Three hours, your own St Maarten route. I like the privacy of this small-group charter, where your captain and crew plan the day around what you care about, not a fixed checklist. I also love that you get snorkel gear plus an open bar and onboard food, so the trip feels like a mini-vacation, not just a boat ride.

The only real catch is the water and wind can change your plan. If seas are rough, the captain may swap stops for safer, calmer spots, which you’ll want to factor in if you’re easily bothered by motion.

Key things I’d watch before booking

• Private charter feel: just your group on the catamaran, with a captain who adjusts the route.
• Snorkel setup included: gear is provided, plus inflatable vests and noodles for non-swimmers.
• Onboard comfort: shade, a swimming platform, an easy ladder, fresh-water shower, and electric toilets.
• Best-of both sides potential: you can aim for French lagoon spots, nature areas, and classic beaches.
• Maho Beach plane photos: a short stop with a big payoff when flights line up.
• Extra nature fee may apply: French Nature Reserve access is not included ($6, per the info you’ll receive).

Why a private 3-hour charter makes St Maarten feel easier

St Maarten is a great place to explore by sea because the coast changes fast. One moment you’re cruising past marinas and megayachts, and the next you’re near quieter coves where snorkeling is the main event.

On this charter, you’re not stuck with a strict schedule. Your captain and crew talk with you up front and help shape the day based on conditions, your comfort level in the water, and how much time you want for swimming versus sightseeing.

I also appreciate that it’s built for “everyone gets something they want.” Even if some people just want sun and views, there’s still plenty to do onboard. If you want to snorkel, you’re not scrambling to rent gear or hunt for a tour office.

Meeting at Bobby’s Marina and getting ready to move

You meet at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, where you’ll be instructed to arrive about 15 minutes early. The start time is listed as 9:00am, but there’s also a reference to the first stop beginning around 10am, so I’d treat your confirmation details as the source of truth for exact timing.

Before you go, pack like you’re spending the day in the water:

• swimsuit and a towel (you bring your own towel)
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• something light for wind

Once you’re aboard, you’ll meet the captain and crew and go over what you want to see. This part matters more than people think. A quick conversation can turn the same coastline into a very different experience.

What you get onboard: snorkel gear, open bar, and comfort that matters

This is a power catamaran setup, with shade (about 60%) and an easy ladder for getting back on board after swimming. There’s a swimming platform, which is handy if you want a quick rinse in and out of the water without hauling yourself over the side.

For snorkeling, you get the equipment included. The plan also supports non-swimmers with inflatable vests and noodles, so you’re not forced into a one-size-fits-all activity.

Food and drinks are part of the value here. The info lists an open bar with Carib, Coors Light, Happy Rhum Punch, sodas, juices, and water. After the first snorkeling stop, you’re served snacks that include mini baguette sandwiches (ham & cheese and tuna are specifically listed). That means you’re not hungry during the later stops when the day gets busiest.

Two practical extras I’m glad to see listed:

• electric toilets and a freshwater shower
• easy boarding and a smooth flow back toward the marina area

And there’s a clear rule for the bar: minimum drinking age is 18. If your group includes teens, plan on water, soda, juices, and the snacks doing most of the work.

Little Bay, Indigo Bay, and the French-side direction

Your day typically starts with a cruise past Little Bay. This is a “first taste” stop where you may have the option for an easy snorkel on the way toward the French side of the lagoon. Even if you keep it short, it’s a good way to get comfortable in the water early, before the later beach stops.

Indigo Bay is another option described as an ecologic development with clear, calm water and spacious homes along the coastline. In real terms, that’s a clue to what you’re hunting for: calmer water that makes snorkeling more pleasant, especially if you’re not an expert swimmer.

The broader point: this route flexes. Your captain can adjust the order and exact stops depending on the day’s conditions. If the water’s choppy, don’t be surprised if the plan favors calmer inlets first.

Simpson Bay Lagoon: marinas, megayachts, and a smooth boat rhythm

As you enter Simpson Bay Lagoon, you’ll cruise past marinas filled with very large yachts. There’s even a note about celebrities owning yachts in this bay, and that each one has its own story. Even if you don’t go deep on the background, the scale of these boats changes your sense of place fast. You’re seeing money, design, and coastal life all in one view.

You also pass major landmarks on the water, including getting under the Simpson Bay Bridge to reach the lagoon area, and then passing under the Causeway as you arrive deeper into the route.

One reason I like a stop like this: it’s not just scenery. It’s a “free slideshow” that doesn’t require you to move much. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who’s more comfortable standing than swimming, the lagoon segment keeps the day fun even when you’re taking it slow.

Baie Longue for that calm-last-swim feeling

Baie Longue is positioned as a key stop for a calmer swim on the way back. The listed time is about 20 minutes, which is long enough for a relaxed dip and short snorkeling without feeling rushed.

There’s also a fun detail in the plan: there may be a cliff-jump option. Not everyone will do it, but the fact that it’s there tells you the stop is set up for more than a casual float.

Between the earlier snorkeling and the later plane-spotting stop, this kind of “easy, comfortable water” moment helps balance the day. If you’re trying to time your energy, Baie Longue is often where you’ll want to do it.

Maho Beach: the plane landing photo stop

Maho Beach is the classic St Maarten spectacle. On this charter, you get a stop on the way back specifically to watch planes land and capture photos.

The time listed here is about 10 minutes. That’s short, but the payoff is huge if the timing lines up. You’ll want to plan for quick decisions: find a spot, get your camera ready, and accept that planes don’t schedule themselves around your schedule.

If you’re sensitive to loud sounds, remember that plane landings are the whole point. For most people, that’s part of the charm.

Also, the itinerary notes that you’ll observe beautiful cliffs as you pass by. Even when you’re focused on planes, the cliffs and coastline help keep the background interesting.

Phillipsburg and Great Bay: quick town moments and guavaberry rum

After returning toward the marina area, the plan includes a short time near Philipsburg. There’s a small browsing suggestion and a local tasting detail: you can try guavaberry rhum (the info spells it out as a very well-known local option).

Then there’s also a Great Bay Beach segment tied to arriving back at Bobby’s Marina, with easy boarding from the dock. This isn’t marketed as a long beach day, and you shouldn’t expect it to replace actual shore time. But it’s a nice way to stretch your legs and re-enter town life without feeling like you’re teleporting straight from the water.

If you’re the type who likes souvenirs, now’s the moment to grab simple items while you’re already there. If you’d rather stay relaxed, this is also a time to cool off, hydrate, and let everyone reset.

French Nature Reserve and the $6 add-on to plan for

One part of the route is about heading toward the French side, including potential stops that may involve the French Nature Reserve. The info lists the French Nature Reserve access as not included, with a cost of $6.

It also points to possible locations connected with that area, including Creole Rock, Pinel Island, and Tintamarre. The key practical takeaway: plan your day with the possibility of an extra fee if the captain chooses to include it.

This is also one of those “ask your crew on the boat” moments. If you’re keen on specific sites, tell your captain early, and they can steer the plan based on conditions.

Price and value: $1,200 per group up to 8 people

The price is $1,200 per group, up to 8 people. At first glance, it looks like a lot, but you’re not paying for seats on a public tour. You’re paying for a private catamaran charter with your own captain and crew, snorkeling gear, an open bar, and food/snacks.

Here’s the value logic I use when deciding if a private charter makes sense:

• If you have 4–8 people, it can work out better than multiple paid public excursions.
• If your group includes swimmers and non-swimmers, the onboard setup means everyone participates in their own way.
• If you care about flexibility (changing stops based on weather), you’re paying for that control.

Also, the charter is listed as max 26 persons, but the price is clearly structured around groups up to 8. So for most readers, the best value is when you’re truly booking as a group that fits that pricing tier.

One more note: confirmation is mobile-ticket based, and booking is typically made around 44 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean you can’t book later, but it’s a hint that this is a popular way to do St Maarten.

Who this suits best, based on the vibe you’re aiming for

This is a good fit if you want:

• a flexible itinerary with a captain who adjusts stops
• an easy snorkeling experience with gear provided
• a trip that mixes water time, food, and views without heavy logistics

The experience particularly makes sense for families. One review highlights that Captain Lisandro and Charlie allowed personalization that worked well when traveling with small kids. That kind of adaptability can turn a stressful day into a smooth one.

It’s also a great choice for birthdays and celebrations. Another review mentions Josh and Tamara making a birthday experience feel special. On a boat, the atmosphere is already there; what you’re paying for is comfort and attention.

If your group includes non-swimmers, the inflatable vests and noodles are a real plus. And if you’re a strong swimmer, the swimming platform and short snorkeling windows keep things active.

A couple of practical considerations before you go

First: the seas can be rocky. One birthday review notes the water was a bit rocky, but the experience still landed as a recommendation. If you’re motion-sensitive, consider packing a remedy you trust and keep your expectations flexible.

Second: plan around the drinking rules. The open bar is there, but you must be 18+ to drink alcohol. For mixed-age groups, the snacks, juices, and sodas help keep things comfortable.

Third: there are weight limits listed. The info includes a weight restriction of 125 kg (275 lbs), and it also mentions a 250 lb limit. Because those numbers don’t perfectly match, check your confirmation and follow the stricter figure if there’s doubt.

And finally: it’s not advisable for pregnant women, based on the provided safety guidance.

Should you book this 3-hour private charter?

Book it if your priority is a personalized sea day that combines snorkeling, good onboard service, and classic St Maarten sights like Maho Beach. The flexibility is the main reason to choose it over a fixed tour, and the included gear plus food makes the whole thing feel complete.

Skip it or reconsider if you want a long, shore-based beach day with hours on land. This charter is about time on the water, with short, targeted stops. Also reconsider if you’re very sensitive to motion and you’re unlucky with wind and wave conditions that day.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the charter?

It’s about 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg (Eagle tours Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private charter for you and your party, with your own captain and crew.

What’s included for snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with inflatable vests and noodles for non-swimmers.

What food and drinks are provided onboard?

You’ll have an open bar (Carib, Coors light, Happy Rhum Punch, sodas, juices, water) and snacks after the first snorkeling stop, including mini baguette sandwiches (ham & cheese and tuna are listed).

Do we need to pay extra for the French Nature Reserve?

The French Nature Reserve is not included and is listed as $6. It may be included as part of the captain’s route options.

Is there an age requirement for drinking alcohol?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.