Billy Bones Exclusive Private Charter Around St.Maarten

The best part of the Billy Bones private charter is the freedom to shape a full day on the water instead of following a fixed group schedule. You can snorkel near Tintamare or Creole Rock, look for iguanas on Pinel Island, and ask your crew to build in the St. Maarten sights that matter most to you. I like the personal service and the fact that guides such as Miguel, Damian, Nicholas, Sammy, and Natalie have worked especially well with families and mixed-age groups. I also like the open bar, water, snacks, and room for up to 10 people under one group price.

The main caution is the extra-cost and transfer fine print. The $975 price covers the private boat for up to 10 people, but docking, government admission, and a reserve fee are separate, while private transportation is listed as not included. Confirm the pickup plan and every fee before you go.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to 10 people: The group price can be good value for a family or group of friends.
• Four named coastal stops: Pinel Island, Tintamare, Creole Rock, and La Samanna form the advertised route, with additional island sights possible.
• Snorkeling comes early: You can begin with time in the water before visiting Pinel Island’s iguanas.
• A crew that works with children: Miguel and Damian are specifically noted for connecting well with young swimmers.
• Open bar and refreshments: Unlimited drinks, water, and snacks help keep the day simple, though lunch is not included.
• Strong overall ratings: The experience carries a 4.9 rating from 108 reviews, with 98 percent recommended.

A private day on St. Maarten’s water

A seven-hour charter gives you enough time to make the boat the main event, not just a quick ride between beaches. You are paying for a private crew, so your group is not combined with strangers, and the day can be adjusted around snorkeling, swimming, beaches, and sightseeing.

That flexibility matters on an island with two national identities, many beaches, and a busy cruise-port schedule. A standard group trip has to keep everyone moving together. Here, you can spend longer at a place your group likes, ask for more time in the water, or make the ride itself part of the day.

The plan names Pinel Island, Tintamare, Creole Rock, and La Samanna. The description also refers to five stops and adding the must-see places around the island, so the final route is not completely fixed. Ask the crew at the start of the charter which stops are realistic within seven hours and how sea conditions may affect the order.

Starting with snorkeling and clear Caribbean water

The suggested flow begins with snorkeling. That is a sensible choice. You get into the water while everyone is fresh, and you can then settle into a slower sightseeing pace. The exact snorkeling site can depend on conditions and the crew’s plan, but Tintamare and Creole Rock are named as key stops.

Creole Rock is a natural choice for a water-focused outing. The appeal is simple: boat access, time to swim, and a chance to see fish below the surface. The available information does not promise a particular species or guarantee calm water, so I would treat the snorkeling as weather dependent rather than as a formal wildlife encounter.

One family outing included swimming with turtles and fish, while another group made three snorkeling stops. Those details suggest the crew can adjust the day for people who want plenty of water time. If snorkeling is your priority, say so before departure. If some people in your group prefer to stay aboard, the private format makes that easier than a shared boat tour.

Bring your own basic swim gear only if the operator tells you to. The supplied details do not confirm equipment rental or specific gear included, so ask before booking. The same applies to flotation equipment and changing facilities.

Pinel Island and its famous iguanas

Pinel Island adds a change of pace. After snorkeling, you can go ashore or spend time near the island while looking for its iguanas. This stop is especially useful for families because it gives children something to spot between swims, and the experience is not limited to sitting on a boat.

Pinel is also a good place to build in a little unhurried time. The itinerary does not promise a meal here, and lunch is not included, so do not assume that the stop covers food. You receive snacks, water, and an open bar, but anyone wanting a proper lunch should ask how much time is available for buying one and whether that fits the route.

The iguanas are a memorable detail, but you should treat them as wildlife, not as tame animals waiting for attention. Give them space and follow the crew’s advice. A private guide can make this stop feel more personal by pointing out where to look and adjusting the pace for your group.

Tintamare, Creole Rock, and La Samanna

Tintamare is included as one of the main stops, and it suits a day built around swimming and snorkeling. Creole Rock has the same water-first appeal. The two stops give the charter room to offer more than one chance to get in the sea, which is useful if visibility or comfort changes during the day.

La Samanna brings a different coastal view. The supplied route does not promise a specific activity there, so consider it a scenic stop unless the crew confirms swimming or shore time. The value is in seeing more of the island’s coast without having to plan separate transport between beaches.

The tour can also include other must-see points around St. Maarten. One group traveled as far as Yellow Beach, spent several hours there, and then made the return trip by stopping at many beaches along the coast. That longer outing shows how a private charter can become a flexible beach-hopping day, although it should not be read as a guaranteed route for every departure.

Ask about the order of stops at check-in. Sea conditions, available time, and your group’s wishes all matter. A plan that works for strong swimmers may not suit a family with younger children, so be clear about your priorities.

Why the private format matters

The private setup is the strongest reason to choose this outing over a standard boat trip. Your group of up to 10 people has the boat and crew to itself, which gives you more say over the day. You can focus on swimming, sightseeing, family time, or a mix without negotiating with a boatload of unrelated passengers.

The crew’s role also goes beyond steering. Miguel is specifically noted for relating well to 12-year-old girls, and Damian is praised for handling children during several snorkeling stops. Nicholas is described as warm and friendly while taking a group to attractive places for swimming and snorkeling. Sammy and Natalie are named as both guides and captains for a group that enjoyed beaches and scuba activities.

Those individual examples matter if you are booking for children or a mixed group. They suggest that the human side of the outing can shape the day as much as the route. Still, a particular guide is not guaranteed unless Billy Bones confirms it in advance.

The private format is less important if you are alone or traveling as a couple and mainly want the lowest possible price. At $975, the charter makes more financial sense when shared among a larger group.

What the $975 price really buys

The listed price is $975 per group, with up to 10 people. At a full group of 10, that works out to $97.50 per person before additional fees. For six people, it becomes $162.50 each, and for four people it is $243.75 each.

That calculation is the key to judging value. A full family group or group of friends gets a private boat, professional guide, open bar, water, snacks, and roughly seven hours on the coast. You also avoid the less tangible cost of being tied to another group’s pace.

The price does not include lunch. It also does not include private transportation, according to the supplied details, even though the overview refers to round-trip hotel and port transfer. That is an important inconsistency. Confirm whether transportation is available, included, or arranged at an additional cost before paying.

You should also budget for a $10-per-person docking fee at Bobby’s Marina and a $6-per-person St. Maarten admission fee. A separate reserve fee is payable at check-in, and the amount is not given here. For 10 people, the stated docking and admission fees alone add $160, before the reserve fee.

The open bar adds convenience, but it does not replace lunch. Snacks and water help, especially during a long day in the sun, yet you should plan around the fact that a full meal is not part of the package.

Cruise-ship timing and getting to the boat

Cruise passengers can book the charter, but they must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking. That information lets the operator judge whether a seven-hour trip fits your port call.

I would not book this as a tight same-day gamble without confirming the schedule directly. A seven-hour charter needs room for getting off the ship, reaching the marina, returning, and reboarding. The supplied details do not state a guaranteed pickup time, so ask for clear instructions.

The tour is near public transportation, but private transportation is not included in the listed inclusions. If you are staying at a hotel or arriving by cruise ship, ask exactly where you meet the boat and how you get there. Do not assume that a hotel or port transfer is part of the $975.

Mobile ticketing makes the booking process easier, but you should still save the confirmation and fee details on your phone. Confirmation is provided at booking.

Drinks, swimming, and practical comfort

Unlimited drinks are included, along with water and snacks in the tour description. That is handy on a seven-hour boat day, particularly in the Caribbean sun. The open bar also lets the outing feel relaxed rather than tightly scheduled.

Use sensible sun protection and bring whatever personal items you need for a long period around salt water. The supplied information does not specify shade, towels, snorkeling equipment, or a restroom, so ask Billy Bones about those points if they affect your comfort.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is not described as requiring a particular fitness level, but the core activities include swimming and snorkeling. Tell the crew about your group’s abilities so the stop plan is realistic.

The boat is private, but that does not mean the sea will be calm. The experience requires good weather. If Billy Bones cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel for another reason or request a change, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be amended.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this outing most strongly to a group of family or friends who can fill much of the 10-person capacity. Children who like swimming, fish, turtles, and wildlife should have plenty to occupy them, and Pinel Island’s iguanas add an easy land-based attraction.

It also suits cruise passengers who want one major water day and can match the seven-hour schedule to their ship. Couples can enjoy it too, but the price is harder to justify unless they are joining with other people.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed fixed route, a formal lunch, or a low-cost shared excursion. It is also not the best pick for anyone who dislikes swimming or wants a short, simple harbor ride.

The posted score is 4.9 from 108 reviews, with 98 percent recommending the experience. The most repeated strengths are the crew’s warmth, the ability to work with children, several snorkeling stops, clear water, and the freedom to add beaches such as Yellow Beach. Those are the qualities I would weigh most heavily when deciding.

Should you book the Billy Bones charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a flexible day built around water, beaches, and personal service. The private format, open bar, snacks, and chance to adjust the route offer real value for a family or group of friends.

Before committing, confirm four things: the final route, transportation, the reserve fee, and whether snorkeling gear is provided. Also ask about lunch if you want more than snacks. If the answers fit your plans, this is a strong choice for a full St. Maarten boat day, especially for families who want a crew that pays attention to children.

FAQ

How long is the Billy Bones private charter?

The charter lasts approximately seven hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to 10 people.

What stops are included?

The planned stops include Pinel Island, Tintamare, Creole Rock, and La Samanna. The route may also include other must-see places around St. Maarten.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks and an open bar are included. Water and snacks are also included in the tour description.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are transportation costs included?

Private transportation is listed as not included. The overview refers to round-trip hotel and port transfer, so confirm the exact transportation arrangement before booking.

What extra fees should I expect?

A $10-per-person docking fee at Bobby’s Marina and a $6-per-person St. Maarten admission fee are listed separately. A reserve fee is also payable at check-in, but its amount is not specified.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The booking is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed for another reason.