Ocean Tales Adventures — Sailing, Snorkeling, and SCUBA Dive Safaris
Private catamaran charters with an underwater twist — daily sails, paddle boarding, and private SCUBA diving safaris for organized groups.
Why Go
Ocean Tales Adventures combines catamaran sailing with something few charter operators offer: private SCUBA diving safaris and live-aboard underwater expeditions. The daily sailing excursions cover the familiar snorkeling and beach itinerary, but the dive safari option opens up the Caribbean's deeper marine world for certified divers.
The Experience
The dual focus — surface-level sailing plus deep-water diving — gives Ocean Tales a unique niche. Most catamaran charters offer snorkeling as the underwater component, which limits exploration to the shallow reefs. Ocean Tales extends this below the surface with private SCUBA safaris that explore the diverse marine life in Caribbean waters beyond snorkeling depth. For organized groups of certified divers, the live-aboard underwater expeditions offer multi-day immersion in the region's dive sites. The standard catamaran charter covers the expected pleasures: sailing along the coast, swimming at secluded beaches, snorkeling at reef sites, paddle boarding, and relaxation on deck with food and drinks. The private crewed charter format means customized itineraries — you choose whether the day is active or lazy, whether the focus is snorkeling or sailing, and whether you want to explore away from the crowds or visit the popular spots. The family-friendly approach welcomes all ages, with the crew adjusting activities to suit the group's composition. Island tours that incorporate local culture and cuisine add a dimension beyond pure water activities.
What to Try
Book a standard day sail for a relaxed introduction to St. Maarten from the water. Request a private SCUBA safari if your group includes certified divers — the underwater experience surpasses snorkeling significantly. Try the paddle boarding option during a calm-water anchoring stop. Ask about multi-day live-aboard expeditions for an intensive Caribbean dive vacation.
Insider Tip
The SCUBA safari option is best booked in advance with details about your group's certification levels and dive experience. Ocean Tales adjusts the dive sites based on group capability — novice-friendly reefs for recently certified divers, more challenging sites for experienced divers.
The Practical Stuff
Based at 68 Welfare Road, Cole Bay, Dutch side. Catamaran sailing charters. Options: daily sails, full-day private charters, private SCUBA safaris, live-aboard dive expeditions. Activities: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, paddle boarding. Family-friendly. Customizable itineraries. Price range: premium ($$$).
Pair It With
- Zee Best Breakfast & Lunch — Simpson Bay breakfast spot near the Cole Bay base before a day on the water
- Portofino — Italian restaurant in Simpson Bay for dinner after returning from a charter