Meal Included, 7-Hour Day

A 7 hour group sail with time in Gustavia and snorkeling at Colombier Beach and Île Fourchue.

Overview

A single boat day out of Simpson Bay covers three very different sides of the St. Barths area. Boomerang Boat Charters runs this 7-hour trip with an open bar, a BBQ lunch cooked and served on board, and a full rack of water toys: snorkel gear, paddleboards, noodles, a floating lily pad, and life jackets in adult and child sizes.

The route runs in three parts. First comes about an hour of free time in Gustavia. From there the boat heads to Colombier Beach, a secluded spot with far fewer crowds, where you get an hour and a half to swim, paddleboard, or simply float. The final stop is uninhabited Île Fourchue for an hour of snorkeling in clear water. One reviewer reported snorkeling with sea turtles on the day.

The boat carries a maximum of 40 travellers and has restrooms on board. Note that the tour starts from Sint Maarten, not St. Barths itself, and hotel pickup is not included. One reviewer called it a convenient way to get to St. Barths, while also noting the ride over can be rough.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check-in at Simpson BayMeet at 46 Airport Rd B in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, between the Sol gas station and the casino. Park free at the marina, enter across from Café Atlantico, and gather at Dinghy Dock Bar for check-in.
2. Gustavia, 1 hourFree time in town with no admission charge.
3. Colombier Beach, 1 hour 30 minutesSwim, paddleboard, or use the floating toys at this beach with no admission charge. The listing notes it draws far fewer crowds than more accessible beaches.
4. Île Fourchue, 1 hourSnorkeling with provided masks, snorkels, and fins around the uninhabited island, with no admission charge. The listing says the clear waters here make marine life sightings more likely than if you swam closer to shore.
5. End pointThe day ends back at the same meeting point, the Dinghy Dock Sailors Bar.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what the day actually involves and what to pack, based on the listing and traveller reviews.

• Bring a towel. Towels are not included, so bring your own. You will be in and out of the water at two stops, plus using the lily pad and noodles. Swimwear worn under your clothes for Gustavia saves time.
• Budget the fee. A government fee of US$20.00 per person is payable on top of the booking price, and gratuities are not included. Factor both in when comparing this against other St. Barths day trips.
• Pack seasickness meds. One reviewer found the ride to St. Barths rough and recommended bringing medication if you are prone to seasickness. The crossing is part of the day either way.
• Food and bar. Lunch is a BBQ served on board: Jamaican jerk and curry chicken skewers, garlic shrimp skewers, Greek pasta salad, and baguette with garlic bread. The open bar covers beer, liquor, sodas, juices, and water, and several reviewers praised both the food and the drinks.
• Group size and crew. Up to 40 travellers share the boat. Multiple reviews describe a friendly, attentive crew. One reviewer said the crew treated everyone like a member of their own family.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup and private transportation are not included. The meeting point is the Dinghy Dock Bar at the Simpson Bay marina, with free parking, and public transport is nearby. Arrive ready to check in there.

Common issues. This is not a small-group trip: up to 40 travellers can be on board. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are, and the listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness. One reviewer described the crossing to St. Barths as rough, so it is a real consideration for anyone who gets seasick. Towels, gratuities, and the US$20.00 per person government fee are extra. The tour depends on good weather; if the operator cancels for poor conditions, you get a different date or a full refund. Refunds otherwise require cancelling at least 24 hours before the start time.

Questions About This Tour