St. Martin is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Caribbean, and what better way to explore its crystal-clear waters than on a catamaran? We recently took an incredible catamaran excursion during our cruise, and we’re excited to share every detail of this adventure with you. If you’re planning a cruise that stops in St. Martin, this excursion is one you’ll definitely want to consider!
Booking the Excursion Through Royal Caribbean
We booked our excursion directly through Royal Caribbean, which made the process super easy. As is common with cruise excursions, we were given a meeting time and place onboard the ship. For this excursion, our meeting point was the theater. After a quick check-in, we were led off the ship and onto the stunning island of St. Martin. The weather was perfect—warm sunshine, clear skies, and a gentle breeze. It was an ideal day to be out on the water.
Once we reached the pier, we were introduced to our crew and given some quick instructions. One unique thing about this excursion was that we were asked to remove our shoes before boarding. At first, we were a little surprised, but we quickly realized it was to protect the boat. Walking barefoot on the deck added to the laid-back, tropical vibe of the experience!
Sailing Out into the Caribbean Sea
As soon as we stepped aboard the catamaran, we knew we were in for a treat. We found a perfect spot at the front of the boat (after some debate about which end was actually the front—clearly, we’re not seasoned sailors!). It turned out to be the ideal place to relax and take in the views.
This was only our second time on a catamaran—the first being in St. Thomas—so we were excited to see how this experience compared. From the moment we set sail, the stunning turquoise waters of St. Martin stretched out before us. The boat glided smoothly over the waves, and as the salty breeze hit our faces, we couldn’t help but smile.
With every turn, the views became more spectacular. The lush green hills of St. Martin, the white sandy beaches in the distance, and the deep blue of the open ocean all blended into a picture-perfect scene. It was like stepping into a travel postcard!
Stop #1: Snorkeling in a Beautiful Cove
Our first stop was a snorkeling site tucked away in a peaceful cove. The water here was unbelievably clear, and the surrounding landscape was stunning. Marshall decided to jump right in, eager to explore what was below the surface.
Snorkeling in St. Martin was an absolute dream. As soon as Marshall swam out to join the group, the guides led everyone to the best spots. The marine life was incredible—schools of tropical fish swam all around, and the guides even dove down to stir up the water, attracting even more fish. It was truly mesmerizing to be surrounded by so much vibrant underwater life.
Meanwhile, Crystal stayed on board to enjoy a different kind of refreshment. Captain Dawn served up delicious rum punch to those who opted to stay dry. Sitting on deck with a tropical drink in hand, enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze, was a pretty great way to spend the morning!
After about 45 minutes of snorkeling, it was time to move on to our next destination. We dried off, settled back onto the catamaran, and prepared for the next leg of our journey.
Stop #2: A Beautiful Beach Break
Our second stop brought us to a gorgeous, secluded beach. The crew anchored the catamaran just offshore, and we were given the option to swim over or take the small ladder down into the water.
Marshall wasted no time—he jumped right in! The water was a bit chilly at first (even in the Caribbean, January can be a little brisk), but it didn’t take long to get used to it. Once in, it felt amazing. Crystal opted for a more gradual approach, stepping in one bit at a time. But once we were both in, it was pure bliss.
The beach itself was stunning. Soft white sand, clear shallow waters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze made it feel like paradise. We had plenty of time to relax, swim, and even get a little creative. Marshall drew a special message in the sand for Crystal—”I ❤️ You.” It was a sweet moment and a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary cruise!
Sailing Back: An Exhilarating Ride
After spending some time at the beach, we climbed back aboard the catamaran for the return trip. But this time, we were sailing directly into the wind—and wow, what a ride it was!
The waves were much bigger, making for a thrilling (and wet!) journey back. At one point, a massive wave splashed over the side and soaked an unsuspecting couple sitting nearby. We were lucky to be just out of reach, but it was hilarious to watch their reactions!
Despite the waves, the views were still breathtaking. The water changed from deep blue to brilliant turquoise as we neared the shallower areas. And all the while, our ship grew larger in the distance, signaling the end of our adventure.
Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely! This catamaran excursion was an unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to see St. Martin from a different perspective. Whether you love snorkeling, relaxing on a beach, or just sailing on the open water, this excursion has something for everyone.
We were also incredibly impressed with the crew. Their hospitality, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor made the trip even more enjoyable. They were always making sure we were comfortable, answering questions, and keeping the drinks flowing.
If you’re on the fence about booking this excursion—go for it! It’s an easy walk from the cruise pier to the departure point, and it’s an excursion that offers both adventure and relaxation. We’d give it two enthusiastic thumbs up and highly recommend it to fellow cruisers.
We hope this guide helps you decide whether this catamaran excursion is right for you. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our other excursion reviews from this trip—more fun adventures are coming your way.
Happy cruising, and see you on the next adventure!