Luxury Private Full-Day Catamaran Charter in St Maarten & Saint-Martin

A private catamaran changes the day. This charter gives you the boat to yourself, with a choice of a seven-hour St. Maarten route or a nine-hour island-hopping trip around St. Maarten and Saint-Martin. I especially like the four-course lunch and open bar, plus the chance to shape the day around swimming, snorkeling, beaches, and sailing rather than following a crowded group schedule.

I also like the small practical touches: two paddleboards, fishing and snorkeling gear, shaded areas, Bluetooth music, storage for personal items, bathrooms, and a crew that can point out local sights along the way. The main consideration is price: at $770 per person, this is a serious splurge unless you are sharing the boat with a larger group or placing a high value on privacy and personal service. The route can also change with wind and sea conditions.

Key points at a glance

• Two routes, two different days: Choose the seven-hour St. Maarten coastal itinerary or the nine-hour outing with Tintamarre Island.
• Your own private catamaran: Only your group participates, so you avoid strangers and can request a more relaxed or lively pace.
• A full food-and-drink program: French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, coffee, appetizers, a four-course gourmet lunch, dessert, and an open bar are included.
• Water time is built in: Snorkeling gear, fishing gear, and two paddleboards are provided.
• Tintamarre adds wildlife potential: On the nine-hour trip, you might snorkel near turtles and stingrays.
• Plan around the weather: The captain may alter the route when wind or sea conditions make the planned stops unsuitable.

Choosing between seven and nine hours on the water

The two itineraries give you a useful choice. You do not have to pay for the longer day if a shorter coastal cruise fits your schedule, but the nine-hour option gives you more sailing time and a wider range of stops.

The nine-hour tour starts at 8:30 a.m. and returns around 5:30 p.m. It sails around St. Maarten and Saint-Martin, with planned stops at Long Bay La Samana, Happy Bay, and Tintamarre Island. This is the better pick if you want a full day at sea, more time to swim and snorkel, and the possibility of seeing turtles and stingrays near Tintamarre.

The nine-hour program also includes breakfast, appetizers, a four-course lunch, and a full open bar. Starting early makes sense because you get a longer day without pushing the return too late.

The seven-hour tour begins at 9:30 a.m. and returns around 4:30 p.m. It stays along the St. Maarten shore, stopping at Mullet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay. This route may suit you better if you want a later start, a shorter day, or a coastal tour without crossing as much of the island’s surrounding water.

Both choices include snorkeling and fishing equipment, two paddleboards, breakfast or a light breakfast, appetizers, lunch, and drinks. The exact order of stops can change because the captain has to work with wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is important in the Caribbean, where a pretty itinerary on paper is not always the safest or most comfortable plan on the water.

What the catamaran day feels like

The boat used for these trips is the Flagship II, described in the supplied details as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with plenty of shaded seating. That shade matters. You will still want sunscreen, sunglasses, and a beach towel, but you are not forced to sit in direct sun for seven or nine hours.

The boat includes bathrooms, storage bins for items such as sunglasses and sunscreen, and phone charging points. These are easy details to overlook when booking, yet they make a long day much less awkward. You can move between the seating areas, the water, and the beaches without having all your belongings scattered around the deck.

Music is part of the experience too. You can connect through Bluetooth or make requests. One group of nine created its own playlist and turned the boat into a small floating dance party. That tells you something useful about the private format: the tone can be quiet and easygoing, social, or festive, depending on your group.

The crew also gives a safety briefing before departure. Several crew combinations are named in the feedback, including Captain Alois, Captain Benjamin, Georgia, Sylvia, Paula, Cami, Daniella, and Alsace. The staff may vary, but the repeated pattern is attentive service, help with snorkeling, local information, and steady attention to food and drinks.

Breakfast first, then a full day of food

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter. The morning starts with French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee on the nine-hour program. The seven-hour option includes a light breakfast, with the same general focus on getting you fed before the main meal.

During the cruise, you receive snacks and appetizers, followed by a four-course gourmet lunch. Dessert is also mentioned in the onboard meals. Several guests compare the meal favorably with restaurant and cruise-ship food, which is high praise for a boat-based excursion.

You should tell the operator about vegetarian or vegan needs when booking. Food allergies can also be accommodated with advance notice, according to the information supplied. Do not wait until you board to raise those issues.

The open bar includes unlimited drinks, including soft drinks and alcoholic choices. Specific spirits mentioned include vodka, tequila, and rum, along with mixed drinks. This is generous, but it also means you should pace yourself. A hot day, open water, swimming, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly.

Long Bay, Happy Bay, and Tintamarre Island

The nine-hour route gives you the most varied day. Long Bay La Samana and Happy Bay provide beach and swimming time, while Tintamarre Island adds a more nature-focused stop.

Tintamarre is especially appealing if snorkeling and marine life matter to you. You might see turtles and stingrays in the water, and the crew can help locate interesting fish. The snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental.

Still, wildlife is never guaranteed. The right attitude is to treat turtles and stingrays as a welcome possibility, not a promised show. Water clarity, wind, and the movement of the animals all affect what you see.

The beach stops give you a break from the boat. Some groups spend an hour or two ashore, while others focus more on swimming and snorkeling. Since this is a private charter, you can communicate your preference rather than being locked into a rigid schedule.

The drawback is that the longest route is also the most exposed to changing weather. If the sea becomes rough or wind conditions shift, the captain may shorten or alter the route. That is not a flaw in the service. It is simply part of planning a boat day in open water.

Mullet Bay, Long Bay, and Divi Little Bay

The seven-hour route makes three coastal stops: Mullet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay. It is a practical choice if you want pretty water, beach time, and snorkeling without committing to the longer island circuit.

Mullet Bay is a good fit for a group that wants a beautiful beach stop and time to relax. Long Bay La Samana appears on both routes, giving you a familiar anchor point if you are comparing the itineraries. Divi Little Bay provides another setting for swimming and snorkeling.

One group had poor weather and could not circle the island, but still enjoyed stops at Mullet Bay, Long Beach, and Little Bay. That is a useful example of how the charter works in real conditions: the day may not follow the original route exactly, but the crew can still look for attractive, usable water and beach stops.

Fishing gear is included as well. The information does not promise a particular catch, so think of this as an optional activity rather than the main event. The paddleboards are a better fit if your group wants a little movement between meals and swimming.

The crew makes the private format worthwhile

A private boat only feels worth the money if the crew is good. Here, the strongest praise focuses on the captain and host team, not just the scenery.

Guests describe the crew as attentive, friendly, and willing to keep food and drinks moving without making the day feel rushed. Captain Alois and Captain Benjamin receive repeated praise, while Georgia is singled out for thoughtful hosting and making sure everyone stayed fed and hydrated.

The captain also provides information about St. Maarten and nearby islands. That adds useful context while you sail instead of leaving you with nothing but views. The snorkeling help matters too. One family received assistance spotting fish, while another group saw a turtle and stingray with the crew’s help.

There is one important exception to the otherwise very strong feedback. One three-star account describes a late crew arrival and dissatisfaction with the captain’s handling of the day. The food and drinks were still praised, but this complaint is worth keeping in mind. No excursion is perfect every day, and punctuality can matter a great deal when you are paying luxury prices.

Overall, the published rating is 5 out of 5 from 82 ratings, with 99 percent recommending the experience. The praise is unusually consistent around the boat, meals, hospitality, and private setting.

Is $770 per person a fair price?

At $770 per person, this is not an inexpensive beach outing. You are paying for a private catamaran, a full-day crew, meals, alcohol, gear, and the ability to control the feel of the day.

The value improves if your group is large enough to share the cost. The boat is private, and group discounts are available, although the exact discount is not specified. For a birthday, anniversary, family celebration, or adult group that would otherwise book several separate activities, the price can make more sense.

Food and drinks also reduce the need to buy lunch, rental equipment, and beverages during the day. That does not make the charter cheap, but it makes the price easier to understand. You are purchasing a complete day rather than a basic boat transfer.

I would not choose this excursion if you mainly want a short sail or a low-cost way to reach a beach. A shared cruise would likely be a better match for a tighter budget. I would choose it if privacy, service, space, and a flexible schedule matter more than keeping costs down.

Practical details before you book

You meet at Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

Bring a current passport. The operator says passport information must be checked, so do not assume a hotel ID or a photograph of your passport will be enough.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a beach towel. The catamaran has shade, but you will still spend time near reflective water and may be on open beaches.

The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The information does not provide a detailed accessibility assessment, so contact the operator if you have specific mobility needs.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted, and no refund is provided. If bad weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, adult families, birthday groups, and friends who want a private day with a polished food-and-drink service. It also suits people who like a mix of activities: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach time, music, and a long lunch.

It is less suitable if you dislike being on the water for most of the day, want a fixed route, or are mainly looking for a bargain. The sea may be rough enough to change the plan, and the open bar is not a substitute for pacing yourself.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you want St. Maarten from the water without sharing your day with strangers. The strongest reasons are the spacious Flagship II, excellent meals, attentive crew, private setting, and access to snorkeling spots that are not reached on foot.

Choose the nine-hour route for Tintamarre, more sailing, and the best chance of seeing turtles or stingrays. Choose seven hours for a later start and a focused St. Maarten coastal day. Either way, treat the itinerary as weather-dependent, bring your passport and beach gear, and discuss dietary needs in advance.

For a special occasion or a group willing to split the cost, this is a strong luxury choice. For a budget beach day, it is simply too expensive.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Bobby’s Marina.

How long is the catamaran charter?

You can choose a seven-hour or nine-hour tour. The seven-hour tour runs approximately from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The nine-hour tour runs approximately from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

What food is included?

The tour includes French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee in the morning, plus snacks, appetizers, and a four-course gourmet lunch. Dessert is also mentioned as part of the onboard food service.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included through an open bar, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing and snorkeling gear are included, along with two paddleboards.

Do I need to bring a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of the boat trip.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route may change depending on sea and wind conditions.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.