Speedboats, sun, and your own St Barth day. This private charter lets you plan your day with your captain, with snorkeling time at top spots and an open bar on board. The main catch is weather: if conditions are rough, your captain may adjust the plan to keep it safe and comfortable.

I also like the “group of your choice” setup. For up to 8 people, you’re not lining up, waiting for slow arrivals, or stuck with a fixed schedule. One thing to think about: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan how you want to handle food during the 8-hour ride.

Overall, it’s a great way to get real beach-and-water time in St Barth without turning the day into a travel marathon. If you want the sea to be the plan—not just the backdrop—this is an easy choice.

Key things to know before you book

• Private charter for up to 8: you control the feel of the day.
• Captain-driven itinerary changes when weather shifts.
• Snorkeling gear + giant floating mat provided on board.
• Colombier and Fourchue Island are on the radar for swim-and-snorkel stops.
• Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks plus snacks during the tour.

The real win: a private speedboat day that feels flexible

A lot of “day trips” are really just guided transfers with a few photo stops. This one is different. You start with your own speedboat, and your captain steers the day based on what you want and what the water is doing that morning.

That flexibility matters in the Caribbean, especially around St Barth, where wind can change quickly. In one case, Elliott looked at the conditions and warned that the St Barth ride would be bumpy and wet. He suggested switching to Anguilla instead, which was about 20 minutes away. That kind of practical decision-making is the whole point of a private charter.

I also like that the experience is built for being in the water. You’re not waiting around for long stretches on deck. You’re going where the snorkeling and swimming are worth it, then relaxing when the sun is doing its best work.

Price and value: $2,000 per group, not per person

The price is $2,000 per group for up to 8 people, running about 8 hours. That’s the key to the value math: you’re paying for a boat and a captain, not buying individual tickets.

If you’re traveling as a small group—friends, a family unit, or a mixed-age group that wants one simple plan—this can be a very reasonable way to reach St Barth and actually enjoy the time there. The includes list is doing real work here:

• Fuel surcharge is included
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included
• Snorkeling equipment is provided
• A giant floating mat is provided
• Snacks are included

What’s not included is lunch, plus transportation to and from attractions (you’re meeting at the marina, so you handle getting there). Still, the “on board” extras reduce the day-to-day costs and friction.

Your day on the water: starting from Anse Marcel at 9:00am

Your meeting point is Paper Boat Charter, Marina Anse-Marcel, Saint Martin (97150) with a 9:00am start. This matters because it sets your pacing. You’re typically not wasting the morning in traffic or chasing late arrivals. You’re ready to go when the day is still calm and the water has a better chance of being friendly.

The itinerary overview keeps things simple: you come to Anse Marcel and the boat is docked there. The listed stop is short—about 10 minutes—which fits how charters usually work: you’re getting settled fast, then heading out.

After that, the day becomes flexible. Your captain customizes your route based on:

• Your interests (snorkeling heavy, beach heavy, mixed)
• Weather and sea conditions
• What’s practical that day

That’s why this isn’t a “set it and forget it” tour. It’s more like renting a smart, experienced skipper for the day—just with snacks, gear, and drinks taken care of.

Snorkeling at St Barth: why Colombier and Fourchue Island make sense

If you want the sea to be the highlight, St Barth snorkeling is where this trip earns its keep. The experience specifically points to stops such as Colombier and Fourchue Island, which are popular names for a reason: they’re good for swimming and snorkeling when conditions are right.

Here’s what you can realistically expect from an experience like this, based on what’s included:

• Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to hunt down fins and masks before you leave.
• A giant floating mat is on board, which is great for breaks between swims.
• You’ll have time carved out for swimming and snorkeling, not just a quick look.

The practical advantage of included gear: you can travel lighter. And when you’re on a boat, the last thing you want is to spend your precious swim time wrestling with forgotten snorkels or bad-fitting masks.

Also, ask your captain early what visibility looks like. Even without you knowing local spots well, your captain can guide you toward what’s workable right now, not what looked best in someone’s memory from last month.

Beaches and chill time: balancing swimming with actual rest

A charter day can go one of two ways: non-stop activity, or just drifting while you wait for “the next stop.” This experience is designed to do better than both by mixing snorkeling stops with beach time.

In the details you were given, the day is about:

• Swimming and snorkeling
• Soaking up the warm sun
• Relaxing on idyllic beaches

That “relax” part is important. You’re on a boat for hours, so you’ll want to pace yourself. If you snorkel hard early, save energy for later swims. If you’re more beach-focused, bring a plan for sunscreen re-application and shade time.

And yes, the onboard extras help the mood. You have an open bar available during the tour, plus snacks. It doesn’t replace good sun habits, but it does make the downtime feel like vacation instead of waiting.

Drinks, snacks, and the vibe on board

The includes list is refreshingly straightforward: unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus complimentary snacks. In practical terms, that means you’re not thinking about cash, packing a cooler, or negotiating “can we stop for drinks.”

From a comfort standpoint, it also makes sense for a day that can involve bumpy moments on the water. You’ll often feel the best when you’re hydrated and not running low on energy.

One of the reviews mentioned a great day with swim stops and fun alongside a food plan later (lunch at Eden Rock, mentioned in the feedback). While lunch isn’t included as part of the charter package, you should still feel like the day supports dining plans once you’re ashore—especially if your captain knows the timing and where you want to go.

Lunch timing: what you’re likely to do (since it’s not included)

Lunch isn’t included. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does change how you plan the day.

Because your captain is customizing your route, your best approach is:

• Decide early if you want lunch as a priority
• Mention dietary needs and timing preferences to the captain
• Be ready to cover the cost yourself when you’re on land

If you want a simple mindset, think of lunch as the one thing you’ll pay for, while the boat, gear, swims, snacks, and drinks are handled for you. That’s how many charter days end up feeling fair in cost.

If you’d rather not leave the boat for a long break, ask whether you can keep lunch flexible—quick bites, short ashore time, or a plan that preserves more water time.

Captains matter: Elliott and Etienne set the tone

A private charter lives or dies on the captain’s judgment. The feedback you provided gives two names to pay attention to: Elliott and Etienne.

One standout story credits Elliott with real-time decision-making. When the planned St Barth day was likely to be uncomfortable due to wind, he suggested Anguilla instead (about 20 minutes away). That’s a smart move if your goal is a great day, not stubbornly sticking to a timetable.

Etienne is mentioned for knowing great restaurants and beaches, which matters because a charter isn’t only about snorkeling spots—it’s about where the day feels best. If your group includes people with different priorities, that skill helps you avoid the tug-of-war.

If you can, talk to the captain about your ideal mix: how many swims, how much beach time, and whether you want a longer sit-down lunch. A good skipper will be able to translate that into a route that doesn’t feel rushed.

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

This charter fits best if:

• You want St Barth access without fixed group constraints
• You’re comfortable paying for convenience for a group of up to 8
• You care about snorkeling time and want gear provided
• You like the idea of a captain adjusting plans when weather changes

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate any possibility of route changes due to wind or sea conditions
• Your group wants a tightly scheduled, “exactly at 11:00 we stop at X” day
• You’re expecting lunch to be included in the price

The weather requirement is also worth respecting. The experience is stated to require good weather, and if it’s canceled because conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right kind of policy for this type of activity, since the water is the whole point.

Practical prep: passport, swim-ready gear, and simple expectations

A few items from the provided details can save you stress on the day:

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
• Service animals are allowed.
• Most travelers can participate (so long as you’re able to enjoy time on the water and in the sun).

What to bring is mostly common sense for a charter day, like swimwear, sun protection, and anything you personally prefer for comfort. Since snorkeling gear is provided, you can keep your packing simpler than a DIY day.

Also, remember you’re starting at Anse Marcel at 9:00am. Plan to get there early enough that you’re not rushing. Being on time makes the whole day smoother, especially if the captain is watching the weather and deciding how to route you.

And when it comes to expectations: the day is about time in the water and relaxed beach breaks. If your goal is lots of land sightseeing with long museum-style stops, this isn’t that kind of outing.

Should you book Paper Boat Charter from St Martin to St Barth?

If you’re the type of traveler who likes options, this is a smart yes. The big reason to book is that you’re buying control: a private boat, a captain guiding decisions, snorkeling gear ready, and drinks and snacks built into the day.

Choose it if your group wants:

• A real Caribbean water day
• Time for snorkeling at places like Colombier and Fourchue Island
• Less hassle and more flexibility than a fixed tour

Skip it if you’re trying to lock in a totally rigid day plan regardless of wind or sea conditions.

If you want one sentence to guide your decision: book this when your priority is swimming, snorkeling, and a captain who can adapt so your day stays fun, even if the weather has ideas of its own.

FAQ

What time does the charter start?

It starts at 9:00am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Paper Boat Charter, Marina Anse-Marcel, Saint-martin 97150, St Martin.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 8 hours.

How many people are in a group?

This is a private tour/activity for your group, with pricing set for up to 8 people.

What’s included on board?

Included items include fuel surcharge, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, snacks, a professional guide, snorkeling equipment, and a giant floating mat.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What travel documents do I need?

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.