Four beaches. One smooth sail day.

This private catamaran cruise turns St Maarten into a relaxed loop of beach time and in-water fun, with snacks and drinks included the whole day. I especially like the variety: long stretches of sand, a secluded bay pass, and a snorkeling spot where you can spot man-made underwater features. One catch to plan around: towels aren’t provided, and the route can shift with weather.

The pace works well because you’re not rushing between ports. You get real time at each stop—about two hours—so you can swim, hang out on the floating mat, or just watch the coastline slide by. The crew also keeps things lively with stories and fun facts while you’re onboard.

You’ll start from Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg (9:00 am) and cruise for about eight hours, then return to the same meeting point. It’s a private charter, so your group sets the vibe—perfect for birthdays and group celebrations when you want your own space.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Private catamaran for just your group, with an attentive crew keeping the day moving at a comfortable pace
• Drinks and snacks included, from alcoholic drinks to juices, soda, and grab-and-go beach treats
• Big water toys onboard: paddleboard / SUP, snorkeling gear, and a floating mat (floating bar vibe)
• Four distinct beach stops with different moods, from Long Beach to Little Bay’s underwater attractions
• Weather-based routing means you should stay flexible if conditions require a change

Entering a private catamaran day in St Maarten

A private sail catamaran day is different from the usual island tour because you’re not working around strangers. You can take breaks when you want, linger when the water looks calm, and actually enjoy the day without feeling herded.

Here, the setup is “day-on-the-water” practical. You’ll have snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard / SUP, and a floating mat that can double as your chill zone. And because drinks and snacks are included, you’re not constantly scanning for somewhere to buy something.

If you’re coming with a group that wants shared fun—swimming, photos, and a birthday-style celebration—that private factor is a big part of the value. The main thing to remember is simple: plan on bringing your own towels, since they aren’t included.

The Long Beach stop: long sand, clear water, easy start

Long Beach is the kind of place you go to reset your body and mind. The day starts with a white-sand shoreline and crystal-clear blue water, and the best part is the sheer length—there’s room to spread out and not feel crowded.

You’ll have about 2 hours here, which is ideal for a slower rhythm. I like using this first stop to gauge the water conditions, swim if it’s comfortable, and get that first batch of photos. Because the admission is free, you’re not wasting time or money on extra add-ons before the fun starts.

Potential drawback: since Long Beach is a long stretch, some people end up wanting to “wander farther” than expected. Keep an eye on time so you don’t accidentally burn your two hours on walking instead of relaxing.

Plum Bay: secluded sailing and famous-villa views from the water

Plum Bay is where the day gets more atmospheric. It’s described as a secluded beach area in the gated regions of Terres Basses, and you’ll sail along it rather than just drop anchor and rush off.

This stop is only about 2 hours, but the value is in the perspective. You’ll pass luxury villas as you cruise through the coastline, including one specifically mentioned: the villa of Donald Trump. Even if you don’t care about celebrity real estate, it’s still a good reminder that St Maarten’s coastline has layers, from postcard beaches to private compounds.

What this stop is great for: calm cruising, shoreline watching, and “we’re actually on a boat” time. What to consider: because it’s a more secluded setting, it’s not the best choice if your group wants lots of beach bustle. Think quieter scenery and sailing vibes instead.

Grand Case Beach: French-side energy and Creole Rock exploration time

Grand Case Beach is on the French side, and it has a different feel from the earlier stop. It’s noted as a popular beach, with sun-bleached sand and clear water that make it perfect for relaxing.

You’ll get about 2 hours here, and this is also a spot where people can explore the area around Creole Rock. The tour description frames Grand Case as a meeting place connected to that exploration, so it’s a good choice if you want a little more to do than just swim and lie in the sun.

The upside is that Grand Case brings a bit more life into the day. If you like your beach time with a side of local flavor and activity nearby, this is the stop that tends to satisfy that.

A consideration: popular beaches can mean more movement around you. If your group prefers quiet and spacious water, spend your time early in the stop for calmer moments.

Little Bay snorkeling: underwater statues, submarine, and helicopter

Little Bay is the stop built for people who want “wow” under the surface. It’s described as a snorkeler’s paradise, and the underwater features are the main headline: you can look for underwater statues, a sunken submarine, and even a helicopter below.

You’ll have about 2 hours here, which is usually enough time to snorkel, switch to a second round if you want, and still have time to relax afterward. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you’re not scrambling to rent gear last-minute.

My practical tip: even with equipment provided, you’ll enjoy the experience more if you plan your water time. That means checking conditions quickly when you’re in the water and deciding how long you want to stay before you commit to a full round of snorkeling.

If your group includes people who aren’t comfortable entering the water, this stop still works because it’s a clear-water beach setting. But note the tour’s safety note: people who swim or enter the water do so at their own risk. If anyone in your group is unsure, keep it conservative and stick to safer areas.

Onboard setup: floating mat, SUP, fishing gear, and included food

The onboard experience is more than “transport.” This day is built around simple, fun water activities and easy snacking—stuff you can enjoy without planning.

Here’s what’s included on the water:

• A floating mat / lilypad (with a floating bar feel)
• Paddleboard / SUP
• Fishing gear
• Snorkeling equipment
• A steady supply of drinks and snacks

For the snacks, you’re looking at madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips. Drinks include alcoholic beverages plus soft drinks like Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, club soda, fruit juices, and water. Translation: you can keep everyone happy from “we just got on the boat” to “we’re ready for our next swim.”

One practical note: towels aren’t included. I’d pack at least one towel per person, plus something small to keep wet gear from soaking your bag. If you forget towels, you’ll end up drying off with whatever you have, and nobody loves that.

How the crew makes the day feel special

A big reason this tour scores so well is the crew’s role. The description emphasizes attentive service, and the day is designed so the crew is active—pampering you onboard while also sharing stories and fun facts along the way.

In plain terms: this is the kind of operation where you should expect support. If you want help getting oriented around snorkeling gear, time the paddleboard session, or just ask what to watch for at each stop, the crew is there to help rather than leaving you to figure it out alone.

For a group celebration—like a birthday—this kind of crew energy matters. It turns “we booked a boat” into “we had a day that felt handled.”

Timing, meeting point, and what 8 hours really looks like

The tour runs about 8 hours, and it starts at 9:00 am. You meet at Bobby’s Marina 22H on Juancho Yrausquin Blvd in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

The stop plan is simple and repeatable: four stops, each around 2 hours. That structure helps you plan your own day too. You’re not stuck in transit the entire time, and you don’t have to guess how long you’ll get at the water.

What I like about this timing model: you can mix activities. For example, you can snorkel at Little Bay, paddleboard for part of another stop, then just lounge on the floating mat during the quieter sailing moments.

Weather and itinerary changes: staying flexible without losing the day

This is a day on the sea, so weather matters. The tour notes that the itinerary is subject to weather conditions, and changes aren’t linked to a price discount or cancellation.

Also, the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

My advice: if you’re planning around a special event, give yourself a little buffer. Because the boat is still trying to deliver a good day, route changes may happen even when the weather isn’t terrible—so keep your expectations flexible and focus on the core promise: time in the water and on beaches.

Who this private cruise is best for

This tour fits best when you want a mix of comfort and activity without a big-group feeling.

It’s a great match for:

• People celebrating something and wanting a private setting
• Groups that want both beach time and in-water fun
• Families or friend groups who appreciate included drinks and snacks
• Anyone who wants snorkeling gear and water toys taken care of for them

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re cost-sensitive and want a cheaper shared tour
• Your group refuses to enter the water at all (you’ll still have beach time, but the snorkeling stop is a big part of the appeal)
• You don’t want to pack towels and small personal water items

Should you book Be Happy?

If your priority is a private catamaran day with real time at multiple beaches, included snorkeling gear, and the convenience of drinks and snacks already covered, I think Be Happy is a strong choice. The included water toys (SUP and floating mat) make the day feel like more than just sightseeing, and the four-stop layout gives you variety without nonstop rushing.

Book it if you want the kind of day where your group can celebrate, swim when conditions are right, and relax between stops with minimal decision-making. Skip it if $960 per person is stretching your budget or if your group is likely to forget essentials like towels—because that small miss can turn a great day into an annoying one.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Be Happy private catamaran cruise?

It runs about 8 hours.

What beach stops are included during the day?

The day includes stops at Long Beach, Plum Bay, Grand Case Beach, and Little Bay.

What’s included onboard?

You get snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, a floating mat (lilypad), a paddleboard / SUP, alcoholic beverages, snacks (including madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips), and soft drinks, juices, and water.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels aren’t included, so you’ll want to bring your own.

Where do we meet and where does the tour end?

You meet at Bobby’s Marina 22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Does the itinerary depend on weather?

Yes. The itinerary is subject to weather conditions. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.