A day on the water is the best way to reset. This private charter in Saint Martin blends beach time, snorkeling gear, and standout wildlife-and-planes moments with a small group of up to 12. I like that your captain can shape the day for smooth cruising, and that snorkeling is built into the route instead of being a last-minute add-on; you get the gear and flotation on board. One thing to plan around: the experience depends on good weather, so if conditions are rough, your timing may change.

You’ll see a lot without feeling rushed. The boat day is structured with multiple stops—Happy Bay, Grand Case, Tintamarre Island for sea turtles, Pinel, and the famous Maho runway views—plus a slow pass along other bays for that “slow travel” feel.

The main consideration is logistics on your end: you’ll want to arrive on time at the meeting point in Marigot, and because meals aren’t included, you should either pack what you like or plan to buy lunch where available at Pinel.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Private charter for up to 12: you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.
• Snorkeling equipment included: mask/snorkel use is part of the plan, not a rental headache.
• Tintamarre Island for sea turtles: a wildlife stop built into the day.
• Maho plane-spotting time: you get a real window to watch aircraft come down low.
• On-board drinks for adults: rum punch and beers are included for adults only.
• Captain-led route with short passages: beach hopping plus relaxed cruising.

Private Boat Charter, Same-Day Style: What This Day Really Delivers

This isn’t one of those tours where you sit on a bus, stand in line, and hope the photos turn out. It’s a private boat day designed for pace. You get a captain, you get time on the water, and you move between places that look best when you’re approaching by sea.

For you, that means the day feels like a string of mini escapes: a beach pass to start the mood, a snorkeling hour with the right gear, a wildlife-focused stretch at Tintamarre, a lunch-and-linger window at Pinel, then the surreal contrast of Maho where you’re watching airplanes land almost overhead.

The route also does something smart: it balances “active” moments (snorkeling and turtle spotting) with “sit back” moments (passes along bays, plus the general glide between islands). That’s exactly what most people want from a day charter: not constant work, just enough variety to keep it interesting.

Price and Value: How $1,201.35 Fits a Group Day

The price is $1,201.35 per group for up to 12 passengers, lasting about 7 to 8 hours. The value really depends on how many people you bring.

• If you fill the boat with close to 12 people, it can come out around $100 per person.
• If you’re more like 6 people, it’s closer to $200 per person.

Either way, it’s the kind of pricing that makes sense when you split costs with friends or family. You’re paying for privacy, a captain, and a full day’s use of the boat—with snorkeling equipment, floatation gear, bottled water, soda/pop, and alcohol for adults included.

A smaller group can still be worth it, but the “sweet spot” is when the boat isn’t underfilled. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you might want to compare to shared boat options—but if you care about your own schedule and a calmer day, this private format is the point.

Where You Start in Marigot: Meeting Point and Timing Sense

You meet at J.M Beer in Marigot, at Marina Royale Résidence la Frégate, lot 19, 2 Rue du Président Kennedy, Marigot 97150. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The meeting spot is listed as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving. Still, treat this as a “show up early” moment. With a boat day, you don’t want to be the reason the whole group starts late.

Also remember that “remaining time includes travel time.” In practice, that’s your reminder to plan a smooth arrival and keep expectations realistic about time spent moving between stops.

First Stop Energy: Happy Bay Beach Pass-by (30 Minutes)

You begin with a pass in front of Happy Bay Beach for about 30 minutes. This is less about getting out and exploring and more about building the day’s vibe—views, the coastline feel, and that early “we’re in the right place” moment.

Why this works: it sets expectations early without locking you into a long swim or a long hike. If you want a calm start, this is that.

What to consider: because it’s a pass-by rather than extended time on land, don’t assume this is your main beach hang. Treat it as a scenic warm-up.

Grand Case and Creole Rock: Snorkeling Hour in the Middle of the Action

Next comes Grand Case, with Creole Rock nature reserve tied into the experience. You’ll have about 1 hour here, including snorkeling with mask and snorkel.

This stop is valuable because it’s the day’s structured “water activity” segment, and you’re not hunting for rentals. Since snorkeling equipment is included, you can focus on getting comfortable and actually enjoying what you came for.

Two practical notes:

• Snorkeling time can feel different depending on water conditions and your comfort level. Going in with a calm pace helps.
• You’ll want to keep track of what you’re wearing because you may be hopping between wet and dry moments—your waterproof bag is your best friend for phone and personal items.

Admission is listed as free for this segment, which is a nice bonus: you’re not nickel-and-diming your day’s entry fees while you’re on island time.

Anse Marcel Bay Pass: A Scenic Breather Between Big Stops

There’s also a passage in the bay of Anse Marcel. This functions like a moving pause—less “schedule pressure,” more coastline enjoyment.

This kind of segment is more important than it sounds. It keeps the day from feeling like nonstop transitions. If you’re prone to getting sea-sick, these smoother pacing stretches can make the whole charter easier to enjoy.

No entry fees are mentioned for this pass, so it’s mostly about the view and the flow.

Tintamarre Island for Sea Turtles (2 Hours): The Wildlife Moment

Now for one of the most anticipated parts: Tintamarre Island. You’ll spend about 2 hours on Ilet Tintamarre specifically to see sea turtles.

This is a highlight for a reason. Wildlife stops tend to be the most memorable part of a boat day because they feel special in a way beaches don’t—time gets a little more serious, and everyone pays attention.

What you should know going in:

• Wildlife viewing isn’t the same as a guaranteed performance. You’re there to look for turtles.
• Still, having a dedicated time block instead of a quick stop makes it more likely you’ll get real spotting opportunities.

Admission is listed as included here, so you’re not scrambling for extra payments mid-day. And with snorkeling gear available, you may find yourself wanting to switch between surface watching and underwater viewing depending on conditions.

Pinel Island (2 Hours): Lunch Island Vibes and a Real Break

After turtles, the day shifts into “relax” mode with Pinel Island for about 2 hours. This is where you have a choice: if you want lunch at the island restaurant, you can.

This stop is valuable because it gives you a stable window to reset: walk around at an easy pace, find shade if you need it, and plan your food without stress.

What to consider:

• Meal costs are not included. You can bring your meal, or you can buy lunch at the restaurant on Pinel if you want to keep it simple.
• Two hours can feel short if you love beaches, but it’s a good amount for a “real break” without squeezing the later highlight stops.

Admission is listed as included, which makes Pinel one of the easiest stops to enjoy without extra thinking.

Maho: Watching Planes Land Overhead (30 Minutes)

Then it’s time for the famous contrast: Maho for about 30 minutes, specifically to see planes landing above your heads.

This stop is pure spectacle. It’s one of the few places on the Caribbean circuit where aviation and tourism collide in a way that feels almost unreal—just watch how low they come in and how the crowd reacts.

Two practical tips for this stop:

• Arrive ready for wind and sun. Maho can feel exposed.
• Keep your phone secure if you’re moving around. A waterproof bag helps when the moment includes sea spray or sudden mist.

Admission is listed as free for this segment, which is another small value win.

Long Bay, Plum Bay, Red Bay: The Smooth Finale on the Water

After Maho, you’ll get passages to Long Bay, Plum Bay, and Red Bay—with time to enjoy the turquoise water.

This is the best kind of ending: you’ve already done the wildlife and the snorkeling, you’ve done the runway spectacle, and now you can just soak up the coast from the boat.

Because this is a passage rather than a land stop, it works well for motion comfort. You also avoid the “we’re rushing back” feeling that some boat days can have.

What’s Included on Board: Drinks, Snorkel Gear, and Comfort Items

A boat day is only as good as what you don’t have to manage. This charter includes:

• Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel use is part of the experience)
• Life vest
• Flotation support (listed as flotation fries) plus floating mat
• Waterproof bag for personal belongings
• Soda/pop and bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages: rum punch or beers for adults only
• Music on board
• Paddles

This matters because you’re not trying to organize a bunch of rentals or scramble for snacks. You’ll likely end up spending more time enjoying the water instead of juggling gear.

Bring your own meal if you want full control of what you eat. And if you’re sensitive to sun, bring your preferred sun protection too—no specific sunscreen gear is listed.

The Human Factor: Captains Who Make Weather Work

One big reason people come away happy is the way the captain and crew handle the day. Names like Loïc, Nico (Nicholas), and assistant Élodie show up in the service story: calm guidance, good customer care, and a focus on making the schedule work.

A key theme is flexibility. When weather isn’t ideal, the day may be rescheduled rather than forcing the plan. That’s especially important on a route with open-water moments and island time.

If rain shows up, the day doesn’t always fall apart. You can still get a solid experience when the crew keeps the pacing and priorities clear.

Who This Charter Suits Best

This is a strong choice if you:

• Want a private day with a small group (up to 12)
• Like the mix of snorkeling + beaches + a standout spectacle
• Prefer a captain-led route over self-guided travel
• Travel with friends/family and can share the group cost

It’s also ideal if you’re not trying to turn the day into a checklist. You’re getting a full day, but with breaks that feel intentional.

It may be less ideal if you hate water at all, or if you want a strict “explore on foot for hours” plan. This is a boat-forward experience.

Quick FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Saint Martin private boat charter?

It’s listed at approximately 7 to 8 hours, with remaining time including travel.

How many people can be on the boat?

The boat accommodates up to 12 passengers maximum.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get snorkeling equipment, and the Grand Case stop includes snorkeling with mask and snorkel.

Are meals included?

No. Meal is not included. You can bring your own meal or go to a restaurant on Pinel Island.

Are drinks included, and is alcohol part of it?

Yes. You get soda/pop, bottled water, and for adults there are rum punch/beers included. Alcohol is for adults only.

Where do we meet, and where does it end?

You meet at J.M Beer, Marina Royale Résidence la Frégate, lot 19, 2 Rue du Président Kennedy, Marigot 97150 and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Should You Book This Private Charter?

If you want a day that feels like a vacation instead of an itinerary, I’d lean yes. The big strengths are simple: private-group comfort, snorkeling gear included, and a route that mixes sea turtles, plane spotting, and beach time without turning everything into a sprint.

Book it if you’re traveling with a group that can share the cost and you’re happy to let the captain guide the flow. Skip or rethink if you only want beach lounging with no water activities, or if weather disruptions would ruin your trip timing.

Either way, this is the kind of day that’s easier to plan when you’re thinking in vibes: swim when you want, watch when you want, and let the coastline come to you from the water.