St Maarten Luxury Catamaran Full-Day Group Charter

St. Maarten’s best scenery is often found offshore, and this nine-hour catamaran day gives you plenty of time to enjoy it without rushing from one stop to the next. You may spot planes at Maho Beach, swim near Tintamarre Island, or simply stretch out under the shade while the crew handles the food and sailing.

I especially like the small maximum group of 15 and the unusually complete meal service, which includes pastries, fruit, snacks, a four-course lunch, and a full open bar. The main consideration is weather: rough seas can change the route, cancel snorkeling, or make the ride uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Key details at a glance

• A full day at sea: Depart Bobby’s Marina at 8:30 a.m. and return around 5:30 p.m.
• A 48-foot Flagship II catamaran: The boat has plenty of shade and room to spread out, with a maximum of 15 passengers.
• Tintamarre Island snorkeling: The trip may include a two-hour stop for swimming and snorkeling near sea turtles.
• Food from breakfast through dessert: Pastries, fruit, appetizers, a four-course lunch, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included.
• Water activities included: Snorkeling and fishing equipment, plus two stand-up paddleboards, are available.
• A shared charter with a private-boat feel: You save compared with booking the whole catamaran, while still avoiding the crowds of a large excursion boat.

Setting sail from Bobby’s Marina at 8:30

Your day begins at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, near the Greenhouse restaurant and over the small bridge. The meeting point is convenient if you are staying near Philipsburg or arriving by public transportation, but you should allow enough time to find the marina and board calmly. The boat returns to this same spot around 5:30 p.m.

Flagship II is a 48-foot, or 15-meter, catamaran. That size matters. You get more stability and deck space than on a small open boat, along with broad areas of shade for breaks from the sun. With the passenger count capped at 15, the boat should feel social without becoming packed.

This is a shared charter, not a private cruise. That distinction is important because the cost is $245 per person, and at least one party was surprised to find other people aboard after expecting a private boat. On the other hand, sharing keeps the price far below the cost of reserving a luxury catamaran for your own group.

The morning begins with French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee. A welcome mimosa or Bloody Mary may also be served. It is a thoughtful start, especially since the first part of the day is spent sailing around the island rather than immediately jumping into the water.

Sailing around the St. Maarten coastline

The route is designed to show you St. Maarten and the French side of Saint-Martin from the water. You may pass beaches, bays, and stretches of coast that are difficult to appreciate from a road. Depending on conditions, the captain may include Long Bay La Samana, Happy Bay, Tintamarre Island, and other stops.

The sailing itself is part of the appeal. You can sit forward for the views, find shade toward the back, or use the boat as a comfortable base between swims. The crew prepares meals, pours drinks, explains the area, and keeps an eye on sea conditions while you enjoy the day.

Several people have praised captains including Benjamin and Alois, along with crew members such as Georgia, Pavla, Paula, Soelle, and Eloise. The recurring strength is attentive service. The crew checks on passengers, helps with snorkeling, shares local information, and adjusts the plan when the sea becomes rough.

One practical point is worth knowing: a catamaran can move comfortably in moderate conditions, but open water is still open water. On rougher days, the ride may be bumpy, and you may need to sit farther back or postpone snorkeling. If you are sensitive to motion, eat lightly before departure, use the shaded seating, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell.

Happy Bay and the quieter side of the island

Happy Bay is one of the possible early stops. It is a good place to settle into the rhythm of the day, with time to swim, relax on the boat, or use the equipment provided. Stops are not rigidly guaranteed, since the final route depends on wind, waves, and safety.

This flexibility is a strength rather than a flaw. A good captain will not force the advertised route when conditions are poor. On one rough-weather trip, the original snorkeling plan changed, but the captain found alternate places to anchor and kept the day enjoyable. You should see the named beaches and islands as likely highlights, not fixed promises.

The boat gives you options at each stop. You can swim, snorkel, fish, paddleboard, or remain on deck with a drink. That makes the trip workable for mixed groups, especially when one person wants active water time and another prefers to relax.

Families have used the catamaran successfully with children as young as four, and one larger family group included children from three to eleven. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the crew has experience helping families feel comfortable aboard. Still, you should remember that this is a long day in the sun, not a short beach transfer.

Tintamarre Island and swimming with turtles

Tintamarre Island is the day’s most distinctive stop. The uninhabited island sits off the coast of Saint-Martin, and the surrounding water may offer good snorkeling and the chance to swim near sea turtles.

The planned stop can last about two hours, giving you time to get comfortable with the mask and fins rather than making a hurried ten-minute splash. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew can help you get set up. One captain, Benjamin, has even helped passengers hand-feed fish while snorkeling.

Keep your expectations sensible. Turtle sightings and water clarity depend on nature, weather, and the time of day. The trip offers the opportunity to swim with turtles, not a guarantee that every passenger will see one. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask about current sea conditions before departure and be prepared for the captain to choose a safer alternate location.

You should also avoid touching ropes, mooring lines, or underwater structures. One passenger reported a painful skin reaction after contact with a submerged rope near underwater statues at Little Bay. The cause was uncertain, but the practical lesson is clear: look, do not touch, and wear a rash guard if you have sensitive skin.

Long Bay, beach views, and time to slow down

Long Bay La Samana is another possible stop. The emphasis here is less on checking off an attraction and more on enjoying the water at a relaxed pace. You may swim from the boat, sit with a cold drink, or take a paddleboard out for a quiet look around.

The two stand-up paddleboards are included, but they are shared among the group. If you want a turn, speak up politely rather than assuming one will be available all day. Fishing equipment is also provided, though fishing is best viewed as an extra activity rather than the central focus of the trip.

Happy Bay, Long Bay, Tintamarre, and other stops create variety. You are not confined to one beach or one snorkeling site. The tradeoff is that the final sequence can change, and there is no guarantee that every named location will be visited.

Four-course lunch and an open bar

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter. Breakfast includes French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee. Later, the crew serves appetizers and snacks, followed by a four-course gourmet lunch and dessert.

The onboard cooking has received especially strong praise. Reported meals have included fresh guacamole with chips, cheeses and crackers, vegetables with dips, chicken curry, chicken with vegetables and rice, and chocolate torte. Menus may change, so do not book expecting one exact dish. The useful point is that lunch is prepared aboard rather than handed to you as a boxed meal.

The open bar includes alcoholic beverages, soda, and other soft drinks. Beer, wine, and locally made rum have been available on some outings. A full bar can make the price easier to justify, particularly when you compare it with paying separately for breakfast, lunch, drinks, and water activities during a day on the island.

You should pace yourself. Nine hours in the sun, with swimming and alcohol, can catch up with you quickly. Drink water, use sunscreen, and remember that the boat still has to return to Philipsburg.

Vegetarian food is available if requested at booking. Make that request in advance rather than waiting until you board. Breakfast and snacks are useful for people who prefer to graze, while the substantial lunch means you should not need to bring a separate meal.

What the boat feels like during a full day

The catamaran has generous shade, which is essential in the Caribbean. You will still want sunscreen, sunglasses, a beach towel, and clothing that can get wet. There is room to move around, but this is not a private villa at sea. Seating and activity time are shared with the rest of the group.

The best balance is to treat the boat as both transportation and a floating base. Spend part of the day near the front for the breeze and views, then retreat to shade after swimming. The catamaran’s size gives you choices, while the 15-person limit keeps the atmosphere more personal than a large sightseeing cruise.

The crew’s role is another important part of the experience. Benjamin, Alois, Georgia, Pavla, Paula, Soelle, and other crew members have been praised for preparing food, operating the boat, serving drinks, explaining the area, and helping passengers in the water. That combination of cooking and seamanship is a major part of what you are paying for.

There can be occasional imperfections. One report noted that a captain smoked, which was bothersome when rough water required passengers to sit toward the back. Staffing and weather can also affect the day. The overall service may remain strong, but you should not expect a perfectly controlled environment on a working boat.

Is $245 a fair price?

At $245 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see St. Maarten by water. The value comes from how much is bundled into the nine-hour day: a luxury catamaran, a small shared group, breakfast, snacks, a four-course lunch, an open bar, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, paddleboards, and crew service.

If you booked meals, drinks, a boat ride, and water equipment separately, the total could rise quickly. You also get the convenience of spending one full day on the water instead of organizing several smaller activities.

The price makes the most sense for people who want a polished, all-day outing and would make use of the food and drinks. It is less suitable if you only want a quick swim, a short sail, or the freedom to choose every stop yourself.

The 98 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 237 ratings suggest a consistently strong experience, but the practical details matter more than the numbers. The boat is shared, weather controls the route, and the sea can be rough. If those conditions fit your plans, the cost is reasonable for a full-service charter.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would recommend it to couples, families, small groups, and solo visitors who want a relaxed day with built-in activities. It works especially well for a celebration, such as a birthday, because the crew has helped mark special occasions with cake and candles.

Families can appreciate the shade, food, and range of activities, but adults remain responsible for children. A child who dislikes boats, heat, or long days may not enjoy nine hours offshore.

It also suits people who do not want to plan every detail. You do not need to find a separate restaurant, rent snorkeling equipment, or arrange transport between several beaches. The crew builds the day around conditions and keeps the basic comforts coming.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who needs a guaranteed itinerary, dislikes group activities, or is highly sensitive to motion. I would also avoid scheduling it immediately before an important flight, since the trip lasts until about 5:30 p.m. and depends on weather.

Practical booking advice

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate, but you should consider your comfort with boarding, swimming, and moving around on a boat.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes cancellation, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a beach towel, and a swimsuit. A rash guard is useful for long periods in the water, and it gives you extra protection from the sun. Tell the operator about a vegetarian meal when booking.

Should you book Flagship II?

Book it if you want a full-service day on the water, not just a boat transfer. The strongest combination is the small group, capable crew, excellent food, open bar, shade, and the chance to snorkel around Tintamarre Island.

Skip it if you need a private charter, a guaranteed route, or a short and inexpensive outing. For everyone else, $245 is a fair price for nine hours of sailing, meals, drinks, and water activities, with enough flexibility to keep the day comfortable when the weather changes.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour begin and end?

The tour begins and ends at Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

What time does the tour start?

Departure is at 8:30 a.m., with the return scheduled for about 5:30 p.m.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers aboard the 48-foot Flagship II catamaran.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A four-course gourmet lunch is included, along with breakfast, snacks, appetizers, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes a full open bar with alcoholic beverages, soda, tea, and coffee.

What water activities are available?

Snorkeling and fishing equipment are included, along with two stand-up paddleboards. A possible stop at Tintamarre Island offers swimming and snorkeling near sea turtles.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.