A good fishing day beats a good forecast. This private charter takes you well past the usual coast-hugging trips, up to 30 miles from Cole Bay, with your captain and crew focused on one thing: getting you a solid catch. I love the private-group feel and the way the operation is built for serious anglers, not casual dabblers. I also like the unlimited local beers paired with the included rods, reels, and tackle so you can show up and fish.

The trip is set up for both deep and shallow tactics, so you’re not stuck with one style of fishing. You’ll get a real chance at bigger pelagic species by heading farther offshore, while also having opportunities closer in at shoals and wrecks. One thing to consider: this is a weather-dependent day on open water, so rougher conditions can shift plans or push the whole charter to a new date.

Key points to know before you go

• You sail far out (up to 30 miles / 50 km), where larger pelagic fish are more realistic targets.
• Private charter for up to 2 means no crowding or split attention.
• Gear and drinks are included, including unlimited local beers.
• You keep what you catch within reasonable limits for personal consumption, and the crew cleans it for you.
• You can fish different depths using both trolling and drift fishing.
• It’s built for serious angling but still works well if you want a relaxed day on the water with strong guidance.

Why this charter goes farther than most

Most fishing tours around the islands aim for what’s easiest close to shore. This one is different because it plans for range. You start from Cole Bay and head out beyond the normal comfort zone, reaching areas described as productive between about 10 and 30 miles offshore. That matters because fish behavior changes with depth, distance from shore, and the underwater features that attract bait.

St Maarten’s ocean setup is described as giving you options across the water column. Just offshore there are shoals and wreck areas for smaller reef species. Farther out you move into deeper water where you can go after larger pelagic species, either by trolling or drifting. Translation: you’re not betting the whole day on one kind of fish or one fishing method.

I also like that the captain and crew aren’t just “driving you somewhere.” They’re guiding you through different fishing zones, which is the kind of adaptability that tends to matter when conditions shift.

The trip at a glance: 10:00 am for about 7.5 hours

Your charter departs at 10:00 am from 58 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The total time on the water is about 7 hours 30 minutes, and the activity returns to the same meeting point.

That time window is long enough to make “deep water decisions” without feeling rushed. It’s also short enough that you can still plan a normal day on the island afterward, assuming you don’t overdo the beers before the last hour. The operator also notes the ride requires moderate physical fitness. You’re on a boat; you may need to move around to fish and handle gear, and in choppy water that can feel more physical than expected.

The key takeaway: this isn’t a quick hit. It’s a proper fishing outing with time to travel out, fish different grounds, and return.

Price and value: $1,225 for up to two people

The price is $1,225 per group (up to 2). On paper, that sounds like a lot—because it is. But the value changes once you look at what’s included and what kind of boat experience you’re buying.

You’re paying for:

• A private charter rather than sharing boat time with strangers
• Full fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle)
• Unlimited alcoholic beverages, including local beers
• A plan to reach productive zones up to 30 miles offshore
• Crew fish cleaning (you keep the catch within reasonable limits)

If you were trying to piece those things together, the “hidden costs” add up fast. For example, private boat time plus rods/reels and a crew that cleans fish is usually the real expense. Here, you’re also not guessing whether you’ll need to bring extra gear or buy drinks after you get out there.

One practical consideration: the pricing is for a group, not per person. If you’re coming solo, it might feel less appealing unless you already know you’ll enjoy this enough to treat it as a once-a-year splurge. If you’re going as two, it can feel like a very fair way to buy a focused day at sea.

Getting set up at Cole Bay before you head out

Meeting is at 58 Well Rd, Cole Bay. Since this is near public transportation, you don’t have to rely on a private car just to reach the marina. The booking also includes a mobile ticket, so you’re not hunting for printed paperwork at the dock.

You’ll want to arrive ready to fish. The charter provides the gear, but you’ll be more comfortable if you think through what you’ll bring:

• Sun protection (seriously, boats reflect light)
• Reef-friendly footwear you can wear moving around the deck
• A way to keep your phone and valuables dry

You don’t need to bring rods or tackle unless you prefer your own setup. The operator specifically says you’re free to bring your own if that’s what you like. That’s a nice option for people who already have gear they trust.

Once onboard, expect the crew to run the day around the fishing plan—where they go depends on water conditions and what’s biting.

Nearshore action: shoals and wrecks for reef species

The route is described in “zones,” and the first zone is the closer-in fishing. Just off-shore (not far from the coast), there are productive shoals and wrecks. This is where you can go after smaller reef species.

Why that’s useful: even when big pelagics are slow, nearshore spots can keep the day interesting. You’re not waiting around for a single dream fish. Also, reef species fishing often gives you lots of opportunities to practice technique, handle different baits, and feel how the boat is drifting or positioned.

Drawback to keep in mind: reef and wreck fishing can be more gear-sensitive. Even with provided tackle, you’ll still want to pay attention to what the crew recommends for rigs and line. If you’re new to this type of fishing, listen closely early, because the details matter once the fish start hitting.

Offshore targets up to 30 miles: deep water pelagic fishing

Then comes the part that makes this charter feel like it’s built for real fishing: deep water. The description says you’ll be in deep water about 3 miles off-shore, and the offshore fishing grounds range from 10 to 30 miles off the coast of Sint Maarten. The farthest goal is simple—reach enough depth and distance to improve your odds at larger pelagic species.

Two methods are specifically mentioned:

• Trolling
• Drift fishing

That combo is a big deal. Trolling can work when fish are spread out and following bait tracks. Drift fishing can be more productive when fish relate to bottom features or current flow. Having both approaches available gives the captain flexibility, and flexibility is what often turns a “slow day” into a good one.

Also, going farther out usually means stronger scenery. Even if your main mission is fish, you’ll get that sense of being out on open water, where the horizon looks different and the ocean feels bigger.

Keeping your catch, cleaning it, and the realistic limits

Here’s one of the best parts for most anglers: you keep what you catch for personal consumption, within reasonable limits. Guests get first pick of the catch, which is a fair system and helps avoid the awkwardness that can happen on group charters when the “best fish” get sorted differently.

The crew will clean the fish for you. That’s a practical win, especially on a day trip when you don’t want the mess sitting in your cooler for the rest of the island.

What you should know up front: the operator says they cannot assist with packing and shipping fish off the island. So if your plan is to take fish home, you’ll need to figure out how you’ll handle that logistics before the day ends. Plan to either cook it locally or manage your own packing/shipping arrangements outside the charter.

Food and drinks: unlimited beer, and an easy lunch option

Drinks are included in a very straightforward way: unlimited local beers, plus other alcoholic beverages available on request if beer isn’t your thing. That’s a real comfort feature on a long day. It also means the vibe stays relaxed, even when fishing is slow.

Lunch is not included as standard, but you have two options:

• Bring your own lunch
• Or add an optional extra: French baguette sandwiches, with 24 hours notice required

This is one of those “small” details that can make the difference between a smooth day and a scramble. If you hate guessing and prefer to travel light, ask early about the sandwich option and commit to it with the required lead time. Otherwise, bringing your own lunch is simple and gives you control over what you eat, especially if you’re picky.

Boat comfort, gear, and what private really changes

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. In this case, that means up to two people per group, with your captain and crew giving you undivided attention.

That’s a huge deal for anyone who wants to learn or fine-tune technique. It’s also great for parents taking a child, because the crew can adjust pace and guidance more easily when there aren’t multiple unrelated anglers competing for attention.

The charter includes:

• Rods, reels, tackle
• Crew support
• Fish cleaning
• Unlimited drinks

So your planning load is lighter than most fishing days. You’re not spending time shopping for gear or trying to translate a manual in a parking lot.

One practical consideration: because you keep the catch, you’ll want to think about how you’ll store it onboard and how you’ll handle it after you get back. The charter handles cleaning, but you’ll still have to take care of your portion afterward.

What the captain and crew do that matters

I really like how the charter is described as tuned for a serious angler. That doesn’t mean it’s only for experts, but it does mean the day is organized around real fishing zones and real tactics, not just “here’s a line, good luck.”

Professional and easy to work with crew is a standout in the feedback from people who booked for father-and-son days. The practical point for you: a good captain helps you fish smarter, not just fish harder. They can spot when to shift locations, adjust rig choice, and keep you from wasting time on the wrong depth or approach.

Also, since you’re out up to 30 miles, a solid crew matters even more than usual. Travel time is part of the experience, and you want that time to be productive.

Weather is the big boss

This experience requires good weather. The cancellation policy notes that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In practice, that means you should:

• Plan for flexibility on your vacation schedule
• Avoid pairing this with a tight departure plan the same day
• Expect the ocean to be the decider

If you’re lucky with weather, you get a proper offshore fishing day with distance, depth, and multiple fishing grounds. If weather turns, you’re not stuck—you’re protected by a rebooking or refund path.

Who should book this deep sea fishing charter

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a private fishing day with your own attention, especially for two people
• Enjoy fishing enough that you’ll appreciate tactics across shoals, wrecks, and deeper pelagic zones
• Care about having a crew handle the messy part with fish cleaning
• Like the value of having gear and drinks included

It’s also a great choice if you’re booking for someone who takes fishing seriously but doesn’t necessarily want to bring equipment or manage a complicated setup. The gear inclusion lowers friction and keeps the day focused.

If you’re the type who wants a “see sights” boat day above all else, deep sea fishing is the point. Your reward is fish and technique, not shore views and photo stops.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if your priority is a real offshore fishing attempt with private attention, included tackle, and a setup that actually reaches deeper water targets. The best reason to book is simple: you’re not just paying for a boat ride—you’re paying for range, gear, crew support, and fish-cleaning help, all wrapped into a private charter up to two people.

Skip it or think twice if you only want a low-effort fishing experience or you’re traveling with tight timing that can’t tolerate weather-driven date changes. And remember the one logistical catch: you can’t rely on the crew for packing/shipping fish off-island.

If you match the profile, this charter is the kind of day you’ll remember for the water, the effort, and the fact that you went far enough out to give big fish a real shot.

FAQ

How far offshore does this fishing charter go?

The charter takes you up to 30 miles (50 km) away from the coast of Cole Bay in St Maarten, with productive grounds ranging from about 10 to 30 miles offshore.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The group size is listed as up to 2 people.

What time does the charter start and how long is it?

It starts at 10:00 am and lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

Included are alcoholic beverages (unlimited local beers, and additional drinks on request), rods, reels, and tackle, and keeping the catch for personal consumption (within reasonable limits). The crew also cleans the fish.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. You keep what you catch for personal consumption, within reasonable limits. Guests get first pick of the catch.

Does the crew pack or ship fish off the island?

No. The operator says they cannot assist with packing and shipping fish off the island.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

No. Rods, reels, and tackle are provided. You’re also welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included by default. You can bring your own lunch, or request French baguette sandwiches as an optional extra with 24 hours notice.

What is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 58 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The tour ends back at the same location.

What happens if weather is bad?

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