A private boat day beats island hopping. This 7.5-hour charter on a brand new 2023 Axopar 37 Sun Top is built for real comfort at sea, with a full-length roof, enclosed toilet, and seating that rotates around the table. You’re not just cruising—you’re set up to actually enjoy the ride, whether you’re sunbathing on the two sun beds or hanging out under cover.

I especially like the combination of an all-group private setup (up to 10) and the way the route leans into boat-only beaches and standout snorkeling areas. On board, you’ll have a full open bar plus snacks and SCUBA equipment, and the captain can adjust the plan if conditions change. One thing to consider: this kind of day is weather-dependent, and when seas get rough, you may feel it during the water time and transfers between stops.

Key highlights at a glance

• 2023 Axopar 37 Sun Top comfort: roof cover, enclosed toilet, and 7 rotating seats around a central table
• Two sun beds for easy lounging plus a layout that works for groups
• Full open bar setup (alcoholic options for age 18+) and soda/juices/water
• Multiple snorkeling swim stops across islands and reefs, including Creole Rock areas
• SCUBA equipment included so you’re not scrambling for gear once you’re on the water
• A captain who adapts (when mornings don’t cooperate, the day can shift to keep you on the best local route)

The 2023 Axopar 37 Sun Top: why the boat matters

A lot of Caribbean boat days feel like you’re fighting for space. This Axopar 37 Sun Top is the opposite: it’s designed to be lived in for hours. The big win is the seating—7 rotating seats around the table—so your group isn’t stuck facing one direction as the boat turns and the island scenery changes.

Then there’s the roof. The full-length top creates shade when the sun is high, but you’re still in open air. That makes a difference on a longer charter, because you’ll want a break from sun and glare at some point. Add in the enclosed toilet, and you’ll feel like the day is running like an actual outing instead of a constant “hold it until the next stop” situation.

If you’re coming for a special occasion, the boat setup also helps. One anniversary charter story mentioned the experience feeling tailored and smooth, even when weather didn’t start out perfect. The message there is simple: the layout lets you enjoy the day while the captain works on the route.

What’s included: open bar, snacks, and gear that changes the day

Food and drinks aren’t an afterthought here. You get a full open bar that includes champagne, rhum, vodka, rosé wine, and beers for travelers 18+, plus soda/pop, juices, and water for everyone. It’s the kind of included setup that lets you stay relaxed during long stretches—no need to plan purchases every time you want a drink.

Snacks also show up at key moments. There’s a platter of fruits in the morning, then croissant and chocolatine. Before lunch, you’re served a cheese and charcuterie platter. That matters because lunch isn’t included, and you’re going to want energy on the way to the islands and reefs.

One more practical inclusion: use of SCUBA equipment. Even if your main plan is snorkeling, having gear provided reduces the hassle. Do keep it realistic—SCUBA gear doesn’t magically replace training—so use it only if you’re comfortable and prepared for underwater time.

Price and group value: $1,700 for up to 10

The charter price is $1,700 per group (up to 10) for about 7 hours 30 minutes. If you split it with a full group, you’re basically buying a floating, private day with drinks, snacks, and gear included. In that scenario, the per-person cost can start to make sense compared with piecing together multiple tours—or trying to organize a boat rental plus food and drinks yourself.

If you’re traveling as a smaller group, it still might be worth it because you’re paying for the whole experience engine: the boat comfort, the access to remote stops, and the captain-led route. But you’ll want to be honest with yourself. This isn’t priced like a budget outing, so it works best when you can share the cost and enjoy the day as a group.

The sweet spot is friends, families, or mixed groups who want flexibility and privacy. One family outing story specifically called out a day that worked for kids and adults, which is exactly where this format shines.

Start to finish: how a 7.5-hour loop usually feels

You depart at 9:00 am from Paper Boat Charter Marina Anse-marcel in St. Martin. From there, the day moves in a steady rhythm: island and reef stops, time in the water, then back onboard to cool off and refuel with snacks and drinks.

Expect roughly 1 hour 30 minutes at each stop. That’s enough time to swim, snorkel, and grab a moment on shore—without dragging the schedule. The captain’s flexibility matters too. If the weather shifts or conditions aren’t ideal, you can end up doing a better St. Martin route rather than forcing a longer crossing.

Because lunch isn’t included, you’ll likely end up stopping at a beach restaurant at one of the convenient points. If you’re the planner type, decide ahead of time whether you’re more interested in a proper meal or quick bites and more time in the water.

Pinel Island: calm-water swims, iguanas, and an easy lunch option

Pinel Island is the first big anchor stop. It’s one of those places where the water is famously calm, so you can swim without feeling like you’re wrestling the sea. If you want an active start to the day, this is a great place to ease into snorkeling and look around for fish near the island.

You’ll also have a chance to see the iguanas on the beach. It’s a small detail, but it adds character fast—this is not just a swim stop, it’s a landscape moment. And if you want lunch, you’re in luck: Pinel Island has two iconic restaurant options, so you’re not stuck with only snacks.

What I’d watch for here is timing and energy. Because you’re sharing the day with multiple stops, Pinel is where you can decide how deep you want to go with snorkeling versus how much you want to relax. Plan to do both, just don’t try to “do everything” in one 90-minute window.

Tintamarre Island: sea turtles, beach time, and a dolphin season window

Tintamarre Island is a step deeper into the “wild coastline” vibe. The focus here is snorkeling, with the chance to see sea turtles while you’re in the water. Even if you don’t spot turtles every single time, this stop’s reputation is strong enough that it’s clearly chosen for underwater viewing.

There’s also downtime built in. You can relax on the beach after snorkeling, which helps balance the day so you don’t feel like you’re rushing from swim to swim.

Then there’s the dolphin angle. Tintamarre is home to dolphins between January and April, which gives this stop a seasonal hook. If you’re traveling during that window, you should treat Tintamarre as a “maybe plus” stop: maybe you see dolphins, and either way you get great water time and a beautiful beach.

Happy Bay Beach: secluded access and a coconut-tree kind of break

Happy Bay Beach is the kind of place that makes you understand why people pay for a boat day. It’s secluded, and it’s accessible by boat—or by a 30-minute hike. That means the crowd levels can feel lower than the obvious shoreline spots, and the beach time can feel like a reward rather than an appointment.

Once you’re there, you have two main ways to enjoy it: snorkel along the coast or relax under a coconut tree. This stop is less about chasing the biggest reef in the region and more about slowing down and letting the scenery do the work.

One practical consideration: secluded beach time can be hot and still. If you’re prone to sun fatigue, make sure you alternate water time with shade and keep an eye on how long you’ve been out.

Grand Case and Creole Rock: reef snorkeling plus a famous bay vibe

This is where the day gets reef-focused. Grand Case brings you to creole rock, described as one of the island’s most famous snorkeling spots, with fish density that can feel almost unreal. If you want to see a lot underwater without long travel between locations, this is the stop that usually delivers.

After the water time, you’ll cruise along the bay of Grand Case, which is known as the gastronomic street of the island. Even if you don’t eat on the spot, cruising the bay gives you a feel for why the area draws people—this isn’t just a view, it’s a place with a food identity.

The tradeoff is that this is also a more “snorkel-first” stop. If you’re traveling with people who prefer low-effort relaxation, make sure everyone agrees on how much time you’ll spend in the water versus on board or near the shoreline.

Baie Rouge: orange sand photos and a rock swim-through

Baie Rouge is a visual stop. You’ll pull alongside the bay for a secluded beach and snorkeling that’s meant for swimmers who want something different from the bigger public stretches. The orange color of the sand is a built-in photo opportunity, and it changes the look of the coastline fast.

There’s also a fun water feature: a hole in the rock where you can swim through. It’s the sort of detail that makes the stop feel playful and memorable, not just scenic.

Because the beach is described as secluded, you’ll want to use your time efficiently—go snorkel, try the rock swim-through if conditions look good, then take a moment for photos before it’s time to head back onboard.

Lunch choices: what to do when it’s not included

Lunch isn’t included, but the day is structured so you’re not arriving hungry. Before lunch you have fruit, plus croissant and chocolatine in the morning, then cheese and charcuterie before the lunch moment. That means you can treat lunch like a choice rather than a necessity.

At some point, you can stop at a beach restaurant for lunch. Since the tour covers multiple islands and beaches, you’ll likely end up choosing the easiest option based on the day’s conditions and where the captain thinks the best timing will land.

If you’re the group that likes a sit-down meal, build it into the plan. If you’d rather stay in the water as much as possible, aim for a lighter lunch so you still feel fresh for the later snorkeling stops.

Who should book this St. Martin charter?

Book this private Axopar 37 charter if you want a day that feels like your own plan, not a schedule hammered out for a big crowd. It’s ideal for groups up to 10 who want comfort, privacy, and included drinks and snacks, along with multiple chances to snorkel at different types of spots.

It’s also a good fit for families and mixed ages. One family outing highlighted how the day worked with 7-year-old twins, plus onboard fun like a motorized pull toy and a lily pad—details that suggest the boat day isn’t only about swimming. If your group includes people who don’t want to snorkel nonstop, the boat layout and onboard hangout time can keep everyone happy.

I’d think twice if you’re sensitive to rough water. The experience requires good weather, and there have been cases where plans adjusted when conditions were too rough. When the sea is choppy, you may get less out of the water stops than you hoped.

Should you book it: my practical take

If your priority is a comfortable private boat day with lots of included value—open bar, snacks, and SCUBA gear—this charter is a strong pick. The route makes sense for travelers who want variety: a calmer island swim, turtle-friendly snorkeling chances, a secluded beach break, a famed reef area around Grand Case, and a photo-worthy stop at Baie Rouge.

My honest checklist before booking:

• Are you traveling with a group that can share the $1,700 cost up to 10?
• Are you okay with the fact that weather matters and the captain may adjust the day?
• Do you want multiple snorkeling moments rather than one single long beach?

If you said yes to those, you’ll likely enjoy how this day blends comfort, underwater time, and real access to places you can’t reach the same way from shore.

FAQ

How many people can go on this private charter?

The charter is private for your group and can accommodate up to 10 people.

What boat is used?

You’ll be on a 2023 Axopar 37 Sun Top.

Where does the tour start?

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

What time does the tour run?

It starts at 9:00 am and lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you can stop at a beach restaurant if you want.

What’s included in the drinks?

There’s a full open bar with champagne, rhum, vodka, rosé wine, and beers for travelers age 18+, plus soda/pop, juices, and water.

Is snorkeling or scuba gear included?

Yes. Use of SCUBA equipment is included, and the itinerary includes snorkeling stops.

Where do you stop during the day?

The stops include Pinel Island, Tintamarre Island, Happy Bay Beach, Grand Case (creole rock area), and Baie Rouge.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount paid is not refunded.