Private Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Charter in St Maarten

The best part of this charter is the freedom to see St Maarten from the water without sharing the boat with strangers. You can sail around the island, stop at Creole Rock for snorkeling, swim near Tintamarre Island, and shape the pace around your group.

I like the practical inclusions: an open bar and hot BBQ lunch mean you do not have to pack much, while paddle boards, fishing rods, and snorkeling gear are ready to use. The crew also gets strong praise for being accommodating, including Louise and Tonya, who are named for making one group’s day run smoothly.

The main drawback is the price. At $2,800 for up to 15 people, this works best for a full group, not a couple or small family. The boat is stable, but you still need good weather, sun protection, and enough comfort with a full day on the water.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 15 people: Your group gets the catamaran to itself, with no shared-tour schedule.
• A full island circuit: The route can include La Samanna, Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island, and coastal views available only from the sea.
• Snorkeling at Creole Rock: This is presented as St Maarten’s top snorkeling site for fish.
• Tintamarre turtle stop: Plan on swimming, beach time, and the chance to see turtles near the island.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect Gouda cheese, fresh baguette, salads, a hot BBQ lunch, and an open bar.
• Flexible water activities: Snorkel, paddle board, fish with trolling rods, or simply rest in the sun or shade.

A private day on St Maarten’s water

This is not a quick harbor cruise. It is an eight-hour private sailing day built around the sea, with enough time for several stops and a long return sail to Simpson Bay.

You meet at 9:00 a.m. at 88 Welfare Road in Simpson Bay. From there, the crew handles the boat while you settle into the catamaran. The vessel is described as extremely stable and is operated by experienced, licensed captains, which matters on a day when people may be moving between the deck, the water, and the beach.

The private format changes the mood. You are not trying to keep up with a busload of people or squeeze into a fixed activity plan. If your group wants more time to swim, you can use the day that way. If some people would rather sit in the shade with a drink, that is possible too.

The group limit is 15 people, although one family outing included 22 people and was able to enjoy the boat and crew. For booking purposes, use the stated limit of 15. If you have a larger party, confirm the arrangement before paying.

Sailing around both sides of the island

The route is often planned as an around-the-island trip, taking in both the Dutch and French sides of St Maarten and St Martin. This gives you a different view of the island than you get from a road tour.

From the water, you can see sections of the coast that are not easy to reach on land. The pace also lets you appreciate the island as a place shaped by bays, cliffs, beaches, and open sea, rather than as a string of separate sightseeing stops.

The exact sailing pattern can be adjusted. That flexibility is useful because water conditions, weather, and your group’s interests may affect how long you want to stay at each location. You should confirm the planned route with the crew at the start, especially if a particular stop matters most to you.

The ride itself is part of the day. The catamaran’s gentle movement can be relaxing, but anyone prone to seasickness should plan ahead. The boat offers both sun and shade, so you can change position as the day gets hotter.

La Samanna and Creole Rock

La Samanna is one of the early points included on the popular island route. The stop gives you a look at the French side of St Martin from the water and helps set the tone for the day: scenic coastline first, then time for swimming and snorkeling.

Creole Rock is the main underwater stop. It is described as St Maarten’s number one snorkeling site for fish, and equipment is supplied. You do not need to rent a mask or bring your own fins, though bringing personal gear may still be useful if you prefer a particular fit.

This is where the included equipment has real value. A private boat can stop when the conditions suit your group, and you can spend your time in the water without paying extra for each activity. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the crew about the safest way to use the equipment before entering the water.

The snorkeling stop may be less appealing to anyone who dislikes salt water, sun, or getting wet. That is not a problem for the group as a whole, since the boat also provides seating, shade, drinks, and room to relax.

Tintamarre Island and the turtle swim

Tintamarre Island is the main destination of the day. The stop combines swimming, a beach, and the chance to see turtles in the surrounding water. It is the point where the charter feels least like a sightseeing cruise and most like a full beach day.

The island is uninhabited, so do not expect shops, restaurants, or a developed beach facility. That lack of development is part of its appeal, but it also means you should make good use of the food, water, and equipment provided on board.

The beach stop gives you time to come ashore and stretch your legs after the morning sailing. You can also swim, snorkel, or use the paddle board, depending on conditions and your group’s energy.

Turtle sightings are never something any wildlife outing can guarantee, so treat them as a possibility rather than the sole reason to book. The island, clear water, and quiet beach still make this a worthwhile stop even if the turtles keep their distance.

A proper lunch, not just snacks

Food is one of the stronger practical features of this charter. The day includes Gouda cheese, fresh baguette, snacks, salads, and a hot Caribbean BBQ lunch.

That matters on an eight-hour boat trip. A few chips and a soft drink would not be enough for a full day in the sun, especially when you are swimming and paddle boarding. The BBQ gives the day a proper midday meal, while the cheese and bread help bridge the gaps between stops.

Drinks include bottled water, coffee, tea, soda, beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky. The open bar is included in the price, but it is still wise to pace yourself. Alcohol and strong sun can catch up with you quickly, particularly after snorkeling.

If anyone in your group has food restrictions, ask before booking. The supplied details confirm the menu but do not specify vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or religious dietary options.

What the equipment adds to the day

The included gear gives your group several ways to use the water:

• Snorkeling equipment for the Creole Rock and Tintamarre stops
• A stand-up paddle board for a slower look at the water
• Fishing rods for trolling while the boat is moving
• Drinks, coffee, tea, and bottled water throughout the day

You do not have to take part in every activity. That is important for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another rests in the shade, and children or less confident swimmers can stay close to the boat with adult supervision.

Fishing is listed as trolling rather than a dedicated fishing excursion. Think of it as an extra activity while sailing, not a promise of a catch or a full fishing lesson.

The boat is described as stable and safe, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals may be allowed with prior approval. Wheelchairs can reach the boat, but cannot be used on board, so this needs careful planning before arrival.

Is $2,800 good value?

The price is $2,800 per group, with up to 15 people included. Filled to capacity, that works out to about $187 per person. At 10 people, it is $280 each, and at six people, it is about $467 each.

That makes the group size the key value question. A large family, wedding party, reunion, or group of friends can spread the cost across enough people to make the private boat appealing. A couple or small party will pay a premium for privacy.

The price includes eight hours on the water, the captain and crew, lunch, snacks, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, fishing rods, and the private itinerary. You also avoid buying separate drinks, renting snorkel gear, or paying for several individual water activities.

You are paying for control as much as for transport. A cheaper shared boat may cover some of the same water, but it will not give your group the same control over the pace or the company on board.

I would compare this charter with other private boat options based on three questions: how many people are in your party, how important privacy is, and how much value you place on the included meal and drinks. If your group is large and wants a social day together, the numbers make sense. If only two or three people are coming, the price is harder to justify.

The crew and the feel of the day

The crew is central to this experience because the route is flexible and the day is long. Captains and mates handle the boat, the sailing, the stops, and the equipment while you focus on your group.

Louise and Tonya are names worth asking about when you book. They are associated with a particularly accommodating day, including patience and help for a large family group. Since crew assignments can change, confirm who will be working your date rather than assuming a specific team.

The strongest praise centers on the crew’s attitude. That is useful information for a private charter, where good communication can make the difference between a relaxed day and a disorganized one. Tell the crew early if your group wants more swimming, more sailing, extra beach time, or a quieter pace.

The experience has received a 5.0 rating from 97 ratings and is recommended by 99 percent of customers. Those numbers suggest a consistently strong experience, though they do not remove the normal risks of weather, sea conditions, and personal expectations.

Who should book this catamaran?

This charter suits a group that wants a full day together rather than a short activity squeezed between other plans. It is especially useful for families, birthday groups, wedding parties, and friends who want food, drinks, swimming, and sightseeing handled in one booking.

It also works well for mixed-age groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel and paddle board, while others can stay aboard in the shade. The boat’s stability and the presence of experienced licensed captains add comfort, though everyone still needs to follow crew instructions.

You should think twice if you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour with lots of time on land. Most of the day is spent on or near the water, and Tintamarre Island has no listed facilities. This is also not the right choice if poor weather is likely to disrupt your dates.

Wear swimwear and bring sun protection, but do not forget a dry change of clothes. The supplied details do not list towels, so confirm that point before you arrive.

Timing, weather, and cancellation

The day starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends back at 88 Welfare Road in Simpson Bay after roughly eight hours. Build your plans around a full day, not a morning appointment followed by lunch elsewhere.

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. I would avoid making tight same-day plans around this trip until the booking is confirmed.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you have enough people to share the cost and want a private, flexible day with strong food and drink coverage. The combination of Creole Rock snorkeling, Tintamarre Island, a turtle swim possibility, a BBQ lunch, and an around-the-island sail gives you more range than a short boat outing.

I would skip it if your group is small, your budget is tight, or you prefer land-based sightseeing. For the right group, the value comes from having the boat, crew, activities, meals, and schedule gathered in one day. For a couple, the same price is a major splurge.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at 88 Welfare Road in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, at 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Simpson Bay.

How long does the charter last?

The charter lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The stated capacity is up to 15 people per group. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a hot Caribbean BBQ lunch with salads, along with snacks, Gouda cheese, and fresh baguette.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are bottled water, coffee, tea, soda, beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddle board, and fishing rods for trolling are provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.