Sand Dollar Half Day Snorkel Trip
4.5
Sand Dollar Half Day Snorkel Trip
By Aqua Mania Adventures
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About
Hop aboard the Sand Dollar, a 28-foot-long custom power boat, to go snorkeling out by Creole Rock with this excursion. Once you reach the rock formation, known for its shallow waters and abundance of marine wildlife, you’ll get the chance to don snorkel gear and jump in or just hang out on board and snack on cheese and baguette provided for you on board.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Choose from morning or afternoon departures
- Beer, water, and soft drinks are served on board
- Baguette and cheese is provided to all guests
- Free use of snorkeling equipment is included
- Professional crew
- Beer, water and soda
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Bread and cheese snack
What's not included- Gratuities
- Towels
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Aqua Mania Adventures, Billy Folly Road, Simpson Bay, Sint MaartenWe are located on the Marina of the Simpson Bay Resort in Pelican. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3324SANDDOLLAR- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for child aged 3 and under
- Check in is 20-30 minutes prior to departure time
- Cruise through the lagoon up to the reef at Creole Rock in Grand Case, on the French side. The ride is about 40 minutes.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Should know how to swim & be comfortable in the water
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3324SANDDOLLAR
From
$65.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Discover1953250 contributionsA must to do if you go to Sint MaartenSaba is a must to see. Pristine Dutch island, absolutely gorgeous. I was a little confused at first as to how the trip was arranged. Essentially, if you book (like we did) for the taxi tour you are met at the ferry dock by a taxi driver with a van. There were about 10 of us in the van. The driver (Mike) took us around the island showing us the sights and talking about the history. Very well done. At one point, we stopped for a very tasty lunch (included in the price of the tour) along with a rum tasting afterwards. We then walked around town for a little before resuming the tour. The taxi then takes you back to the dock for the return trip to Sint Maarten. Well organized and very friendly tour.Written January 14, 2025
- kellymY5843MZ0 contributionsFamily Time on the water!A fabulous day on the water in Sint Maarten. The captain and crew were friendly and very attentive to our every need. 10/10! Was recommended to us by another happy client and we will do the same! Thank you!Written January 2, 2025
- Wander155015668810 contributionsFantastic experience!!My family and I had a fantastic time on our sunset cruise with the Mambo #5 crew!! I would highly recommend this excursion if you are visiting St. Maarten!! The staff were so friendly and accommodating and made our experience truly incredible! They served us a wide variety of fruits, veggies, cheese, bread, and chips and we had unlimited drinks of our choice. One staff member even took lots of photos of us which was much appreciated! Ours was 90 minutes and it was a perfect amount of time. The staff was knowledgeable about the area and shared lots of information about the island. They played great music that enhanced the overall vibe of our trip! We will definitely book this trip again when we return to St. Maarten!Written December 28, 2024
- cathyhW3184JW0 contributionsWorth every penny!!! - Sunset Sail**Sunset Sail** If you're looking for an unforgettable sunset experience, Aqua Mania Sunset Sail is an absolute must! From start to finish, the experience was flawless and exceeded all expectations. The crew was **fantastic**, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and genuine warmth. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and taken care of throughout the journey. The catamaran itself was stunning – spacious, clean, and equipped with everything you need to relax and enjoy the ride. As we sailed into the evening, the views were breathtaking: the vibrant colors of the sunset reflected off the calm water, creating a truly magical atmosphere. To top it all off, the free **beverages and snacks** were a delightful touch. The crew served everything directly to us, so we could fully unwind and savor the moment. Whether you wanted a refreshing drink or a quick bite, they had it covered. This sunset sail is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area – it’s an experience you’ll cherish forever!Written December 27, 2024
- Happiness8272690 contributionsBeautiful, Calm and Professional!We booked for Thanksgiving and it did not disappoint. The boat was not crowded and crew was very attentive. They walked around with appetizers, brought us our cocktails and there was plenty of delicious food. The views were spectacular and the catamaran was very comfortable. No rain and the seas calm. They are professional and provided a safe and fun environment.Written December 19, 2024
- Marco C0 contributionsDon't miss out!Fantastic!! Highly recommend it!! Food on board was awesome! Snorkeling was awesome also! Wife and I had a great time! Crew on board were also very good! Book this if your looking for a great time while relaxing and soaking in the sun!Written December 15, 2024
- Katherine H0 contributionsA perfect excursion.Wonderful trip and very affordable. We were very excited to go on the sunset cruise since we booked it prior to arriving in SXM. We were not disappointed. Wound up with a beautiful sunset with good music, and sightseeing.Written December 14, 2024
- Katherine H0 contributionsMUST do tripMy boyfriend and I planned this excursion for our last day and it wound up being the best day of the vacation. This trip was amazing!!! We were able to see the entire island as well as surrounding islands that we were not expecting to get to visit this trip. We were able to see all different species of fish and swam with the sea turtles. Captain Roy and Noah were attentive and really made the trip that much better. We have 0 complaints. The lunch and the trip definitely beat our expectations. This trip is a MUST if you like to swim or even just relax on the boat.Written December 13, 2024
- vanessawT5230AG0 contributionsSnorkeling as beginnersI was there with 3 friends and our host was Dagmar. She was the best and she had a lot of patience with us as beginners. It was an incredible experience and they took good care of us. A day I will never forget. Much loveWritten December 11, 2024
- E2720SMjenl0 contributionsGreat outing in the Santino!We did this trip on the Santino with Capt Roy and Noah. It was the best day of our whole vacation. We were a little worried about a 7 hour excursion with our 8 year old but we did enough different things that he was entertained the whole time. His favorite part was when the boat went fast! We were well taken care of all day, great food and drinks, super friendly and knowledgeable crew. 10/10 would recommend.Written December 6, 2024
- Lonisha C0 contributionsCool, relaxing and adventurousI give it a 4.5/ 5. The captains were nice especially the co captain. Came with refreshments and drop us off to a small part of st. Maarten to eat lunch. Lunch was good and included in the package. He came to rescue me because I went into the water and got scared because I was paddling farther and farther from the boat. I appreciate him.Written December 5, 2024
- F5050BSsc0 contributionsHighly RecommendedWe had a great time on the Bubbly Sunset Cruise. I was surprised at how much fun it was. Prior to booking this cruise, we booked the Edge II, to go to St. Barts. That was a great experience, so we decided to book something else. Each time I went into the office, the ladies were really nice and helpful. Even the people directing people to check in, were very nice. I think John was his name (I could be wrong). When checking in for both excursions, we did not have a problem. Both the crews that we had were great! Aqua Mania is doing a great job. I highly recommend!Written December 3, 2024
- JenPenDC0 contributionsFabulous and we’ll-organized all-island tourWhat a great island tour: well organized, with well-chosen stops, the right amount of time at each spot, kind and helpful staff and Captain Roy even treated us to a little reggae music on a portable speaker. Probably my favorite boat tour ever.Written December 3, 2024
- N6767XFhollyw0 contributionsWonderful experience everytimeThis is our third time on the Tango. I absolutely love this dinner cruise. The staff is attentive and very helpful. The captain is phenomenal! He pointed out to us that we might have the right conditions for a green flash. And we did!! I might have missed it had he not had explained it so perfectly. The food was good and although we don’t drink the beverage selection was good. The music volume was perfect! 🤩Written November 30, 2024
- RDS2190 contributionsGreat first evening in St MaartenThis was the first excursion on our Anniversary trip. My husband surprised me with this trip and planned all of the excursions. This was absolutely perfect for our first evening in St Maarten. The Sunset dinner cruise was very relaxing. Just take in the scenery, nice music, rum punch that kept coming and a decent dinner. The crew and captain were friendly and we had fantastic conversation with a local couple on board. The people from St Maarten are so friendly so that was the icing on the cake. I highly recommend the Sunset Dinner Cruise!Written November 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
37 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
1
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Madison K
4 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Such a fun day! The trip was a perfect amount of time, as we wanted to see different views of the island and snorkel without losing a whole day. Our guide, Shawn, was so nice and knowledgeable! It was such an enjoyable boat ride and we enjoyed seeing different parts of the island and making friends with those on the boat with us. Snorkeling was amazing!! The water was beautiful and it was amazing to see all the fish, we even swam with a few turtles which was such a magical experience! I highly highly recommend this excursion and we will definitely be back the next time we visit!
Written May 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina R
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Don't miss this awesome trip! I can't say enough good things about it. This is so much more than just snorkeling - it's truly a guided tour of the island with the most amazing Captain Shawn. Shawn went above and beyond to tell us about the history of the island, answer all of our questions, help us with our snorkeling equipment, play great music, serve great drinks and make the afternoon so special. I could go on and on! Please thank Captain Shawn for making our entire visit to the island. I know great things are in his future.
Written March 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi F6847S,
Thanks a bunch for sharing your fantastic experience! We'll be sure to pass along your message of appreciation to Captain Shawn. Here's to many more amazing adventures ahead!
Written March 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Digby S
Williamsburg, VA11 contributions
Jun 2022
This is just the right sized boat and trip if you are looking to snorkel and enjoy the views of the island. We had fewer than a dozen people on board, and it was quite pleasant. Some of the other tours had huge boats with dozens of loud partiers who came to jump off the trampoline and get drunk....not my style.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annalise C
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Me and a group of friends were set to snorkel on our final day before leaving the island. I had done this trip once before and recommend to my friends that we do it, but I was utterly dissatisfied this time around. We got to our snorkeling destination at Creole Rock and there were very large waves hitting the rock and rolling inward where you snorkel. The captain suggested we go closer the the shoreline to see. As a competitive swimmer for my whole life, I struggled to get close to shore and not get slammed into rocks resting right below the surface. There was next to zero visibility and we did not see any wild life. After only 15 minutes at the snorkeling sight we got back into the boat because we were staring at sand particles. The worst part of the trip was they NEVER mentioned low (really no) visibility before we got to the rock. When we returned to the dock we asked for a quick group photo before getting off and the captain, after just asking for tips, rushed us off the boat despite arriving 15 minutes prior to when we were supposed to return. I am now hesitant to recommend people to this adventure and I am sure I will not return for fear of seeing nothing and paying $65. They also never mentioned a refund or rescheduling the trip due to poor conditions.
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C H
Moscow, Russia54 contributions
Aqua Mania really pushed the limits on the tour and should have canceled it, or given patrons the option to cancel for a full refund. They just showed very bad judgment with respect to their patrons’ experience. Due to choppy waters, they changed the snorkel location to Little Bay, and it was unimpressive. Visibility was five feet max and it was the most lackluster snorkeling I’ve ever done. They also killed time “touring” Simpson Lagoon randomly sort of talking about some of the yachts. This was just a time fill before the snorkeling to keep us on scheduled with the closer snorkel location and it was unnecessary. That said, the weather above the water was beautiful and we stopped in Great Bay for a swim call and it was quite pleasant. But overall, not a great use of our $65/person when the goal was snorkeling. I believe had the surf been better and we gotten to do the actually planned tour it would have been great, but our experience felt forced for the profit without a care for the customer’s actual experience snorkeling.
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apologies we disappointed. Groundswell has been a small issue this past week, leaving it a bit cloudy at our usual destination. Most guests are along to enjoy all aspects of the trip, as it seems you were too, but with a keen desire to enjoy snorkeling more. Please contact us to accept two comp tickets on Sand Dollar on your next vacation. A quick check in about seas and snorkeling , before departing, will allow us to offer a heads up about conditions.
cathy@stmaarten-activities.com
Written December 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colette J
4 contributions
My kids and I had a great time with Captain Roy and Joshua. The snorkeling was great and Roy was a great guide and told us what to look for and gave us a lot of information about St. Maarten. I highly recommend this trip.
Written May 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Colette J,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had a fantastic time with Captain Roy and Joshua! We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you all again soon for another memorable adventure
Written May 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cindy r
Plymouth, MI13 contributions
Apr 2022
Snorkleing was great but I think our Captain may have been preoccupied by something else that day. We weren't greeted too warmly and he was not the typical outgoing personality I have encountered on previous trips with Aqua mania or other providers.........
Also, one little bowl of cheese cubes, half a baguette and a couple sliced apples is the snack. Bowl was served when captain started drive back to swim location.. Needs a little more and perhaps two bowls as people are distributed between front and back of boat....
Also, one little bowl of cheese cubes, half a baguette and a couple sliced apples is the snack. Bowl was served when captain started drive back to swim location.. Needs a little more and perhaps two bowls as people are distributed between front and back of boat....
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Cindy
Thank you for sharing this feedback. Our captain usually gets great reviews. We will look into this on our end regarding your observation of him being preoccupied.
Your suggestion regarding an additional bowl will be considered. Thank you again for this feedback.
Written May 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katherine M
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Loved this trip, it was the best day of our holiday. The captain, Shawn, was friendly and knowledgeable. We only managed to see one turtle but there were plenty of fish at Creole Rock. We also stopped at a couple of bays on the way back for more swimming . The free drinks, bread and cheese were most appreciated. We really enjoyed the boat trip there and back but it does get bouncy so maybe not so good for those that are not so comfortable on the water!
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Katem,
Thank you for remembering us in your reviews.
We do head out through the protected waters around St Maarten, following the coastline, perhaps that day we had some sea chop.
Shawn is an awesome Captain and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us.
Please come back and visit our Friendly Island soon.
Written October 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thomas v
11 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
I tried to send this by letter but it was returned, so here it is:
I am writing you with reference to a great experience my I had on one of your boat tours due to outstanding customer service by one of your associates, Captain Sean of the Sand Dollar Tour. I took the morning tour on December 22nd and was delighted by Sean's friendliness and knowledge of your beautiful island which he shared with me and the other passengers. Sean went above and beyond to make our experience on the tour really special. He was especially good with a family with six children, so he must also be incredibly patient and kind.
I hope you will pass on our sincere thanks and gratitude to Sean and ask that this letter be placed in his employee file as our thanks for his help, kindness, and professional demeanor during the tour. I want to thank you for your time in this matter.
I am writing you with reference to a great experience my I had on one of your boat tours due to outstanding customer service by one of your associates, Captain Sean of the Sand Dollar Tour. I took the morning tour on December 22nd and was delighted by Sean's friendliness and knowledge of your beautiful island which he shared with me and the other passengers. Sean went above and beyond to make our experience on the tour really special. He was especially good with a family with six children, so he must also be incredibly patient and kind.
I hope you will pass on our sincere thanks and gratitude to Sean and ask that this letter be placed in his employee file as our thanks for his help, kindness, and professional demeanor during the tour. I want to thank you for your time in this matter.
Written March 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Thomas,
We are thrilled to have received your virtual letter singing praises for Captain Shawn and our Sand Dollar Tour! It's amazing to know that you had a wonderful experience with us.
We will make sure to pass on your thanks and gratitude to Captain Shawn. We can't wait to have you back aboard for another exciting excursion soon.
Written March 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Discover195325
Newark, DE10 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Great trip. Very low key and relaxed. It was extra good for us since it left out of our resort so we did not have to travel far. Boat ride was pleasant and we saw some beautiful sights. Hospitality on board was fantastic, with lots of drinks, bread and cheese. Very friendly crew. Snorkeling site was wonderful with a large number of fish to be seen. The time flew by really fast. Highly recommend!!
Written January 14, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re really happy to hear you had such an enjoyable day with us.
It’s great to know you appreciated the experience on board and that the day felt well-organized from start to finish.
We truly appreciate your recommendation, and we’d love to welcome you back next time!
Written January 15, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How near is this from the cruise terminal? What if only two are interested in snorkeling and two are not? Is this ok for the non swimmers?Times work for a visit
Written August 28, 2022
Hi, I was there in January and did the catamaran to Anguilla. Fun trip but snorkeling was not good. Going back in a week, and was wondering how the snorkeling was at creole rock?
Written March 13, 2019
Hi, I'd like to book one afternoon this week for 2 people. Can you please tell me which 2 afternoons this week you have the least bookings: Feb4-7th. Thank-you!
Written February 3, 2019
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