Four hours can feel like a whole vacation. This private half-day catamaran turns St Maarten’s best water stops into a laid-back, group-only outing, with a Little Bay snorkeling stop that’s famous for underwater extras. The main catch: the schedule can shift with weather, and you’ll only get the two main water windows.

I like that you’re not crammed into a big crowd. You’re on a Leopard 45 ft sail catamaran with an attentive crew serving drinks and snacks, plus stories that keep the ride moving. One thing to consider is that water time is on your terms—if you’re not into snorkeling or swimming, you’ll want to lean into beach time and the onboard toys.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Private group charter: Only your group rides, so the vibe stays calmer and more flexible.
• Little Bay snorkeling: Underwater statues plus a sunken submarine and a helicopter at the bottom.
• Long Beach beach time: White sand, clear blue water, usually quiet, and great photo views with the Belmond resort in the background.
• Onboard water toys included: Paddleboard/SUP, floating mat (floating “lilypad/bar”), and more.
• Food and drinks included: Sodas, juices, water, plus alcoholic drinks, snacks, and madeleines.
• Crew energy: From fun facts to help getting comfortable—people specifically highlight the crew’s friendliness.

Luxury on the Water: What Don’t Worry Delivers in St Maarten

This is the kind of St Maarten outing that makes you stop thinking like a tourist and start thinking like someone who has time. You’re out on a luxury 45 ft Leopard sail catamaran, and the whole point is simple: slow water views, a couple of great stops, and a crew that looks after the details.

The value here isn’t just the boat. It’s that you get the classic island combo—snorkel time and beach time—without the stress of sharing the day with strangers. Reviews and general feedback around this charter also point to a big theme: feeling at ease. If you or anyone in your group is a bit nervous about the ocean, having a crew that’s attentive and warm can make a big difference.

The day is timed like a half-day, about 4 hours total, with two main water stops. That’s great if you want something substantial without turning the whole day into “tour mode.” Just don’t book this expecting you’ll do ten things. You’ll do two well—plus whatever hanging-out fun you can fit in.

Your Catamaran Base: Meeting at Bobby’s Marina and Settling In

You meet at Bobby’s Marina, 22H on Juancho Yrausquin Blvd in Philipsburg. The location is stated as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not planning on driving.

Once you’re aboard, the charter style is what you’d hope for: your crew handles the flow, and you’re not spending the morning figuring out logistics. The catamaran setup also matters for comfort. On a sail catamaran, the ride tends to feel more stable than a smaller boat, which is a big deal when the goal is relaxation.

You’ll also get an onboard experience that’s actively planned. This isn’t just “ride out and do your own thing.” Expect the crew to share stories and fun facts while you cruise between stops, and expect drinks and snacks along the way.

Little Bay Snorkel Stop: Underwater Statues, a Submarine, and a Helicopter

The first stop is Little Bay, and it’s exactly the sort of snorkel spot you dream about: clear water, underwater features, and the kind of “how is that even down there?” scene that makes snorkeling feel more like exploring than just swimming.

The time window is about 2 hours, and that’s a sweet spot. You’re not rushed through a quick look; you can actually get comfortable in the water, take a few passes, and keep things fun instead of frantic.

What makes Little Bay special

Here’s what you can look for at the bottom:

• Underwater statues
• A sunken submarine
• A helicopter

Because snorkeling gear is included, you don’t have to show up hunting for mask and fins. You’ll have snorkeling equipment ready for you, plus the crew is there to help you get set up.

The practical consideration

You do need to treat water entry like it matters. The charter info is clear that if you swim or enter the water, you do so at your own risk. That’s not scare talk—it’s just normal safety language. If anyone in your group is unsure, use the first few minutes to test the water, take it slow, and stick with whatever makes you comfortable.

Also, keep in mind that the weather can affect what happens that day. The plan is for Little Bay first, but you should be mentally flexible.

Long Beach Stop: White Sand, Clear Water, and Quiet-When-You-Arrive Vibes

After Little Bay, you head to Long Beach for another 2-hour block. If you’re picturing postcard St Maarten—white sand, clear water, photos with dramatic cliffs—this is where you get it.

Long Beach is described as:

• The longest beach on the island
• White sand with crystal clear blue water
• A spot that’s usually pretty quiet
• A great photo location, including the Belmond resort in the background

That “usually quiet” detail matters more than people expect. When a beach is calm, you can actually settle in. You’re less likely to feel like you’re competing for space, and that makes a private charter feel even more worth it.

How you can use your time here

This stop gives you options. You can:

• Spend time on the beach
• Go in the water for a swim
• Use the included water toys (more on those next)

If you snorkeled at Little Bay and you’re feeling good, you can keep the momentum going. If you’re not in a snorkeling mood anymore, you’ll still get a meaningful beach hang without feeling like you missed the “real part” of the trip.

A small realism note

Because the stop is only 2 hours, you’ll want to make peace with the fact that you can’t do everything. Pick what matters most to your group: relaxing on sand, swimming, or playing with the included toys.

Paddleboard, Lilypad, and Floating Bar Energy (All Included)

One reason private catamarans feel like a treat is that you get more ways to enjoy the water without extra rental bills.

This charter includes:

• Floating mat / lilypad (they even describe it as a floating bar)
• Paddleboard / SUP
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing gear
• Plus water noodles (mentioned as part of the onboard activities)

Even if you only use one or two of these, the “choice” is the point. It gives you variety so the day doesn’t feel repetitive.

Who will like which toy

• If your group likes balance and exercise, the SUP is usually a hit.
• If you want “float, cool down, snack, repeat,” the lilypad/floating mat is perfect.
• If someone in your group likes tinkering and trying things, the included fishing gear can add a different kind of fun. (Just note: the exact fishing setup isn’t described in detail, so don’t assume you’ll be fishing at a specific spot—think of it as gear available if conditions and crew say it works.)

The relaxation factor

What stands out in the feedback pattern around this type of charter is comfort. People specifically mention feeling relaxed and having a great time with family, and that’s consistent with the toy setup: you can choose how active you want to be.

Snacks and Drinks: The Included Part That Changes the Mood

Food and drink onboard aren’t just a perk here—they change the whole pacing. When snacks show up, people stay outside longer, enjoy more of the ride, and stop thinking about where the next meal will be.

Included drinks and snacks are:

• Sodas: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, club soda
• Fruit juices and water
• Alcoholic beverages
• Snacks: madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips

There’s also an age note: alcoholic drinks are for 18+ only.

Why this is better than it sounds

When you’re out for about four hours, skipping onboard food can turn the day into constant mental math. With snacks and drinks already handled, your only job is deciding whether you want to snorkel again, hang on the sand, or grab a paddleboard session.

It’s also a nice fit for families. One of the best parts of the feedback around this charter is that it works well even when kids are along—so long as your group uses the time for fun rather than checking clocks every few minutes.

Price, Value, and How to Judge the Cost Without Getting Tricked

The price is listed as $1,030 per person. That’s not cheap, and you shouldn’t pretend otherwise. But the right way to think about it is: this is a private charter on a luxury catamaran, and it’s bundled with a lot of inclusions.

What’s bundled in the price you’re paying:

• Private boat experience for your group only
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Snacks (madeleines, fruit, nuts, chips)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Water toys like SUP and the floating mat
• Fishing gear

The value question comes down to your group. This type of pricing can feel like a splurge if you’re traveling solo or as a small couple. It can start to feel more reasonable if you’re traveling with a family or friends and the private format means you’re replacing multiple ticketed activities and rentals.

A practical tip before you book

Because this price is per person, do the math based on your exact group size. Also, check the age split in your group. Alcohol is 18+, so if you have teens, you can still enjoy everything else, but you may not get the full drink value you’d assume for an adult-only group.

One more detail: this experience is often booked about 39 days in advance on average, so if you have a specific time window you want, planning ahead helps.

Crew Energy and the Difference Good Service Makes on a Boat

This charter isn’t just described as “friendly.” People highlight named crew members and what they did for the vibe.

In particular:

• Victor and Marion are specifically praised for being amazing, including helping someone who was hesitant about being out on the ocean feel comfortable.
• Jernel and Tom are described as an awesome team for families, with a fun experience aboard.

That kind of feedback matters because on the water, comfort and clarity are everything. When the crew is proactive—helping with snorkeling gear, keeping the flow smooth, and keeping the tone light—you spend less energy worrying and more energy enjoying.

And that matches the core structure of the charter: the crew provides stories and fun facts between stops, which keeps the ride from feeling like waiting.

Weather and Timing: The Real-World Stuff That Affects Your Day

This experience runs on weather, like most water activities in the Caribbean. The info is clear that the itinerary is subject to weather conditions, and changes don’t come with a price discount or cancellation.

So what should you do with that information?

• Be ready for the possibility that one stop could shift.
• Pack your expectations as flexible, not fragile.
• If you’re planning around a larger trip schedule, keep some slack time if you can.

Also, remember the schedule is built around two 2-hour stops within about 4 hours total. That means the timing is part of the design. If weather changes, the crew likely adjusts the plan to protect the experience for the group, but you should avoid treating it like a guaranteed “exact minutes” plan.

Is This the Right Charter for You?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private St Maarten water day
• A mix of snorkeling + beach time
• Included gear and water toys, so you don’t think about rentals
• A crew-led experience with food and drinks handled onboard

It might not be the best choice if:

• Your priority is lots of different stops or long exploration time (this is a focused half-day)
• You need a strict itinerary with zero weather flexibility (weather can change things)
• The $1,030 per person price doesn’t match your budget, especially with a smaller group

Should You Book Don’t Worry?

If you’re aiming for a “we’re on vacation, let’s make it easy” day in St Maarten, I’d seriously consider booking. The combination of a luxury Leopard catamaran, a meaningful snorkel stop at Little Bay with underwater features, and a relaxed beach segment at Long Beach—with drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and water toys included—is exactly the kind of bundle that turns planning into relaxation.

Book it if your group wants comfort, private time, and a great mix of water activities. Skip it if you want a bargain or you’re chasing maximum variety. For many groups, though, this is one of the most straightforward ways to enjoy St Maarten’s best water moments without dragging the day around.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran cruise?

The cruise is approximately 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Bobby’s Marina, 22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

What are the main stops during the cruise?

The cruise includes two stops: Little Bay and Long Beach.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for you to use.

What water toys are included?

You get use of a floating mat (lilypad) and paddleboard/SUP, and the cruise also includes water noodles.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. You get sodas, fruit juices, water, snacks (including madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips), and alcoholic beverages.

Is the tour private?

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

Are there age restrictions for alcohol?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are for 18+.

What happens if weather affects the schedule?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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