted nature may prefer a quieter anchorage.

The beach stops are strongest as part of a varied day. You can swim at one stop, walk on sand at another, and stay aboard at the next. They are less suited to anyone who wants several hours on one beach with an umbrella and a book.

Lunch, Rum Punch, and a Practical Open Bar

The included meal is more substantial than a bagged snack. The barbecue buffet normally includes chicken, ribs, island rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, Gouda cheese, and French baguettes. Snacks may include small baguette sandwiches with turkey ham and Gouda, tuna salad, or a vegetarian filling.

Food is served while the boat is anchored or moving slowly between stops. One useful detail from the feedback is that the crew timed snacks and lunch well, so you are not left waiting until late afternoon to eat. Portions were described as plentiful, and a vegan option was prepared for part of one group. Tell the operator about vegetarian or other dietary needs when booking.

The open bar includes Mount Gay rum punch, vodka, gin, tonic, sodas, Coors Light, and Carib beer. The rum punch is part of the experience, but pace yourself. Six hours in bright sun with unlimited alcohol can catch up with you quickly, especially when the boat is moving.

This is a social cruise, not a quiet sailing lesson. Music, conversation, and a steady bar service shape the mood. Some people will love the festive atmosphere. If you want a calm, low-key trip with no drinking culture, this is probably not the right boat.

How Personal Is a Maximum-50-Person Catamaran?

The trip is promoted as a small-group experience, but the stated maximum is 50 people. Actual numbers can be much lower. One departure had 17 people plus three crew members and felt comfortable, while other accounts describe 31 people or more and a much tighter fit.

That difference matters. With a moderate load, the catamaran can feel friendly and relaxed. Crew members have time to learn names, refill drinks, help with masks, and check on people in the water. Several crew combinations, including Josh, James, and Tamara, received especially warm praise for personal service and quick attention to injuries or seasickness.

At near-capacity levels, the experience changes. Seating becomes more competitive, the ladder can develop a queue, and snorkeling areas may feel crowded when multiple boats gather. One sharply negative account described a full boat, limited room, and a party atmosphere that was not what the person expected.

I would ask yourself what matters more: a lively day with food and drinks, or quiet water time with plenty of personal space. The former is a good match. The latter calls for a smaller private charter or a more specialized snorkeling trip.

Comforts That Matter After Several Hours

Six hours on a boat exposes small design flaws. This catamaran addresses several common problems with shaded seating at the back, a fresh-water shower, two electric toilets, and easy boarding from the marina dock.

The shade is particularly valuable. The trampoline is fun in the morning, but you will want cover after hours in the sun. The rear seating near the bar gives you a place to cool down, eat, and watch the coast without standing.

The snorkeling ladder is the main practical bottleneck. With many people aboard, getting in and out can take time. The dinghy service helps at beach stops, but it depends on weather and crew decisions.

Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable around water and normal boat motion. The crew provides instruction and assistance, yet this is not presented as a fully accessible swimming program. If you have a physical limitation or a specific mobility need, ask the operator before booking.

Is $132.08 a Fair Price?

At $132.08 per person, the cost is not just for a boat ride. You are paying for roughly six hours aboard, snorkeling equipment and instruction, several water or beach stops, a barbecue lunch, snacks, unlimited drinks, crew service, and use of the boat’s facilities.

That can be good value if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, beach transport, and a snorkeling outing. The open bar alone changes the comparison, especially for people who plan to spend most of the day aboard.

The value drops if you are mainly interested in excellent snorkeling. Water visibility is not guaranteed, fish sightings vary, and some stops can be crowded. You are also paying for a social atmosphere that may not suit everyone.

I see the price as reasonable for a full-service day on the water, provided you want the complete package. It is less compelling if you only want a quiet sail or a serious reef experience.

Weather Can Change the Whole Plan

The route is weather dependent. Alternate stops may be chosen when wind, waves, or water conditions make the planned route unsuitable. This is not a flaw. A good captain should change the plan rather than force a rough crossing or an unsafe anchorage.

The tradeoff is that you need to stay flexible. You may expect one beach and end up at another. You may hope for clear snorkeling and instead spend more time swimming, sailing, or watching the coast.

The experience itself requires good weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

For a full refund under normal cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made later are not accepted for a refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a single booking that covers lunch, drinks, snorkeling, beach time, and sailing. It suits couples, families with older children, cruise ship passengers with a full port day, and groups of friends who enjoy a friendly boat setting.

It is also a good choice for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can ride the dinghy to shore, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink and enjoy the views. The crew’s help with equipment makes the day less intimidating for first-timers.

I would hesitate if you need a guaranteed quiet boat, a fixed route, pristine snorkeling, or a very small group. The boat may carry up to 50 people, and the best stop can shift with weather. Those limits should be clear before you pay.

Should You Book the Too Rhum Punch Catamaran?

Book it if you want a social, all-inclusive day on the water and value good food, steady service, and several chances to swim. The crew is the strongest part of the experience. Names and lineups change, but the best departures feature staff who remember names, keep the buffet moving, refill drinks, and watch the water carefully.

Skip it if your main goal is solitude or untouched snorkeling. The boat can be full, popular stops can be crowded, and visibility may be only fair. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see several sides of St. Maarten without arranging separate beach transport, lunch, and water activities.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour begin?

It begins at Eagle Tours, Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts approximately six hours and returns to Bobby’s Marina.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran outing, buffet lunch, snacks, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, snorkeling instruction, shaded seating, fresh-water shower, electric toilets, and easy dock boarding.

What food is served?

The barbecue buffet includes chicken, ribs, island rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, Gouda cheese, and French baguettes. Snacks may include turkey ham sandwiches, tuna salad, or a vegetarian option.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes Mount Gay rum punch, vodka, gin, tonic, sodas, Coors Light, and Carib beer.

Are snorkeling equipment and instruction provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and basic instruction are provided, including help for first-timers.

Which beaches and snorkeling spots might the boat visit?

Possible stops include Little Bay, Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Happy Bay. Stops can change according to weather conditions.

Is transportation from a hotel or cruise terminal included?

No private round-trip bus transportation is included. Secure parking is available for $2 per hour, and cruise ship passengers must provide ship timing details when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. The operator may also offer alternate stops when conditions change.