Your private sailing catamaran awaits you in Marina Fort Louis, just a short walk down the pier in Marigot. Spend some restorative hours off Tintamarre Island, with plenty of time to snorkel and swim.

Relax in the shade or bask in the warm Caribbean sundeck as the catamaran sails along the northern coast of Saint Martin. Pass the calm anchorage of Friars Bay and the hidden pleasures of Happy Bay and the Grand-Case, known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean.

Twenty minutes sail from Marigot, Creole Rock heralds the first stop for some reef snorkelling. The warm Caribbean waters around the reef are teeming with tropical fish and the occasional passing turtle and stingray. Lift anchor and continue along the coast past the “hurricane hole” of Anse Marcel with its colonial resorts before heading into open waters to the uninhabited island of Tintamarre.

Tintamarre, also known as “Flat Island” has at various times been controlled by the British, then the French, then the influential Dutch van Romondt family took possession. During WWII, the tiny island may have been used as a rest stop and refueling port by Nazi submarines. In the mid-1950s, Tiny Tintamarre served as an airport for the now defunct airline, Compagnie Aerienne Antillaise.

Now uninhabited, it is a perfect spot for swimmers and snorkellers with its sheltered, sandy beach and inviting turquoise waters. The catamaran will drop anchor just off the beach and you are welcome to either swim ashore or catch a ride on the boat’s dinghy.

With an open bar on board stocked with cold sodas, Planter’s Punch and beer and a boxed lunch provided by the ship, you have the makings of a great day out. Return to Marigot, about an hour away under sail, in mid-afternoon.

NOTE: New Years Eve Day is extremely busy in Marigot and in order to guarantee operation the booking deadline for this tour is Friday 28 November 2008.

PRICE:

$ 100 15-30 participants

W2: Moderate activity. Requires intermittent effort throughout, including walking medium distances over uneven surfaces and/or on steps.