4 hours can feel like a mini vacation. This private catamaran cruise lets you float between St Maarten’s best beaches with a relaxed crew, drinks, and gear on hand. You’ll stop at Mullet Bay, then swing by Plum Bay and Little Bay for a swim-and-snorkel style outing, all from the comfort of a luxury sail catamaran.

I especially love how much is included without turning it into a busy schedule: snacks, a full drinks setup (for adults), and water activities like SUP and a floating mat. The itinerary also makes it easy to get real beach time—two hours at Mullet Bay, then two shorter stops for quieter spots and snorkeling opportunities.

The main thing to consider is weather. The plan depends on wind and sea conditions, and the itinerary can shift without a price discount or cancellation.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Private sailing with your own group (no mixing, no awkward shuffle of strangers)
• Mullet Bay gets the longest stop so you can actually settle in
• Plum Bay is secluded and rare to visit while you pass high-end Terres Basses homes
• Little Bay has snorkeling areas plus underwater wreck details including a helicopter and submarine wreck
• Included water time tools: snorkeling gear, SUP, and a floating mat (floating bar energy)
• Crew energy matters—the vibe comes through in stories and constant care

Why a private catamaran half-day feels like a mini vacation

A half-day on the water can go one of two ways: either you spend most of the time traveling, or you actually get the fun parts. On Be Happy, the timing is built for useful pleasure. You start near Philipsburg and then quickly get into beach territory, with the longest chunk carved out for Mullet Bay.

What you’re really buying is control. This is a private charter, so you’re not waiting for a group to finish packing towels, hunting down “that one person,” or trying to coordinate around different comfort levels in the water. If you’re celebrating something—like the anniversary sunset cruise one crew member helped run—you get a calmer setting to relax and enjoy the moment.

I also like the way the crew frames the trip. You’re not just along for the ride; you’re guided with stories and fun facts as you sail between stops. That turns “we’re on a boat” into “we’re on a boat and learning a little.”

Boarding at Bobby’s Marina and what to bring

The meeting point is Bobby’s Marina (22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd) in Philipsburg. It’s listed as near public transportation, which is helpful if you don’t want to worry about parking or arranging an extra ride. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck with a “now what” question after you’re tired and sun-warmed.

You don’t need much in the way of “stuff” because the basics are handled for you. You’ll have snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, and water toys like a floating mat / lilypad and a paddleboard / SUP. Snacks and drinks are included, and the crew provides everything you need to actually use the time.

One thing you should pack: towels are not included. So bring your own (or plan to grab one from your accommodation). Also, even though it’s “most travelers can participate,” there’s a clear note that if you swim or enter the water, you do so at your own risk. That’s normal, but it’s still worth taking seriously—especially if you’re planning to snorkel or use the SUP.

Stop 1: Mullet Bay for that locals-do-it-their-way beach time

Mullet Bay is first for a reason, and the schedule backs it up. You get about two hours there, which is long enough to do more than a quick dip. This is the beach that’s described as the local favorite, with blue waters and white sand, plus a laid-back feel and Caribbean music. You’ll also find beach restaurants and bars nearby, which matters because it gives you options if you want to extend the beach vibe.

Why the long stop matters: two hours lets you choose your own pace. If you want to snorkel, you can do it early and then spend the rest of the time just swimming, lounging, or walking along the shore. If you’re traveling with people who like different water comfort levels, Mullet Bay gives everyone a way to enjoy without feeling rushed.

A practical note: Mullet Bay is popular. That doesn’t automatically mean “crowded,” but it does mean you should plan to spend your time like a beach person—sunscreen, a drink, and a place where you can cool off when you want.

Stop 2: Plum Bay and the Terres Basses luxury coastline view

After Mullet Bay, the itinerary shifts to Plum Bay for about one hour. This stop is positioned as a quieter detour: a secluded beach in the gated regions of Terres Basses, described as rarely visited. In other words, you’re not aiming for the busiest beach scene—you’re aiming for a calmer slice of coast.

Here’s what makes it feel special: you pass luxury villas, including mention of the villa associated with Donald Trump. Even if you’re not chasing celebrity real estate, seeing the contrast between calm shoreline and serious luxury gives you a good sense of how different parts of St Maarten look from the water.

What to expect with a one-hour stop: it’s enough for a swim, a relaxed hang, and some photo time. It’s not meant to replace a full beach day. So if you love longer beach time, think of Plum Bay as a “pause and reset” stop—short, pretty, and intentionally lower-key.

Potential drawback: if you personally prefer long beach stretches to short hops, you may wish Plum Bay had more time. The overall plan compensates by giving Mullet Bay the big block of beach minutes.

Stop 3: Little Bay snorkeling and the wreck-and-helicopter vibe

The final stop is Little Bay, also about one hour. This is the recreational area where snorkeling is a big part of the plan, with aquatic life and a notable underwater detail: a helicopter and a submarine wreck on the bottom.

That kind of underwater “structure” changes how snorkeling feels. Instead of just floating over sand, you may find more to look at—things that break up the view and give your eyes something interesting to track. It can also make snorkeling feel more like exploring, even during a short stop.

A caution that’s smart even for confident swimmers: the listing notes that participants who enter the water do so at their own risk. So use common sense with entry/exit from the catamaran, and if you’re not comfortable in open water, treat snorkeling as optional. The beauty of the charter format is you’re not forced into one activity.

Also, because Little Bay is only about an hour, you’ll want to plan your timing. If you want photos and snorkeling, try to do the water part earlier in the stop so you’re not rushing at the end.

Snacks, drinks, and the crew’s role in keeping it effortless

The included onboard offer is a big reason this cruise feels like “less work, more fun.” You get snacks such as madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips. Drinks are also part of the plan, including soda options (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, club soda), fruit juices, water, and alcoholic beverages for guests older than 18.

This matters because it changes the tone of the day. Without having to stop for purchases mid-cruise, you can stay in the groove: sip, snack, swim, repeat. If you’re celebrating, that little frictionless convenience is what makes the day feel special rather than logistical.

The crew also seems to do more than “operate the boat.” In past cruises with this same operation, captains and crew members were described as friendly and tuned in—sharing island context and making the day feel cared for. Names mentioned include Captain Charlie and Captain Maxima, and Chef/crew Aga for a meal-prep moment during an anniversary sunset cruise.

Even if your day is not themed around an anniversary, you can still expect the same style: talk, guidance, and help when you want it.

One small but important detail: fishing gear is included. So if that’s your thing, you can try without bringing your own kit. Even if you don’t catch anything (no guarantee), the gear included means the option is there.

Stop timing, total sailing flow, and how the day actually feels

With about four hours total, the structure is pretty clear:

• Mullet Bay ~2 hours: main beach time
• Plum Bay ~1 hour: short secluded detour and villa views
• Little Bay ~1 hour: snorkeling-focused finish

This is the right mix for a half-day itinerary because it avoids the worst pattern—spending too long at a stop that doesn’t fit your interests. Mullet Bay is the anchor. Plum Bay adds variety. Little Bay adds activity.

Also, because the trip returns to the meeting point, you don’t have to plan extra transportation at the end of your cruise. That’s a quiet “win,” especially if you’re pairing the half-day with dinner or another activity.

Price check: when $770 per person makes sense

Let’s talk value, because $770 per person is not casual. The only way this price feels fair is if it matches what you’ll actually use.

Here’s what’s included that typically changes the math:

• Private charter (your group only)
• Snacks and a broad drinks selection
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP / paddleboard
• Floating mat / lilypad
• Fishing gear
• Use of snorkeling gear is explicit, and towel is the one notable missing item

If you’re comparing this to a standard group boat tour where you might pay more for snacks, rent snorkeling gear, or bring your own floating tools, the Be Happy package starts to make sense. You’re getting activities plus food and drinks bundled into the charter rate.

When it might not be a great deal: if you’re only going to use one or two items (say you won’t snorkel and you won’t use SUP), then you’re paying for amenities you might not take advantage of. In that case, you may want to compare with a simpler sailing option or a tour with fewer included extras.

One more reality check: this is priced per person, and private charters usually mean the per-person cost depends on group size. If you can fill the boat with people who genuinely want the water time and the food-and-drink setup, the value becomes much easier to justify.

Practical tip: ask what your group size is going to be when you book, and decide based on that. If you want a true private experience and everyone will use the water toys, this price can feel like paying for convenience.

Weather, water risk, and how flexible your half day really is

This cruise requires good weather. The itinerary is subject to weather conditions, and the company notes that changes are possible without a price discount or cancellation. That’s a standard reality for sailing, but it’s still worth planning around.

The good part is the free cancellation rule: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. So you’re not locked into a bad-weather situation right down to the last minute. That gives you breathing room if storms roll in.

In terms of safety and participation, it’s also not a “do whatever you want” pitch. There’s a clear note that if you swim or enter the water, you do so at your own risk. That doesn’t mean the experience is unsafe—it just means the water is the water. Bring a practical mindset: buoyancy and entry/exit matter, and if you’re not comfortable, enjoy from the boat.

Who this private cruise fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit for:

• Bachelorette and anniversary groups that want privacy, good service, and celebratory vibes
• People who want a real beach itinerary without complicated planning
• Travelers who enjoy mixing snorkeling with lounge time
• Groups who will actually use the included kit: SUP, floating mat, snorkeling gear

It might not be the best fit if:

• You hate water-based activities and prefer staying mostly on land
• Your group wants a super long beach day (this is about four hours total)
• You’re traveling with someone who strongly prefers predictable, non-changing itineraries—weather can affect the plan

Should you book Be Happy Private Catamaran Cruise?

If your ideal day looks like this: drink something cold, eat snacks without thinking, stop at multiple beaches, snorkel if conditions allow, and do it all with your own group—then yes, it’s a strong choice. The mix of Mullet Bay’s big beach block plus Little Bay’s snorkeling structure makes the half-day feel like it earns its keep.

If you’re on the fence because of the price, I’d make the decision based on two questions: Will your group actually use the included water activities? And will you value a private setup enough to pay for it? If the answer is yes, Be Happy is the kind of St Maarten day that feels more like a treat than a checkbox.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Be Happy private catamaran cruise?

It’s listed as approximately 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Bobby’s Marina (22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd) in Philipsburg and ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included?

The itinerary includes Mullet Bay, Plum Bay, and Little Bay.

What water activities and gear are included?

You’ll have snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, a floating mat/lilypad, and use of a paddleboard / SUP.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. The included items list snacks and a range of soft drinks and water, plus alcoholic beverages for guests older than 18.

Do I need to bring towels?

Towels are not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Is alcohol included for everyone?

Alcoholic beverages are offered only to guests older than 18.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The itinerary can also change due to weather conditions.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.