Catamaran days on St Maarten feel like a reset. This private Mojito cruise lets you sail from Philipsburg with your own group, then hop between Tintamarre Island and Pinel for beach time, snorkeling, and plenty of on-board food and drinks.

I love the sense of space you get on a spotless sail catamaran, with room to spread out even for groups around 15. I also like that the day is built around convenience: snacks and alcoholic drinks (for ages 18+) plus gear like snorkeling equipment and paddleboards.

One consideration: it’s a serious splurge at $1,000 per person, and the itinerary can shift with weather. Also, towels are not included, so plan to bring your own.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter, just your group: no mixing with strangers on the catamaran.
• Tintamarre Island delivers real snorkeling payoff: turtles are a big reason people come.
• Pinel Island has calm water at the main beach: great for swimming and paddleboarding.
• On-board food and drinks are part of the deal: soda, juices, beer, rum, and vodka for 18+.
• You get the water toys, not just the view: snorkeling gear, SUP, floating mat/lilypad, and fishing gear.
• Bring your own towel: it’s not listed as provided.

A private St Maarten catamaran that feels less “tour” and more “your day”

This cruise is the rare kind of day that doesn’t start with a long bus ride and a schedule pinned to the wall. You meet at the marina in Philipsburg, then you’re on a luxury sail catamaran with your own group and a crew focused on keeping the day easy.

The big appeal is control. You can spend a morning drifting, a chunk of time snorkeling, then swing over to Pinel for beach and simple activities. The result is a day that feels like island time, not a checklist.

Meeting at Bobby’s Marina and settling into the catamaran rhythm

You’ll start from Private Yacht Charter N.V. at Bobby’s Marina on Juancho Yrausquin Blvd in Philipsburg, with a 9:00 am start. The cruise runs about 8 hours and returns you back to the meeting point.

What matters here is how the day is paced. You have two island stops, each about 2 hours, so you are not stuck in “fast sightseeing mode.” Between stops, the catamaran experience takes over—room to move, drink service, and time on the water.

Also note this is a private tour/activity, so you’ll stay with only your group throughout the day. If you’re booking with friends, families, or a mixed group of ages, that privacy usually changes the vibe for the better.

Tintamarre Island: turtles, hiking paths, and old “wreck-to-art” details

Tintamarre Island is uninhabited and sits off the coast of Saint Martin. This is where the trip earns a lot of its reputation, especially if you’re interested in snorkeling and seeing sea life up close.

Expect a tropical setting with white sand, greenery, and rust-colored cliffs. It’s also the kind of island where you can split your time: snorkeling fans can head for the water, while more land-minded people can take the hiking trails. A walk around the island adds texture, too, since you’ll see remnants of an old farm and other unusual features that feel like stories left behind—like an old airplane from the nearby airbase and a stranded boat that’s been turned into art by graffiti artists.

What I like about Tintamarre: it’s scenic without being staged, and it gives you two ways to enjoy the island—water and walking—within the same stop. Potential drawback: since it’s an uninhabited island, you’ll want to be self-sufficient. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but you’re still dealing with a natural shoreline, so bring your own towel from the start of the day (towels are not included).

Tintamarre stop time is about 2 hours, and the admission ticket is included.

Pinel Island: the sheltered beach, easy activity mix, and animal sightings

Pinel Island is small, tropical, and right off Saint Martin. The vibe here is classic beach day: white sand, turquoise-looking water, and a main beach that’s described as very sheltered—meaning calmer conditions for swimming.

This stop is where I’d aim to slow down. You can relax on the beach, use the paddleboard/SUP, or take an easy hike with a view from the top. There are also two restaurants on the island, and they’re set up for convenience—plus there’s a gift shop.

One of the most memorable details is the wildlife element around the island life. You can find sugar birds, iguanas, and land turtles that are being fed by the restaurants. You’re not expected to “seek” them out like a mission, but it’s a nice bonus that adds a little variety beyond just sand and water.

Trade-off to consider: the island is active in the sense that people use it for beach time and food, so if you want total solitude, this might feel busier than Tintamarre. But if you want an easy day with options—swim, paddle, hike, eat—Pinel is the anchor stop.

Pinel stop time is about 2 hours, and admission is free.

On board perks: drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and that floating mat moment

This is an all-included-feeling cruise once you’re underway. You’ll have bottled water, soda/soft drinks (including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, club soda), and fruit juices. Snack service includes madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips.

Then there’s the adult part of the menu. Beer, rum, and vodka are included, but it’s strictly for 18+. If your group spans ages, plan on sticking to what’s allowed and keeping the vibe friendly.

The water gear is also part of the value, not just an add-on:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Swimming noodles
• Paddleboard / SUP
• Floating mat / lilypad (and yes, it’s referred to like a floating bar)
• Fishing gear

That list matters because it changes how you spend the day. Instead of paying extra for rentals or spending half your time coordinating, you can just pick an activity and go. Even if you only snorkel for a short window, you still get a full day of built-in options.

One clear “missing” item: towels aren’t included. I strongly recommend bringing at least one towel per person, plus a change of clothes for the end of the day.

Price and value: what $1,000 per person really buys you

At $1,000 per person, this is not an impulse buy. It’s the kind of outing that makes sense when you look at what’s included and how many people you’re sharing it with inside your group.

The value equation is mostly this:

• You’re paying for a private charter on a luxury catamaran (not a shared group boat).
• You get both islands within the day plan—Tintamarre with an included ticket, and Pinel with admission listed as free.
• You’re also getting a lot of included “day-of” costs: drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, SUP, floating mat, and fishing gear.

For groups who would otherwise spend separately on boat rentals, island admission, and water activities, those inclusions can reduce the sting. Still, if you’re traveling solo or on a tight budget, the per-person cost can feel steep fast.

A practical tip: book early if you can. This experience is commonly reserved about 97 days in advance, which hints at limited availability in peak weeks.

Who this cruise is best for on Saint Martin

This is a great fit for a group that wants variety without running around. If you’re the type who enjoys being on the water but also likes having options—snorkel for one stop, beach and SUP for the next—this matches that style.

It also makes sense for:

• friend groups who want privacy
• couples looking for a “special day” feel without splitting between vendors
• people who want included drinks and snacks rather than piecemeal costs

Who might want to rethink it? If you only want a casual half-day on land, or if your group doesn’t plan to use the water toys, the value drops. At this price level, you’re paying for the full package: boat, crew attention, gear, and the two-island schedule.

Practical tips for a smoother day at sea

A few small moves can make the day feel effortless.

First, pack like it’s a beach day plus water time. Swimwear, sun protection, and your own towel are the big ones. Since swimming is involved and it says participants who swim/enter the water do so at their own risk, I’d also keep safety in mind—especially if you have less confident swimmers in your group.

Second, plan for weather. The itinerary is stated as subject to weather conditions, and a change of itinerary isn’t tied to a price discount or cancellation. That usually means you should keep your schedule flexible and hold the day with a “go with the flow” mindset.

Third, keep your phone handy. A mobile ticket is used, and the meeting point is at the marina, so you don’t want to waste time searching once you arrive.

Lastly, remember you’re on a private boat. That’s part of the appeal, but it also means you’ll want everyone in your group to be on the same page about the pace—snorkel, beach, relax, repeat.

Should you book the Mojito full-day private catamaran cruise?

I’d book this if you want a private catamaran day that mixes real island scenery with included snorkeling and beach time, without adding a bunch of extra rentals and fees. Tintamarre brings the sea-life focus, while Pinel adds the calm-water beach and easy activity options.

Skip it only if you know your group won’t use the included gear (snorkeling equipment, SUP, floating mat, fishing gear) or if the $1,000 per person doesn’t fit your budget. For everyone else, this is the kind of “one big day” outing that tends to feel worth it because the costs and activities are already handled.

FAQ

How long is the Mojito full day private catamaran cruise?

The cruise is about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Private Yacht Charter N.V. Bobby’s Marina, 22 Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

What time does the cruise begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Which islands are included?

The itinerary includes Tintamarre Island and Pinel Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is alcohol included, and is there an age requirement?

Alcoholic beverages (beer, rum, and vodka) are included, but it is strictly for 18+.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

Is this a private tour or shared activity?

This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What happens if weather is poor?

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. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.