St. Maarten / St. Martin is volcanic in origin, and local legend has it that Simpson Bay Lagoon is all that remains of the ancient island volcano's crater.

So, when you eventually return home, you can tell all your friends that you captained your very own boat inside the volcano crater in St. Maarten. Ok, so it might freak them out a bit, but the look on their faces will be worth it, don't you think? Besides, it's only a legend...

Today the lagoon is tranquil, used as a haven for megayachts through much of the year and always a great place for a relaxing motor cruise.

The water isn't as deep as you might expect for an extinct volcano crater (if you believe the legend), but it's plenty deep for megayachts. And there are lots of fish...

What fish might you see here? Mullets are roughly 12-14" long and grayish, and quite common. (Mullet Bay, off the lagoon, is named for them). You'll also see barracuda here, who can be a bit feisty, so don't dangle your feet overboard, ok? The biggest fish you're likely to see here are tarpons, which can be five feet long and look a bit like tuna. Fortunately for them, they're quite bony and not good eating. You often see them off the back decks of lagoon-facing restaurants, day or night, queuing up for leftovers.

The lagoon is calm most days and the perfect spot for our calm-cruising Turtle Tours!

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