Private Boat Charters to Tintamarre Island
Tintamarre Island is one of the last truly untouched places near St. Maarten. Uninhabited, protected, and surrounded by vibrant marine life, it offers a rare opportunity to experience the Caribbean in its most natural state—quiet, wild, and beautifully unspoiled.
A private boat charter to Tintamarre is not about beach bars or busy shorelines. It’s about slipping into clear turquoise water, snorkeling alongside sea turtles, and spending the day surrounded by nature rather than crowds. As part of a protected marine area, the waters around Tintamarre are home to tropical fish, rays, and coral reefs that thrive in the absence of development.
For travelers seeking a deeper connection with the sea and a sense of discovery, Tintamarre delivers an experience that feels both peaceful and extraordinary—just minutes from St. Maarten, yet worlds away.
What a Day on a Private Tintamarre Island Charter Looks Like
Your day begins with a departure from Simpson Bay or the French-side coastline, where you’ll meet your captain and crew and set course north toward Tintamarre. The short cruise offers sweeping views of St. Maarten’s shoreline before the island’s rugged outline comes into view.
Upon arrival, the first impression is the water—clear, calm, and alive with movement beneath the surface. Many charters anchor near Baie Blanche, Tintamarre’s most famous beach, where snorkeling often reveals schools of tropical fish, stingrays gliding across the sand, and sea turtles feeding in the shallows.
The day unfolds at a relaxed pace. You may spend hours swimming directly from the boat, drifting over coral patches, or floating quietly in warm, shallow water while observing marine life below. With no facilities or development on the island, the focus remains entirely on nature—sun, sea, and silence.
Those who wish to explore can walk along the beach or take a short stroll inland, where remnants of the island’s past hint at its former life. As the afternoon light softens, you’ll enjoy one last swim before cruising back toward St. Maarten, refreshed and grounded after a day immersed in the natural world.
Why Visit Tintamarre by Private Boat?
Tintamarre is best experienced by private boat, as there are no ferry services or facilities on the island. A charter allows you to access the best snorkeling areas, anchor directly in calm bays, and move freely depending on conditions and marine activity.
Private boats also offer flexibility—whether you want to stay longer in one spot, explore multiple anchor points, or simply float and observe wildlife without interruption. With no restaurants or infrastructure, a private charter ensures comfort, shade, and refreshments while preserving the island’s untouched character.
For nature lovers, families with curious kids, and anyone seeking a quieter side of the Caribbean, Tintamarre by boat is a rare and rewarding experience.
Tintamarre Charter at a Glance
Departure: Simpson Bay or French-side marinas
Duration: Half-day or full-day options
Best For: Nature lovers, snorkelers, families
Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, wildlife spotting, beach exploration
Water Conditions: Generally calm, ideal for snorkeling
Travel Note: No facilities on the island; everything is enjoyed from the boat
While Tintamarre feels completely wild today, it has a fascinating past. The island was once briefly inhabited and even featured its own airstrip and self-proclaimed “king” during the mid-20th century. Over time, all development was abandoned, and Tintamarre returned to nature.
Today, the island is fully protected, allowing its ecosystems to recover and thrive—making it one of the most unique natural spaces in the St. Maarten area.
Recommended Boats for Tintamarre Charters
Exploring Tintamarre requires boats that are easy to maneuver, comfortable for snorkeling stops, and well suited for anchoring in shallow, protected bays. The following private charters are ideal for a smooth, safe, and enjoyable day around the island.
Continue Your Time on the Water
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