Snorkeling where roads don’t go
Half of the island’s most beautiful anchorages are hard or impossible to reach by road. On a private snorkeling boat tour, your captain takes you straight to the calmest, clearest water of the day, drops anchor or moors on a buoy, and you slip in from the swim platform with a mask and snorkel provided on board.
Every charter includes snorkeling gear and water-sports equipment, and the Lagoon 55 also carries paddleboards. Your captain adapts the route to the wind and swell, so you always snorkel in the most sheltered spot.
The best snorkeling spots by boat
Fourchue Island
A private, uninhabited island inside the marine nature reserve. Moor on a buoy and snorkel over rays, turtles and tropical fish in a protected bay — our best snorkeling.
Colombier Bay
No road access, calm turquoise water and sea turtles often gliding below the boat. Perfect for beginners and paddleboarding.
Shell Beach
A few steps from Gustavia, covered in tiny seashells: an easy first or last swim of the day.
Tintamarre (St Martin trip)
Famous for snorkeling with sea turtles in shallow, clear water — plus a natural clay mud bath.
Pinel Island (St Martin trip)
A shallow turquoise lagoon, ideal for children’s first time with a mask.
Which formula for snorkelers?
A half day (9:00 AM–12:30 PM or 1:00–4:30 PM) typically combines Colombier and Shell Beach. A full day (9:00 AM–4:30 PM) adds Fourchue Island and a gourmet lunch at anchor. The St Martin day trip covers Tintamarre and Pinel Island. Here is a typical full day:
Departure from Gustavia harbor and briefing with your captain.
Colombier Bay: swim, paddleboard and look for sea turtles below the boat.
Gourmet lunch served at anchor.
Fourchue Island: snorkeling over rays and tropical fish in the marine nature reserve.
Last swim at Shell Beach.
Back at the dock.
Which yacht for your group?
Lagoon 55
Up to 25 guests. A large swim platform, paddleboards and stability at anchor — the best choice for families and groups.
Pardo 43
Up to 12 guests. Fast between snorkel spots, ideal for couples and small groups.
Contender 39
Up to 12 guests. A sporty ride for active groups who want to cover more water.
What’s included & what to bring
All charters include a professional captain and crew, fuel, soft drinks, snorkeling gear and water-sports equipment; full days add a gourmet lunch on board.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard to protect your skin in the water.
- Swimsuits, a hat and sunglasses.
- An underwater camera if you have one — turtles are camera-friendly.
- In the marine reserve, look but never touch or feed the wildlife.
Good to know
- Meeting point: Gustavia harbor, Rue de la République, 97133 Saint-Barthélemy. Pick-up at your villa’s closest beach or at a hotel pontoon can be arranged on request.
- No license needed: every charter is fully crewed by a professional captain and crew.
- Best season: the water is warm year-round (80°F+). High season runs from November to April with the calmest seas; for the festive weeks (December 20 – January 5), book 2–3 months ahead.
- Weather: if conditions are unsuitable, your captain proposes an adapted itinerary, another time slot or a reschedule at no cost. Cancellation terms are detailed in our FAQ.
Read more about every anchorage on our destinations page and compare formulas on the experiences page.
Snorkeling boat tour — FAQ
How much is a snorkeling boat tour in St Barts?
Rates depend on the yacht, the formula and the season, so we don’t publish a fixed price: the exact price for your date is shown instantly when you book online. The price is for the whole yacht and your private group. Every charter is private and all-inclusive — professional captain, crew and fuel are always covered — and you can pay in euros or US dollars.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Every charter includes snorkeling gear and water-sports equipment; the Lagoon 55 also carries paddleboards.
Where is the best snorkeling in St Barts?
Fourchue Island, inside the marine nature reserve, offers our best snorkeling with rays, turtles and tropical fish. Colombier Bay is ideal for calm water and sea turtles.
Can we snorkel with sea turtles?
Sea turtles are often seen at Colombier Bay, and Tintamarre Island on the St Martin day trip is famous for snorkeling with them.
Is it suitable for beginners and children?
Yes. Colombier and Pinel Island have calm, shallow water, and the crew prepares safety equipment adapted to children’s ages.
When is the best time of year for snorkeling?
The water is warm year-round. High season, from November to April, brings the calmest seas.
Ready to meet the turtles?
Live availability, instant confirmation — gear already on board.