I still remember the first time I swam with sea turtles at Tintamarre after moving to St Martin. The boat had gone quiet. Just turquoise water, sunlight through the sea, and this turtle gliding slowly through the seagrass like we weren’t even there.
No rush. No noise. Just that strange feeling of floating inside another world for a few minutes.
And honestly? Years later, it’s still one of the most magical things I’ve experienced on this island.
So if swimming with turtles is on your St Martin bucket list, these are the tours I’d personally look at first.
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Want a quick answer? These are the tours I'd book to swim with sea turtles in St Maarten.
Want a quick answer? These are the tours I'd book to swim with sea turtles in St Maarten.
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Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you choose to book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — usually spent somewhere between a local lunch in Grand Case, a cold beer by the beach, and more time exploring St Martin to help you plan an unforgettable stay here. Either way, thank you for being here.
Swim with turtles - My Recommendations
Honestly, when you’re planning a Caribbean vacation, flexibility matters. Weather changes. Plans shift. People change their minds. That’s why I usually recommend booking through trusted platforms with instant confirmation and flexible cancellation policies whenever possible.
Best overall : Boomerang - Swim with Turtles
⭐ 4.9 · Recommended by 99% of travelers · 578 reviews
📍Meeting point: Simpson Bay · ⏱ Approx. 7 hours · From $159
54 feet of catamaran. No rushed schedule — the tour starts at 10am, not sunrise. Just a full day cruising around some of the most beautiful water in St Martin.
And most importantly? This is probably your best chance of actually swimming with sea turtles.
In a nutshell:
→ Spacious 54-foot power catamaran (very stable on the water)
→ Open bar + BBQ lunch included
→ Paddleboards available onboard
Why I recommend this tour
Boomerang gives you some of the best odds of actually swimming with turtles in St Martin — the captain knows exactly where they usually feed in the seagrass around Tintamarre.
And unlike some tours that focus on just one stop, this one also gives you a beautiful overview of the island at the same time (Mullet Bay, Creole rock, Tintamarre & Pinel Islands).
If you want the easy, no-brainer choice for a turtle excursion in St Martin, this is the one.
★★★★★"What a Trip!!"
Awesome time onboard with the crew! The drinks were flowing, lunch was refreshing, the music kept the vibes energetic, and the captain and helper were great hosts. We loved the tidbits shared about different spots we passed along the way. Would definitely book again!
— Tiffany_G, Apr 2026, via Viator
Best combo tour: Anguilla + swim with turtles
⭐ 4.8 · Recommended by 94% of travelers · 395 reviews
📍 Meeting point: Simpson Bay · ⏱ Approx. 7 hours · From $169
✅ Cruise-friendly
Same Boomerang catamaran. Same relaxed atmosphere onboard. But this time, you also get Anguilla.
The first turtle stop usually happens around Prickly Pear Cay, where turtles often glide through the shallow seagrass in incredibly clear water.
And honestly?
That combination is what makes this excursion different.
You’re not spending an entire day only snorkeling. You’re also discovering some of the most beautiful beaches and water in the Caribbean at the same time.
In a nutshell
→ Swim with turtles around Prickly Pear Cay
→ Discover Anguilla during the same excursion
→ Open bar included onboard
→ Cruise ship friendly tour
Why I recommend this tour
I recommend this one for travelers who want more than just a turtle excursion. You still get very good chances of swimming with turtles, but the day also feels like a real Caribbean escape instead of a simple snorkel tour.
One important thing: bring your passport. Anguilla is a British territory and documents are required before boarding.
★★★★★"It was so much fun. We..."
It was so much fun. We saw so many turtles at the first stop, even 2 baby ones. Also saw a small shark and some stingrays. The water was so clear and nice. The food and drinks were great. The staff were amazing and friendly. Such a fun day.
— Nicole_T, Apr 2026, via Viator
Best value: Billy Bones turtle & snorkeling cruise
⭐ 4.9 · Recommended by 99% of travelers · 802 reviews
📍Meeting point: Simpson Bay · ⏱ Approx. 7 hours · From $139
Billy Bones feels a little different from the moment you step onboard. Less “party boat.” More people who genuinely know these waters.
The crew has been navigating around Tintamarre and Creole Rock for years, and you can feel it. They know where turtles usually feed, where the water stays calm, and when to arrive before the bigger boats show up.
And before everyone jumps in, they tell you something simple: Don’t chase the turtles. Just float quietly for a minute. Most of the time, that’s when they appear.
In a nutshell
→ Excellent value for a full-day tour
→ Open bar included throughout the day
→ Stop for lunch in Grand Case
→ Great mix of snorkeling & island cruising
Why I recommend this tour
Some turtle tours in St Martin feel rushed or overly commercial. Billy Bones has a much more relaxed energy.
If you want a full-day experience that feels authentic without going full luxury pricing, this is probably one of the smartest choices.
★★★★★"Great active day on the water"
Fun, informative, action-packed boat trip around St Martin. Two snorkeling sites (a variety of fish and sea turtles), a beach stop on Pinel, lunch stop in Grand Case, iconic airplane spotting at Maho beach. Junior and Flo were excellent hosts and ensured a good time for all. My third time on this tour—love it !
— Kelly_B, Feb 2026, via Viator
Most intimate: Three island turtle snorkeling adventure
⭐ 4.9 · Recommended by 98% of travelers · Small group experience
📍 Meeting point: Simpson Bay · ⏱ Half day · From $99
★★★★★"Great experience with..."
Great experience with Capt. Alan's!! Marcus and Alina were absolutely wonderful in explaining everything and keeping everyone safe. With lots of good humor as well! We did the four hour tour & that was perfect timing for us. Highly recommend!!
— Susan_L, Apr 2026, via Viator
Departures from the French side: Prickly Pear turtle catamaran
⭐ Recommended by 97% of travelers · Full day · Lunch & open bar included
📍 Meeting point: Grand Case · ⏱ Approx. 7 hours · From $206
If you’re staying in Orient Bay, Grand Case or Anse Marcel, honestly… there’s no real reason to spend half your morning sitting in traffic just to reach a marina on the Dutch side.
This catamaran leaves directly from Grand Case or Anse Marcel and heads toward Prickly Pear, Tintamarre and some of the best turtle spots around the island.
Which means less driving and more time in the water. And that’s really the whole point.
You snorkel in calm turquoise water where turtles regularly return to feed in the seagrass below. Drinks flow all day, lunch is included onboard, and the atmosphere stays easy from start to finish.
In a nutshell
→ Departure directly from Grand Case, less driving, more time on the water
→ Swim with turtles around Prickly Pear
→ Lunch, drinks & snorkel gear included
Why I recommend this tour
If you’re staying on the French side, this is probably the most natural and effortless way to swim with turtles in St Martin.
★★★★★"Fantastic!!"
Entire crew was fantastic, very accommodating and the boat was very clean. Lunch and snacks served were also great. 10/10 recommend!
— Felicia – United States, February 14, 2026, via Get Your Guide
Local Tips
A few things I always tell people before they jump in the water at Tintamarre.
First: the turtles are never technically guaranteed. They’re wild animals, not an aquarium attraction. But honestly? Tintamarre comes very close. It’s a protected marine reserve with almost nothing disturbing them — no fishing, no construction, no chaos. The turtles come back because the environment stays calm and safe.
I’ve rarely heard of anyone leaving without seeing at least one.
Morning tours are usually the best. The sea is calmer, visibility is clearer, and the turtles tend to stay more active in the seagrass before the afternoon wind picks up around the island.
And please — don’t chase them.
Everyone wants the perfect photo at first. But the calmer you stay in the water, the more likely the turtles are to keep swimming naturally around you instead of disappearing into deeper water.
The best encounters usually happen when people stop trying so hard.
One more thing: use reef-safe sunscreen only. The coral ecosystem around Tintamarre is fragile, and honestly, this is the turtles’ home before it’s our excursion.
And bring a waterproof phone case.
Not because you’ll spend the whole day taking photos.
But because at some point, you’ll probably wish you had one.
Note : The turtles live here. Treat their home accordingly.
→ Find reef-safe sunscreen on Amazon
Sea Turtles in St Maarten — What to know
Two species of sea turtles can be spotted around St Maarten year-round — Green turtles and Hawksbills. Both protected. Both completely wild.
But summer feels a little different around the island.
That’s nesting season.
At night, female turtles come ashore on some of St Martin’s beaches to lay their eggs in the sand — something they’ve been doing here long before boats, hotels or beach bars existed on the island.
I’ve been lucky enough to witness it once or twice over the years, and honestly, it’s one of those moments that leaves people strangely quiet afterward.
Underwater, turtles move differently than almost anything else in the ocean. Slow. Calm. Completely unbothered by your presence.
For a few seconds, everyone stops swimming.
And honestly, I think that feeling is part of why so many people fall in love with this island without fully understanding why.
Where to find sea turtles in St Maarten/St Martin
Tintamarre — The best spot on the island, and it’s not close. An uninhabited island, a protected marine sanctuary, no fishing, no hotels, no noise. Just clear water and turtles that have been coming back here for longer than any of us. About 45 minutes from Simpson Bay, 30 from Anse Marcel.
Prickly Pear — Twenty minutes by catamaran, just off Anguilla. Shallow, calm, protected. I’ve watched people come out of that water and just stand there for a moment, not quite ready to speak.
Creole Rock — Right off Grand Case. You can reach it from the beach. Mostly fish and rays, but turtles show up. Creole Rock Watersports runs daily trips from the Grand Case Beach Club.
Little Bay — Accessible only by boat, tucked below the cliffs of Anguilla. The kind of place that doesn’t feel real until you’re in it.
This is exactly why most people choose a boat tour — these spots aren’t easily accessible on your own.
FAQ – Swim with turtles in St Maarten
Are sea turtles guaranteed on these tours?
No — and any tour that guarantees it is being dishonest. Tintamarre and Prickly Pear offer the highest probability, but turtles are wild animals. Most visitors see them. Some don't. The experience is worth it either way.
Is it legal to swim with sea turtles in St Maarten?
Yes — but you must not touch, chase, or feed them. Sea turtles are a protected species in St Martin and St Maarten. The St Martin Nature Reserve monitors their nesting sites and enforces the rules. Observe from a distance, stay calm, and let them come to you. They will.
What species of sea turtles will I see?
Mostly Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at Tintamarre and Prickly Pear. Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are less common but also present around the island. Both species are protected under international law.
What is the best time of year to swim with turtles in St Maarten?
Sea turtles are present around St Martin and St Maarten all year round. Summer months (June-September) see more activity as females come ashore at night to lay their eggs on the beaches. High season (December-April) offers the best weather and sea conditions for snorkeling.
Where is the best place to swim with turtles in St Maarten?
Tintamarre Island is the best spot — a protected marine sanctuary where turtles are spotted almost every day. Prickly Pear Cay in Anguilla is a close second, with calm shallow water and a healthy coral reef. Creole Rock, just off Grand Case on the French side, also offers regular turtle sightings.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You don't need to be a strong swimmer — most tours provide life vests and noodles. But basic comfort in open water is recommended. If you're nervous, mention it to the crew before departure — they'll look after you and make sure you feel safe in the water.
What should I bring on a turtle snorkeling tour?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof case for your phone, a towel, and your passport if you're doing the Anguilla day trip. Everything else — snorkel gear, fins, food, drinks — is provided by the tour operator.
How far is Tintamarre from St Maarten?
About 45 minutes by boat from Simpson Bay on the Dutch side, and approximately 30 minutes from Anse Marcel on the French side. Tintamarre is an uninhabited island and protected marine sanctuary — no road access, no facilities, just the beach and the turtles.
Can I swim with turtles from the French side of St Martin?
Yes — there is one catamaran tour departing from Grand Case on the French side that goes to Prickly Pear, one of the best turtle spots in the region. If you're staying in Orient Bay, Grand Case, or Anse Marcel, this is the most convenient option — no need to drive to the Dutch side.
Are turtle snorkeling tours suitable for children?
Yes — most tours are family-friendly and provide snorkel gear in all sizes. The Boomerang tours and the Captain Alan small-group tour are particularly good for families. Children tend to love the turtle encounters. Just make sure they understand the rules — no touching, no chasing.
🌊 Looking for more adventures?
→ See all things to do in St Maarten
→ Day trips to Anguilla from St Maarten
