Captain Alan's — Small-Group Snorkeling and Island Adventures from Oyster Pond
Top-rated 4-hour and 6-hour small-group boat trips (max 12) to Tintamarre, Pinel Island, and turtle snorkeling spots, departing from Oyster Pond.
Why Go
Captain Alan's Boat Charters is consistently rated among the top activities on St. Maarten, and the reason is the small-group format: maximum 12 passengers per trip. While the big catamarans pack 40-80 people onto a deck, Captain Alan's keeps it intimate — you are snorkeling with sea turtles, not queuing for a turn in the water.
The Experience
The Oyster Pond departure is strategically positioned on the eastern border, which puts the best snorkeling destinations — Tintamarre Island, Pinel Island, and the reef systems of the French northern coast — within shorter reach than Simpson Bay operators can manage. Less transit time means more time in the water. The signature 4-hour 3 Islands Snorkeling, Turtles & Beach Adventure visits multiple spots where sea turtles, reef fish, and healthy coral are reliably present. The 12-person maximum means the guide can give individual attention, help nervous snorkelers get comfortable, and point out marine life that larger groups would swim right past. Longer 6-hour day trips extend the range to include more beach time, additional snorkeling sites, and the option to visit Anguilla. Private charters open up full customization: choose your own islands, add tubing, adjust the pace, and make the boat yours for the day. The crew gets consistently praised for knowledge, safety focus, and the ability to make a boat trip feel like a day with friends rather than a commercial tour. Snorkel gear, lunch or snacks (depending on trip length), and drinks are included in most packages.
What to Try
Book the 4-hour 3 Islands trip for the best value snorkeling experience. Upgrade to the 6-hour day trip if you want more beach time and additional stops. Request a private charter for a group celebration or family outing. Ask the crew where the sea turtles have been feeding recently — they track the turtle movements and adjust stops accordingly.
Insider Tip
Book directly with Captain Alan's rather than through a third-party platform — the direct booking rate is typically lower, and you can request specific stops or timing adjustments that aggregator bookings do not allow.
The Practical Stuff
Departing from 10 Emerald Merit Road, Oyster Pond, Dutch side. Vessels: powerboats. Max 12 passengers per trip. Options: 4-hour 3 Islands (snorkeling, turtles, beach), 6-hour day trip, private charters. Includes: snorkel gear, food/drinks (varies by package). Destinations: Tintamarre, Pinel Island, Anguilla (day trip). Price range: premium ($$$). Advance booking essential.
Pair It With
- Big Fish Seafood Grill Guide — Oyster Pond seafood restaurant for dinner after returning from the water
- St Maarten Oceanside Rentals — East-side accommodation service near the charter departure point