Hi, looking for info on boat tours. We have taken the Celine in the past, very happy with Captain Neil and the Celine experience, but unfortunately no more Celine – very sad. I have tried to contact Neil, but no response, so guessing no tours at this time.
Looking for input into other choices, either sail or power is ok, a head is required! Pat had mentioned Quality Time – the ECO tour on her trip report [Pat, it’s called the Eco tour as they go the French Nature Preserve]
Any other reco’s, things we liked about the Celine were the lunch, not very crowded, nice crew
Thanks
J&B

If you haven't already done the Eco Tour on Quality Time, I would highly recommend it.

We thoroughly enjoyed our day, but besides that, it meets all of your specifications as you've noted them. The crew was great, unobtrusive but ever vigilant and aware of the guests needs as they arose. They moderated the trip to the degree they pointed out the various locations of interest but they didn't ramble on to the point of boredom setting in. I'm pretty sure we will do this trip again.

And thanks for explaining the name - now I get it! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

The other day sail I wouldn't hesitate to recommend is the Passaat out of Simpson Bay. It's an older and beautifully maintained schooner. Owner operated as a day sail worth doing. We've also done their sunset sail which we also thoroughly enjoyed. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

At least, I think it's called a schooner........but it is definitely a beautiful boat with another great and caring crew.

I second the Eco tour...just took it in October.

And I second the Passaat as I have not yet done the Eco Tour. Passaat offers day sails (11-4), sunset sails, and dinner sails. Never crowded; always a lovely experience.

Passaat

Anyone done the FunSeaker 3 island tour - 47ft power cat, max 18 people?

Thanks
J&B

I'm an old friend of Sebastian the owner and he is a great guy and his boat is beautiful.

I highly recommend Souiliga Tours for a great day of snorkeling and boating. Captain Bob and his son Brett are super people and work VERY hard to make sure everyone is enjoying the day. Lunch is provided ( at Enolds in Grand Case if I remember correctly). I really liked that he took the time to chat with everyone on board, learned everyone's name, and checked in often to see that everyone was comfortable and happy.

I started to recommend the Soualiga tour with Captains Bob and/or Brett but I backed away because they're personal friends and we haven't actually done their trip.

That said, before we came to know them, we were watching Bob one morning while enjoying our breakfasts at Chesterfields as he was prepping one of the other boats he used to handle and we were very impressed with the way he prepared the boat and his various clients as they arrived. Over a lot of years we've done a lot of different trips and you could tell his was a labor of love rather than just a job to be done.

Since they've gotten their own boat I asked for an honest opinion regarding whether theirs might be a trip we'd enjoy and after asking some questions regarding our preferences, they recommended something other than a power boat trip for us. I can only offer my personal respect for their integrity and I'm sure theirs would be an awesome snorkel trip if that's what the OP is after. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We took the Eco tour after being unable to get a day tour on Passat and after reading Pat's report. We were not impressed with trip at all. The weather was poor with high waves coming from the north, but nothing could be done about that. What we found disappointing was the lack of professionalism of the crew. First off was the disheveled appearance of the captain as he greeted the guests and secondly was how most of the crews attention was focused on two bikini clad Russian bimbos. Near the end of the trip several of us asked to be let ashore at the Simpson Bay stop but were denied. However when one of the bimbos lost her hat, the ship was turned around to retrieve it. Not impressed. Next time will wait for a confirmation from Passat.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

The day we went out with them they were totally professional in appearance and demeanor. The Dutch mate actually swam into Calmos after hearing one of the ladies on board had left her hat there, and when DH's favorite JB Air Mangoes bb cap blew into the water, they slowed the boat and the young assistant to the mate gaffed it and fished it out if the water for him.

I'm really sorry you didn't enjoy the day though I have no idea why they wouldn't have let you off the boat to swim ashore at Simpson Bay if that's what you wanted to do? Rules, perhaps? I guess the moral of the story is don't go out on a boat-trip on a rough day with Russian bimbos aboard if you can avoid it. But I really am sorry you didn't have as nice a day as we experienced. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I can speak from personal experience on the boat trip offerred by Soualiga Destinations. We have taken many a boat trip over our many years of traveling to different islands including St Martin and I can honestly say that his trip has been the best. We went on it for the first time last February and are booked again for February 2015. Capt. Bob and his son were the ultimate hosts from the very personal attention to each guest down to the wonderful lunch to the knowledge of the sights we visited. The limited number of people during each trip made it very comfortable. I highly recommend this trip, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> but book early because he does tend to book up rather quickly. Counting down the days Capt. Bob...we will see you on Valentine's Day!

I almost fell off my chair! It just goes to show everyone has a different experience, Russian bimbos!

Well, my son wears low-cut French swim trunks, his mate wears tiny bikinis, there are some days that are rougher than others, it may not be a good option for some people.
And yes, we have had a few bimbos on board, we are open minded & we do not discriminate. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Lyn

I knew there was a reason - at least one? - that I love you guys!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Happy New Year!

Heading into Marigot after dark tonight! I will be extremely careful that the boogie man doesn't get me. C'est la Vie!

Not your fault. The passengers are different on every trip and as I said nobody controls the weather. As to the bimbos they were 10 minutes late for pickup and the bus driver had to turn around to pick them up. They acted as if it was their personal charter bringing 3 changes of bathing suits and spent the tour walking over other passengers in order to position themselves for a photo op without so much as an excuse me. I have been on Celine, Random Wind, Lord Shefield, and Passat so this wasn't our first trip. While others may have had enjoyable experiences on the Eco trip we did not and will not be repeat customers.

Candu,

TY......

I always feel bad when I make a recommendation and it falls short of my sentiments in someone els's experience.

Like you, we've done a lot of boats throughout our many trips though not the Celine or the Lord Sheffield, but over the years we did the Random Wind, the Marinaut, the original Bluebeard, Rubiyat and Swaliga and recently the Passaat and most recently, this one and one pure booze cruise boat whose name escapes me.

I don't think we ever experienced anything quite like your Russian bimbos but reading your last comments, I think I'm getting why you didn't enjoy the day. Too bad because DH and I both considered this trip, along with the Random Wind a few owners back and the current day Passaat to be about the best three we've done in St. Maarten.

I would definitely book the Passaat in advance of your next visit as it truly is a great sail, much as I wonder if I should say that given my track record with recos to you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Maybe they were Putin's daughters.