avril 7, 2026
Because some places are worth keeping wild — and Tintamarre Island is one of them.
If you're planning a trip to Saint-Martin, Tintamarre Island is one destination you simply cannot miss. This small uninhabited island sits just a few miles off the northeastern coast of Saint-Martin, offering some of the most pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters in the entire Caribbean. Whether you're a snorkeling enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a quiet slice of paradise, Tintamarre Island in Saint-Martin delivers an experience unlike any other. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Tintamarre Island is located approximately 4 miles (6 km) northeast of Orient Bay, on the French side of Saint-Martin. It is part of the Saint-Martin Nature Reserve, which means the island is protected and largely untouched by development. No one lives there permanently, and no commercial infrastructure exists on the island — and that is exactly what makes it so special.
The island covers around 150 hectares and sits at the edge of the marine reserve, making its surrounding waters exceptionally rich in biodiversity. You'll find wide open bays, turquoise shallows, and dense tropical vegetation inland — a true escape from the crowds.
Since Tintamarre is uninhabited, there is no ferry or public boat service running to it. The only way to reach Tintamarre Island is by private boat or boat charter. This is actually part of its charm — the limited access keeps it beautifully uncrowded.
The most popular and comfortable option is to book a private boat charter departing from Anse Marcel Marina. The crossing takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on sea conditions and vessel type. At Captain SUP SXM, we include Tintamarre Island as a highlight stop on our Saint-Martin full-day catamaran tour.
A few tips before you go:
Book your charter early, especially during peak season (December to April). If you're prone to seasickness, opt for a catamaran — the ride is significantly smoother. Depart in the morning to enjoy the calmest conditions and the best underwater visibility.
Snorkeling is without a doubt the number one activity on Tintamarre Island. The waters surrounding the island are calm, shallow, and teeming with marine life. You can expect to spot sea turtles, rays, parrotfish, trumpetfish, and dozens of colorful reef species — all without venturing far from shore.
The best snorkeling area is in the sheltered bay on the western side of the island. Visibility here is typically excellent, often reaching 15 to 20 meters on calm days. Because the island sits within a protected nature reserve, fishing is prohibited and the ecosystem has had time to truly flourish.
Why it's special with Captain SUP:
You'll arrive early, before the crowds, with snorkeling gear already on board. The crew knows exactly where to anchor and where the marine life concentrates. No guesswork, no wasted time.
One of the most memorable moments at Tintamarre Island is the chance to swim alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat. Green sea turtles are frequently spotted in the warm, shallow waters just off the beach. With a little patience and respect for their space, you can observe them up close — sometimes just a few meters away.
It's a magical experience that visitors consistently describe as the highlight of their entire trip to Saint-Martin. If you've ever dreamed of that moment, Tintamarre is where it happens.
Tintamarre's main beach is a wide, curved stretch of white sand with no beach bars, no sun loungers for rent, and no vendors — just nature. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and snacks, and enjoy the kind of beach experience that has become increasingly rare in the Caribbean.
The water along the shore is calm and shallow, making it ideal for families with young children. The sandy bottom gradually gives way to seagrass beds further out, where turtles like to graze.
If you have time during your charter stop, it's worth taking a short walk inland. Tintamarre's interior is covered in dry tropical vegetation, and you'll find the remnants of a small airstrip that was once used in the early 20th century. The island was briefly inhabited as an agricultural settlement, and traces of that history are still visible today.
A short hike up to higher ground rewards you with sweeping panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea and back toward the Saint-Martin coastline.
The best time to visit Tintamarre Island is during the dry season, from December to April. The weather is sunny and stable, the seas are calm, and underwater visibility is at its peak. This is also high season for tourism in Saint-Martin, so be sure to book your boat charter well in advance.
The shoulder months of May and November often offer excellent conditions with fewer tourists. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, but many days during this period are still perfectly fine for a day at sea.
Because Tintamarre is completely undeveloped, you need to come prepared. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks or a packed lunch, a dry bag for your phone and valuables, and water shoes since the shoreline can be rocky in spots. An underwater camera or GoPro is highly recommended — you'll absolutely want to capture the turtles.
At Captain SUP SXM, our full-day Saint-Martin tour includes snorkeling equipment, a light breakfast, snacks, and an open bar — so you can travel light and focus entirely on enjoying your day.
As part of the Saint-Martin Nature Reserve, Tintamarre Island is subject to specific environmental protections:
A common question among first-time visitors is whether to spend the day at Tintamarre or at Pinel Island. Tintamarre is wilder, more remote, and completely undeveloped — ideal for exceptional snorkeling, sea turtle encounters, and total quiet. Pinel Island is more accessible, with beach restaurants and a more social atmosphere.
But ideally — you do both. Our full-day Saint-Martin catamaran charter stops at both islands in a single day, so you don't have to choose.
Ready to Visit Tintamarre Island?
Tintamarre is everything you picture when you imagine the Caribbean at its most authentic. We've been taking guests there for years, and it never gets old.
Book your Saint-Martin Catamaran Tour →
