This catamaran outing is built for an easy day at sea, with snorkeling stops that can feel far from the crowded beach scene. You sail out on a calmer side of the island, get geared up near Little Bay, and then spend hours bouncing between beaches and swim spots while the crew handles lunch, drinks, and the little details that make the day flow.

Two things I really like: you get snorkeling gear and instruction so first-timers aren’t left guessing, and the food + bar are part of the plan (not an afterthought). One thing to consider: the day depends on water clarity and weather, so some snorkel moments can be more impressive than others, and one guest report noted that crowding can happen at busy capacity.

Key takeaways before you go

• Leeward-coast sailing keeps the ride calmer for most of the day
• Little Bay is close to the dock, so you’re in the water quickly
• Open bar all day with rum punch and beer, plus Top Shelf liquor
• A true onboard setup: trampoline front, shade and seating back, electric toilets
• Several beach options including places like Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Happy Bay

Getting to Bobby’s Marina and starting on island time

Your day starts at Eagle tours at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg. The schedule runs out to about 6 hours starting at 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. If you’re on a cruise ship day, you’ll need the usual ship details at booking (ship name and timing), and the short walk to the marina is a real plus—no long bus transfer, no stress.

This trip also leans “small group” even though it can run up to 50 travelers. In practice, the vibe depends on how full the boat is that day. Several reviews are very upbeat about how personal it feels, and one critical review mentions a crowded day. Either way, this is not the kind of tour where you want to show up expecting quiet solitude.

The cruise-style plan: Little Bay first, then anchor time

The itinerary is designed so you aren’t stuck waiting around. You sail along the leeward coast—the side that’s typically calmer—and you get your first or last stop at Little Bay, only about 15 minutes from the dock. That matters because it compresses the “travel to the water” time. You’ll get kitted up with your snorkel gear early, and the crew provides help for first-timers before you head in.

Once you’re done with the first swim, you set sail again with a following breeze. Then comes one of the best parts of the day: anchoring in a calm spot where you can snorkel a second time or head straight for a swim. The crew provides noodles and floats for hanging out on the water and getting a slower, lazier beach-day feel without actually being on the beach.

There’s also a dinghy service for people who prefer to tender to the beach instead of staying on the catamaran. It’s weather dependent, so if conditions change, your best bet is to roll with whatever the crew recommends that day.

Snorkeling reality check: great visibility some days, variable on others

Let’s talk honestly about what snorkeling feels like on this route. One guest described seeing lots of fish quickly, including angel fish, and even mentioned that crew activity around the fish made the swim fun. Another review praised how clear the water was, to the point that you could spot fish even from the boat.

Then there are the curveballs. A negative review called out murky water and said there weren’t many fish during their swim. The big lesson: snorkeling here is very weather- and water-dependent. You can do everything right—gear fitting, buoyancy, calm breathing—and still get a day where visibility is lower.

My advice: treat snorkeling as a highlight, not a guarantee. If you’re flexible and you’re there for the overall day (sailing, beaches, drinks, crew energy), the snorkeling stops still tend to land well.

The beaches and swim spots: what each stop tends to deliver

Even without a rigid “one beach always equals one view” promise, the stops follow a pattern: mix calm water swims with sandy beach time and a few scenic angles around the island. The itinerary includes Little Bay, Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Happy Bay, and the crew may adjust stops due to weather.

Here’s how those stops can play out based on what’s described:

Little Bay

Because it’s so close to the dock, Little Bay is often your fastest entry into the day. Expect an easy start: gear up, quick training/help for first timers, then you’re in. Several reviews point to strong snorkeling at an early stop, with people returning again and again to the fish and the water color.

Simpson Bay

Simpson Bay tends to be part of the “scenery + swim” mix. One review mentioned a stop where they swam and watched planes, which likely matches the kind of approach-view you can get in this area. If you like people-watching but on the water, this is the sort of stop that keeps things entertaining even when you’re taking a break from swimming.

Mullet Bay and Long Beach

These sound like your stretch moments: more sand time, more time for relaxing on anchored water, and chances to get in another snorkel session. One guest specifically called out a bluest-water stop with a great sand beach.

Happy Bay

Happy Bay rounds out the day with another option for beach time and a final swim cycle. If you want a last good look at the water before you head back, this is the kind of stop that helps the day feel complete.

In plain terms: the schedule is built so you’re not just “snorkel once and leave.” You get repeated chances—so if one spot isn’t great, you still have others.

Onboard comfort that actually matters on a 6-hour sail

This is where the catamaran layout helps your day. The boat has a large trampoline at the front, which is exactly where you’ll find people sunning, stretching out, and keeping an eye on the water. If you hate the feeling of sitting in a cramped space, that open “hang” zone makes a big difference.

Back on the catamaran, you’ll find shade and comfortable seating, including spots near the captain and the bar. Several reviews highlight that the food and drinks flow smoothly, and that staff check in and keep things moving—so you’re not constantly walking around hunting for a refill.

Practical stuff also makes the day better: there are two electric toilets onboard, and you’ll have fresh water available for rinsing (the info sheet lists a fresh water shower). If you’re coming from a day in the sun, having the basics handled is a big value.

Lunch and open bar: what’s included and how to pace it

Let’s start with what you’re actually eating. The included lunch is a barbecue-style buffet with barbecue chicken, barbecue ribs, island rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, gouda cheese, and French baguettes. There are also snack sandwiches made with turkey ham and gouda plus lettuce and tomatoes, and tuna salad or a vegetarian option.

People consistently praise the food as good and plentiful. One review even mentions a vegan option being provided for part of the group. The safe move: if you have dietary needs, tell the booking team ahead of time, because the standard buffet is listed and then vegetarian options are offered.

Now the drinks. This tour is an open bar all day, with Mount Gay rum used for the happy rum punch, plus vodka, gin, tonic, sodas, Coors Light, and Carib beer. One negative review complained that alcohol led to drunkenness on their sailing, so here’s the balanced reality: yes, drinks are included, but pace matters. If you want to stay present for snorkeling and beach time, sip water alongside the rum punch.

Also, if you care about safety and comfort, you’ll appreciate the crew presence. One review described staff discretion and care when guests had injuries and another moment of assistance in the water. That’s the kind of “behind the scenes” competence you hope for on a water day.

The crew: names you might hear, and why their tone changes the day

A catamaran tour can be great or just fine, and crew energy is usually the difference. In the reviews, I see repeated praise for people like Captain Josh, First Mate James, and Tamara (often listed as hostess/bartender/cook). Other names that show up include Captain JP, Jasper, Tyrell, Fritz, Terrell, Malina, Alan, Charlie, and Matias.

What stands out isn’t just friendliness. It’s that the crew is described as organized, attentive, and proactive—learning names, keeping drinks topped up, and making sure people feel comfortable with snorkeling gear and getting in and out safely.

If you’re traveling with a mixed-age group, this is a strong point. One review specifically says people from kids to adults to older travelers all had a good time, which usually means the crew was doing a good job matching pace and attention to different comfort levels.

Price and value: why $132 can feel fair on this kind of day

At $132.08 per person, you’re paying for a full day at sea with real inclusions:

• Lunch buffet and snacks
• An open bar (rum punch + beer + Top Shelf liquor)
• Snorkeling gear and instruction
• A catamaran with comfort features like shade and onboard toilets

Compared to the cost of booking snorkeling gear rental, paying for lunch, and then buying drinks separately, this can pencil out well—especially if you plan to have more than one drink and you want a no-hassle day. It’s also one of those tours where the main “variable” is water visibility, not whether you get access to the good stuff. Even when snorkeling isn’t perfect, you still get repeated swim/beach time and a sailing day.

But I’ll be straight: if you’re very price-sensitive and you mainly want standout snorkeling with lots of fish, you might feel frustration if the water is murky that day. That’s not unique to this tour, but it’s the one place you can’t fully control the outcome.

Who should book this catamaran outing in St Maarten

This trip fits best if you want:

• A relaxed day that includes food, drinks, and gear
• A mix of snorkeling and beach time rather than one long swim session
• A crew-led experience where you can ask questions and get help fast
• A sailing atmosphere with onboard lounging (trampoline front, shade back)

You might consider a different tour if:

• You’re very picky about snorkeling visibility and fish volume every time
• You hate any sense of crowding, because the boat can run near its maximum of 50
• You prefer to control your alcohol intake tightly, since open bar is part of the design

Weather, waves, and water clarity: the one real uncertainty

The tour is weather dependent. If conditions don’t cooperate, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund. Even with good weather, water conditions can vary. That’s why your best approach is to treat this as a sailing + beach + snorkeling day, not a guaranteed fish-viewing mission.

Bring a water-friendly mindset. Wear sunscreen, consider water shoes if you’re tendering or stepping onto sand, and plan to spend at least some time just floating and taking in the coastline—because those calm anchor moments are often where the day feels most worth it.

Should you book Too Rhum Punch in St Maarten?

If you want a fun, included-lunch, open-bar catamaran day with multiple chances to swim and a crew that keeps things moving, this is a strong choice. The standout pattern in the feedback is the combination of good service and a smooth day timeline—plus comfort on board with shade, toilets, and that trampoline front.

My recommendation is yes, especially if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys being on the water more than chasing one perfect snorkel photo. Just go in knowing that snorkeling visibility can swing with the day, and you’ll leave happier. If you’d like, tell me your travel month and whether you’re a strong swimmer or more of a float-and-watch person, and I’ll help you decide if this is the best match for your group.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran experience?

It runs for about 6 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

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

What time does it start?

The start time listed is 10:00 am.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue-style buffet lunch is included, with chicken, ribs, rice, potato salad, Caesar salad, gouda cheese, and baguettes, plus mini sandwich snacks.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. Drinks are included all day, including rum punch, vodka, gin, tonic, sodas, Coors Light, and Carib beer.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling gear and instruction are included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking.

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