Recommendations for Beach Day w/Snorkel

[Mac9624]

We are looking for a beach day with snorkeling on our own, we have our own equipment.

Been looking at Great Bay Beach but read snorkeling not very good and possibility of sewage run-off if it has rained recently??

Any other beaches that may have a bar offering chairs/umbrella pkg with good snorkeling that is easy access?

[PORT ROYAL]

1 hour ago, Mac9624 said:

We are looking for a beach day with snorkeling on our own, we have our own equipment.

Been looking at Great Bay Beach but read snorkeling not very good and possibility of sewage run-off if it has rained recently??

Any other beaches that may have a bar offering chairs/umbrella pkg with good snorkeling that is easy access?

Best recommendation.

Take the short ferry ride from Orient Beach to Pinel Island  

https://www.st-martin.org/us/learn-more/must-sees/saint-martins-pinel-island/ 

for a swim/snorkel in the protected Marine Park.    

Make a one’s “base” on Pinel at either Karibuni or Yellow Beach on Pinel

Good Snorkelling along a designated, also safe, reef area for gentle waves snorkelling, ideal for little ones to swim or snorkel with adults.  For any adults being a much stronger swimmers then head for bigger rocks/waves with more fish round the headland to the north.

 

Ferry: https://www.caribbeanpaddling.com/blog/ferry-schedule-to-pinel-island

 

Karibuni: https://www.lekaribuni.com/restaurant

 

Yellow: https://www.yellowbeach.restaurant

 

As these beach stays are popular with residents, stayers and cruisers, therefore space is limited.  Best to book well in advance.

[Mac9624]

Thank you for the good information. Looks like it may have the best snorkeling opportunities in St. Maarten??

[tc-cruise]

On 1/26/2024 at 9:51 AM, PORT ROYAL said:

Best recommendation.

Take the short ferry ride from Orient Beach to Pinel Island  

https://www.st-martin.org/us/learn-more/must-sees/saint-martins-pinel-island/ 

for a swim/snorkel in the protected Marine Park.    

Make a one’s “base” on Pinel at either Karibuni or Yellow Beach on Pinel

Good Snorkelling along a designated, also safe, reef area for gentle waves snorkelling, ideal for little ones to swim or snorkel with adults.  For any adults being a much stronger swimmers then head for bigger rocks/waves with more fish round the headland to the north.

 

Ferry: https://www.caribbeanpaddling.com/blog/ferry-schedule-to-pinel-island

 

Karibuni: https://www.lekaribuni.com/restaurant

 

Yellow: https://www.yellowbeach.restaurant

 

As these beach stays are popular with residents, stayers and cruisers, therefore space is limited.  Best to book well in advance.

 

Thank you for sharing. What's the best way from Philpsburg to Oriental beach?

[PORT ROYAL]

6 hours ago, tc-cruise said:

 

Thank you for sharing. What's the best way from Philpsburg to Oriental beach?

Taxi there to Cul-de-Sac (pier on Orient Beach) and back….  Outward driver will be happy to be time booked for the return from the pier at Cul-de-Sac to port. 
If not wishing to be time banded, there will be plenty of taxis available (waiting) at Cul-de-Sac for the drive back to port.

Edited March 29 by PORT ROYAL
Typo

[TTEllis]

Some of the best snorkeling I've ever done actually I've never seen that much life in the ocean since is at the end of Orient Beach. Right out from the Dive Shop. Best snorkeling in the eastern Caribbean.

I stepped on a sea urchin had to get back to the ship with a 2 inch barb in my heal. The doctor on the ship removed it from the bottom of my foot.🫣

Orient Beach is nothing but life, it's just like anything else just watch what your doing your in for a very pleasant surprise.