Catamaran luxury in St. Maarten, start to finish. This private day on a 2022 Lagoon 42 turns the island-hopping part into a floating lounge, with your own captain and crew and planned stops from Cole Bay to the French side.

I love the calm, comfort-first touches that set the mood right away, like a cool scented towel and a handmade chocolate when you step aboard. I also like how the day feels genuinely all-in: you get snack breaks, a full lunch, and an all-day bar with craft cocktails and mocktails mixed fresh.

One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pick up, so you’ll need to get yourself to the Cole Bay meeting point at 155 Union Rd.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter feel: only your group, with captain and crew included
• Comfort + space: 42ft Lagoon 42 with teak deck lounging areas
• All-inclusive meals and drinks: snacks, BBQ lunch, cookies, locally made ice cream, plus a full bar
• Water time is built in: snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and a floating lily pad mat
• Top St. Maarten stops: Happy Bay, Baie Longue near Belmond La Samanna, and Maho Beach for plane-spotting
• Weather can shift the plan: the captain may adjust stops based on sea conditions

Freedom on a 42ft Lagoon 42: what the luxury really feels like

This is a serious “treat yourself” catamaran day, and it starts with the boat itself. Freedom is a brand-new 2022 Lagoon 42, appointed for comfort and safety, so you’re not stuck doing everything the hard way—standing, squinting, and scrambling. You’re on teak decking with lounge areas, plus a restroom on board, which matters more than people think on a day that runs about 7.5 hours.

What I like most is the vibe. From the moment you step aboard, the service leans into ease: a cool scented towel and a handmade chocolate to make the trip feel like a spa day at sea. Then the captain and crew take over the “how does this all work” part—routing, anchoring, and keeping the day moving without rushing you.

And yes, it’s still St. Maarten. You’ll get big island moments like Maho’s famous plane views, but you’ll be arriving by boat instead of fighting crowds on foot.

Price and value: why $598.75 per person can make sense

At $598.75 per person, this is not a bargain. The way it can feel like a good value is that it’s not a “just the boat” price. You’re paying for a full private sailing day with captain and crew, fuel, and a lot of food and drink that would otherwise cost extra.

Here’s what’s included that usually adds up fast on a typical day:

• Late-morning snacks (including an apple and cheese charcuterie board)
• Happy hour hors d’oeuvres (homemade beet and garlic hummus platter with crudités, pita chips, and rice crackers)
• Lunch (barbecued skewers, salads, plus homemade cookies and locally made ice cream)
• Alcoholic beverages all day: craft cocktails and mocktails mixed fresh, beer, wine, prosecco, mixed drinks, soft drinks, juices, and infused water
• Snorkeling equipment and reef-safe sunscreen
• Paddle boards (two) and a floating lily pad mat
• Towels and restroom on board

What you’ll likely pay extra for: gratuity (not included) and getting yourself to the meeting point (no hotel pick up). If you’re the type who hates surprise costs, this is one of the calmer ways to do a luxury day at sea.

The meeting point and the 8:00 am start (plan your morning)

The day begins at 8:00 am at Renegades, a private catamaran charter meeting spot in Cole Bay: 155 Union Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The good news is it’s “near public transportation,” so you may have options depending on where you’re staying.

Still, start thinking early. A private charter like this runs on time, and there’s no built-in hotel shuttle. If you’re trying to sleep in and then rush to the dock, you’ll feel it.

Once you’re aboard, the rest of the morning flows—sailing, stopping, eating, and swimming—without you constantly checking times.

Stop 1: Princess Port de Plaisance—starting on the Dutch side

You’ll begin at Princess Port de Plaisance Yacht Club in Cole Bay on the Dutch side. This first segment is about getting into sailing mode, with a relaxed departure and time for you to settle in on the boat.

This is also where the day’s “best-of” approach starts making sense. The captain can position you for the next stops around St. Maarten / St. Martin, so you’re not just sailing aimlessly and hoping for the right moment.

Time check: you’ll spend around 30 minutes here as part of the overall rotation.

Stop 2: Happy Bay Beach—mimosas, a secret-feeling anchorage, and real swim time

Happy Bay Beach is where the day tilts toward playful water time. You’ll sail over, sipping mimosas and eating a late-morning snack, then anchor for a long-ish stretch of beach and water.

This stop is built around three big wins:

1. A calmer, more private-feeling arrival by boat
2. 360-degree natural beauty around the anchorage area
3. Plenty of time to swim and relax without the logistics headache

Time check: about 3 hours here. That’s long enough to actually do things—snorkel, paddle, flop onto the lily pad mat, then swim again before you get bored.

If you’re planning what to do on the water, think in “turns”: start with snorkeling, then boards, then sit back with a drink and let the boat crew handle the rest.

Lunch on the water: BBQ skewers, salads, cookies, and locally made ice cream

A big part of why this charter feels like a full-on day experience is the food timing. The lunch isn’t a sad snack packet—it’s a BBQ-style meal with skewers and fresh salads, then cookies and locally made ice cream after.

In practice, this kind of meal schedule helps you avoid the two common problems on boat trips:

• you get hungry at the wrong time
• you end up paying extra for food you didn’t plan on

You’ll also have a steady bar setup. The premium bar stays open all day, with craft cocktails and mocktails shaken fresh, plus beer, wine, prosecco, soft drinks, juices, and infused water. That means you can keep the vibe going without constantly asking the crew for attention.

If you don’t drink alcohol, the mocktail options matter. A lot of “luxury boat” days still feel like an afterthought for non-drinkers.

Stop 3: The Spa at Belmond La Samanna area (Baie Longue)—cliffs, clear water, and a change of scenery

After Happy Bay, you head toward the Baie Longue area, known for high-end villas and the exclusive Belmond La Samanna area nearby. This is the “slow down and appreciate the setting” stop.

You get around 3 hours here, which is a good amount of time for real swimming and hanging out. You’ll be surrounded by soaring cliffs and crystal-clear water, so it’s the kind of location where you’ll feel happy just doing nothing for a while.

A practical note: if you’re picky about water access, pay attention during the anchoring and setup. Boat swim time can vary based on conditions, and the captain may adjust where you’re anchored for safety and comfort. It’s still a swimming-focused stop, but you’ll want to follow crew directions for the easiest entry.

Stop 4: Maho Beach—planes overhead without the land-side stress

Maho Beach is the island’s famous “planes landing right overhead” stop, and you’re getting it from the water. That changes the whole experience. Instead of dealing with the crush of people on land, you can sit back with a view and let the show come to you.

Time check: about 30 minutes.

That shorter window is actually smart. Maho is one of those places that can be amazing for a moment, then exhausting if you overstay. This amount of time keeps it fun and photogenic without turning into a long slog in crowded conditions.

If you’re plane-spotting obsessed, bring your camera settings ready before the stop. The crew can’t control timing, but they can control comfort—so focus on what you can.

Stop 5: Back through Simpson Bay Bridge and arriving at Princess Port de Plaisance

On the way back, you pass through the SIMPSON BAY BRIDGE, where you can wave at onlookers before docking back at Port de Plaisance Yacht Club. It’s a small moment, but it’s one of those island-details that makes the day feel connected rather than “just floating.”

Time check: about 30 minutes for the return route and docking segment.

Once you’re back, you’ll get the payoff of a full day that feels complete: big swim time, great food, a proper bar, and those signature St. Maarten moments.

What’s included in the water toys (and how to use them without wasting time)

This charter is set up for you to spend time in the water—not just look at it.

You’ll have:

• Snorkeling equipment, plus reef-safe sunscreen
• Paddle boards (two)
• A floating lily pad mat
• Towels and a restroom on board

Here’s a simple way to plan your water time so you don’t feel chaotic:

• Use snorkeling first when you’re freshest (before you’ve spent energy paddling or sunbathing).
• Then try the paddle boards for an easy cruise around the anchorage.
• End with the lily pad mat for floating time while everyone else’s energy settles.

Also: reef-safe sunscreen is one of those details that signals care. You don’t want to bring your own and forget it, and you definitely don’t want to realize you should’ve packed it midway.

Service on board: the crew is the multiplier

Luxury doesn’t come from the boat alone. It comes from how the day feels when you don’t have to manage anything.

Across the experiences hosted on Freedom, the team’s approach shows up again and again: welcoming you the moment you step aboard, keeping food and drinks moving, and handling the pacing of the stops. Names you may hear from the crew include Andre, Denise, Tony, Diana, and the Renegades team member Carla in pre-trip communication. (Even if you don’t meet everyone, the point is the service culture is consistent.)

The best part is that the hosting doesn’t feel forced. It’s attentive when you need something and otherwise gives you space to enjoy the day.

Who this fits best (and who might want a different style)

This is a strong match if you want a private sailing day where:

• you care about comfort and service
• you want food and drinks included, not purchased piecemeal
• you like having built-in water activities (snorkel gear, boards, floating mat)
• you want signature stops like Happy Bay and Maho without the land-side hassle

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re on a strict time budget and prefer shorter outings
• you need free hotel pickup or easy dock access from where you’re staying
• you’re traveling for a very quiet, minimal-activity day (this is more “active comfort” than “silent drift”)

Also, for alcohol: the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18. If your group has mixed ages, plan to enjoy the bar options that still work without alcohol (mocktails, juices, infused water).

Tips to get the most out of Freedom

Small choices make a big difference on a boat day.

• Bring a plan for sun: you’ll get reef-safe sunscreen, but you’ll still want your own comfort habits (hat, sunglasses, lightweight coverup).
• Eat early and hydrate: the itinerary is packed enough that you don’t want to wait until you’re hungry.
• For Maho Beach, keep your camera ready: the stop is short, and the best moments happen quickly.
• If weather and sea conditions change the schedule, trust the captain’s adjustments. This kind of charter runs on safety first.

Should you book this luxury catamaran charter?

I’d book it if you want a private Lagoon 42 day that treats you like you’re on a real sailing vacation, not a basic tour. The biggest reason to say yes is the value of what’s included: full meals, an all-day premium bar, snorkel gear, and multiple water experiences—wrapped into a day that hits the island’s most memorable spots.

I’d think twice if your main goal is a low-cost group outing or if you won’t be able to get to Cole Bay on your own by 8:00 am. For everyone else—especially couples, friend groups, and families who want comfort and a smooth schedule—this charter is a very smart way to do St. Maarten and St. Martin from the water.

FAQ

What time does the charter start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the catamaran experience?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is this a private tour?

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

What are the main stops during the day?

You’ll visit Princess Port de Plaisance, Happy Bay Beach, the Belmond La Samanna / Baie Longue area, Maho Beach, and then return back through Simpson Bay Bridge to Princess Port de Plaisance.

What’s included with the charter besides the boat?

The package includes late-morning snacks, happy hour hors d’oeuvres, lunch with BBQ skewers and salads, cookies and locally made ice cream, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, snorkel equipment, paddle boards, a floating lily pad mat, reef-safe sunscreen and towels, a restroom on board, captain and crew, and fuel.

Do you get snorkeling equipment and towels?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with towels and reef-safe sunscreen.

Where do we meet?

You meet at Renegades, Private Catamaran Charter, 155 Union Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.