If you want the island without the crowd, this works. A private catamaran charter around St. Martin pairs crystal-clear cruising with real beach time and hands-on water activities. I like that you get a gourmet 4-course lunch plus unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks, all while your route can be adjusted to wind and sea. One thing to consider: bad weather can change the plan, and there is at least one report where timing slipped, so keep expectations flexible.

This is the kind of outing where the boat feels like your base. You’ll bounce between coasts only reachable from the water, with snorkeling and paddleboarding built in, and crew who focus on keeping you comfortable (shade on board helps). Most people can join, but you do need a valid passport for the day on the boat.

Key things to know before you book

• Private by design: only your group sails, so you control the pace and the vibe.
• Two itineraries: a 7-hour St. Maarten route or a longer 9-hour day that adds Tintamarre Island.
• Snorkel and paddleboards included: fishing and snorkeling gear plus 2 paddle boards.
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: French pastries, fresh fruit, appetizers, and a 4-course gourmet lunch with an open bar.
• Route can shift with sea and wind: your stops may change depending on conditions.
• Passport check matters: bring it with you and make sure it’s valid.

Why a private catamaran beats a cruise-ship day

St. Maarten and Saint-Martin are famous for beaches and views, but the difference here is how you reach them. Instead of being herded from one stop to the next, you’re out on the water from the start. That matters because some of the best shoreline spots simply don’t work as walk-up destinations. From the catamaran, you also get that slow, open-water feeling: sail, drift, swim, repeat.

I especially like the way the day is structured around downtime and water time. Between swims and snorkeling, you’re not fighting for deck space or standing in line. Shade is available on board, so you can actually cool down between beach breaks. And because it’s private, the crew can keep an eye on who’s doing what—snorkel swimmers, paddleboarders, and people who just want to float and watch the coastline.

The second big win is the included comfort and hospitality. The open bar is not an afterthought, and the meal is not a box lunch. Expect French pastries, fresh fruit, tea and coffee in the morning portion (light breakfast on the shorter option), then appetizers, then a 4-course gourmet lunch. You’re also covered if you want a vegan or vegetarian meal on request.

Pick the right day: 7 hours vs 9 hours around the island

You have two time options, and they change the whole feel of the day.

The 9-hour full-day route (8:30am to 5:30pm)

If you want the longest time on the water, this one makes sense. You set sail at 8:30am and return at 5:30pm. Your itinerary includes stops such as Long Bay La Samana and Happy Bay, plus Tintamarre Island. There’s also a chance to swim with turtles and stingrays, depending on conditions and what the water is like that day.

This longer option also has a fuller meal flow: breakfast plus appetizers, then the 4-course gourmet lunch, with a full open bar throughout. If you like a true all-day rhythm—morning snack, mid-day feast, then more water time—this is the way to go.

The 7-hour route (9:30am to 4:30pm)

The shorter sailing starts at 9:30am and ends around 4:30pm. You’ll sail along the St. Maarten shore and stop at Mulet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay. It’s still packed with activities: snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding are part of the plan, with fishing and snorkeling gear included plus 2 paddle boards.

Meals are scaled to the shorter day: light breakfast, appetizers, and the 4-course gourmet lunch, plus the open bar. If you’re also doing other things on the island—an inland day, beach hopping on your own, or dinner plans—this schedule is easier to fit.

One practical reality

Even with either itinerary, sea and wind can affect the route. That’s not a scam; it’s just island sailing. Build in flexibility so the day feels relaxing, not stressful.

Stops that make this feel like a real St. Martin day

The best part of this charter is that you’re not stuck with one beach. You get multiple water playgrounds, and the crew handles the flow so you’re not constantly asking what’s next.

Long Bay La Samana: the repeat-worthy anchor

Long Bay La Samana appears on both itineraries, which tells you it’s a popular, dependable stretch of water. This is the kind of stop where snorkeling can be a highlight because you’re in clear water with marine life you might actually spot. It’s also a solid beach break if you prefer swimming over time in the water gear.

Happy Bay and Tintamarre Island on the longer day

On the 9-hour itinerary, Happy Bay is one of those stops that feels like a mood shift—less like a quick dip and more like a proper beach-and-snorkel break. Then you get Tintamarre Island, which is a major reason people choose the longer option.

One of the most praised elements from past sails is the chance to see sea life while snorkeling, including turtles and stingrays. You’re not guaranteed sightings, but the crew is clearly watching closely and guiding you where it’s worth trying.

Mulet Bay and Divi Little Bay on the shorter day

The 7-hour route keeps things efficient with Mulet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay. Mulet Bay can feel like a classic sailing-and-swim stop, and Divi Little Bay is another good choice when you want clear-water fun without committing to the full-day schedule. You still get the same included gear and the same general approach: find good water, get you off the boat, and then bring you back when it’s time.

Snorkeling, fishing gear, and paddleboard time

The water activities are built into the day rather than tacked on. You get fishing and snorkeling gear, plus 2 paddle boards. That means you can split your time naturally: some people snorkel, someone paddles, and someone just keeps it simple with a swim.

A few practical points I’d follow on a catamaran day in this region:

• Use sunscreen early. You’re out in the sun for hours, and shade on board helps but doesn’t replace sunscreen.
• Bring your own towels if you’re picky. The trip asks you to bring beach towels, and that’s smart. It keeps things comfortable and dries quickly.
• Expect shifting conditions. If wind is up, the crew may adjust where you snorkel most.

From the crew style and past feedback, the snorkeling guidance is hands-on. Captains and mates are actively helping you spot fish and encouraging safe, calm water time. In at least one experience, the captain guided snorkelers in a way that led to memorable sightings like turtles. Another report even mentions feeding fish from the water with bread, which is the sort of moment that turns a normal swim into a story you tell later.

Food, open bar, and the little comfort details that matter

This is not just a boat ride with snacks. You’re getting a structured meal day at sea.

What you eat

• French pastries, fresh fruit, tea and coffee as part of the morning offering
• Appetizers and snacks during the sail
• A 4-course gourmet lunch as the centerpiece

On the shorter itinerary, breakfast is described as light, but the lunch format remains the same. Vegan/vegetarian meals are available on request, so you don’t have to worry about being left out.

What you drink

You get unlimited drinks from an open bar, including soft and alcoholic options. Multiple reviews focus on the drinks being plentiful, with crew staying attentive to hydration and timing.

Shade and onboard practicalities

Shade is available on board, and that’s a big deal in the midday sun. Past feedback also highlights comfort details like cleanliness and practical storage, such as space for small items like sunglasses, sunscreen, cameras, and phone chargers.

If music is your thing, you might even be able to connect your own playlist through the boat’s Bluetooth system. That kind of small flexibility is why the day can feel more personal than a standard tour.

Crew and captains: service that feels tuned to your group

The people running the boat make this tour land at the top end.

Captains and crew names that show up in strong feedback include Captain Ben and Captain Alois, alongside hosts like Georgia and Sylvia (as well as additional crew names like Benjamin and Paula). The repeated theme is calm professionalism paired with warmth. Expect safety briefings at the start, plus an easy conversation style once you’re under way.

If you’re planning for special attention—kids who want extra reassurance, snorkelers who need pacing, or anyone who gets a bit queasy—this crew style matters. One report mentions that motion-sickness-prone people were given useful suggestions during the day, which tells me the team pays attention to comfort, not just schedules.

There is a downside worth acknowledging: one rating mentions the crew being late and the captain not meeting expectations for keeping guests happy. That’s not the overall pattern, but it’s enough that I’d plan to arrive on time for check-in and keep the day flexible, especially with weather risk.

Price and value: does $770 make sense?

At $770 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. The question isn’t whether it’s expensive; it’s whether you’re paying for the right mix of inclusions.

What you’re paying for here is a private full-day experience with:

• your own catamaran time (not shared with strangers)
• snorkeling gear and paddleboards included
• a 4-course gourmet lunch
• breakfast/appetizers/snacks
• unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks
• taxes included

That combination is what can make the price feel fair, especially if you’re comparing it to doing the same day “piece by piece” with a shared boat plus paid food plus paid gear plus paid drinks. The meal and open bar alone change how the day’s value works, because you’re not constantly spending while you’re offshore.

Also, group discounts are mentioned, and that can help if you’re booking with friends or family. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple with limited flexibility, the per-person cost might feel steep. But if you’re trying to make one day in St. Martin count, this is the kind of outing that can justify the splurge.

Weather, passports, and what to pack

This charter requires good weather, and the itinerary can change based on sea and wind. The best mindset is simple: assume your day will be adjusted for safety and water conditions.

You also need a current valid passport and you should bring it on the day of sailing. Since the check happens on the boat, don’t leave it behind or assume you can show a photo.

Packing checklist based on what the experience asks for:

• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• beach towels
• passport

If you’re prone to seasickness, consider bringing your preferred remedy. One review specifically notes that the captain gave suggestions for people who might get motion sensitive, but having your own plan is still smart.

Should you book this private St. Martin catamaran charter?

Book it if you want a day that feels like you’re exploring St. Martin by water, not by schedule board. This is a strong fit for couples, adult friend groups, and families who want a mix of swimming, snorkeling, and comfort with food and drinks handled.

Skip it (or at least consider the shorter option) if you’re very price-sensitive or you hate the idea that sea and wind could alter stops. If you’re only in the area for a tight schedule, the 7-hour route is the easier match. If you want Tintamarre Island and the longest stretch of time for multiple water breaks, go for the 9-hour day.

If you decide to book, the best move is to plan a relaxed arrival for check-in and pack early. Then let the captain and crew steer the day.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

There are two options: a 7-hour tour and a 9-hour tour.

What’s included in the price?

The charter includes taxes, breakfast (French pastries, fresh fruits, tea and coffee), appetizers, a 4-course gourmet lunch, unlimited drinks from an open bar, snorkeling and fishing gear, and 2 paddle boards.

Is this tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Bobby’s Marina 22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of the boat.

Can I request a vegan or vegetarian meal?

Yes. Vegan/vegetarian meals are available on request.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?

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