A day on a St Maarten catamaran can feel too pretty to be real. This one stands out because you get a true sailing day—plus snorkeling and paddle boarding—and it’s built for a smooth private-group rhythm, not a rushed checklist. The crew support looks like it’s dialed in, with names like Louise and Tonya showing up in accounts of the trip being especially accommodating. One thing to keep in mind: this experience is weather-dependent, so if conditions turn, the plan shifts.

What I like most is the mix of on-water time and actual activities. You’ll cruise the island from the water, stop at standout spots like La Samanna and Creole Rock, then go for a swim at Tintamarre Island with time on a Caribbean beach. The second big win: the inclusions are generous—an open bar all day, a hot BBQ lunch, snacks, plus snorkeling and paddle boarding gear.

The only real consideration is logistics of the water day itself: there’s no setup for wheelchairs on board (you can get as far as the boat), and you’ll need to be comfortable being on the catamaran for the better part of the day.

Key things to know before you sail

• Private full-day charter for up to 15 people, with only your group aboard
• Open bar all day (beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, whisky) alongside tea, coffee, and soda
• Around-the-island route with stops at La Samanna, Creole Rock, and more water-only viewpoints
• Tintamarre Island time that includes swimming and a chance to see turtles
• Snorkeling + paddle boarding + fishing gear included (equipment, rods for trolling)
• Good weather required, with a switch to a different date or a full refund if canceled

A private St Maarten catamaran day—what you’re really paying for

At $2,800 per group (up to 15), this isn’t priced like a “quick boat ride.” It’s priced like a full-day floating base: a stable catamaran, an experienced captain and mate, and enough included extras to keep the day fun even if the mood swings between “relax” and “let’s do stuff.”

If you’re traveling with family or friends, the private setup is where the value comes from. You’re not sharing a limited schedule with strangers. You can settle into the rhythm—sun or shade, snacks as needed, snorkeling when it suits your group—while still seeing multiple highlights from the water.

And there’s a practical bonus: catamarans are generally easier for comfort than smaller boats, and this one is described as extremely stable and safe, handled by licensed captains. That matters in real life, because a day on the water stops being relaxing fast if the boat feels too lively.

Setting off from Simpson Bay at 9:00 AM

The day starts at 88 Welfare Rd in Simpson Bay, with the tour running about 8 hours and ending back at the same meeting point. A 9:00 AM start is ideal for a full day because it gives you daylight for snorkeling and swimming while still leaving energy for the sail back.

You’re also getting a mobile ticket, and the meeting point is noted as near public transportation. That’s a small detail, but it’s one less thing to worry about if you’re not using a dedicated driver.

Because this is private, your group can spread out and settle in. The plan includes both relaxed time on the water and active moments (like snorkeling and paddle boarding). That blend is exactly what makes these charters feel like a day, not an assignment.

The around-the-island route: La Samanna, Creole Rock, and the best fish snorkel

One of the most popular versions of this charter is the around-the-island route. The reason it’s popular is simple: it stacks multiple “only from the water” views into one day, then adds actual swim-and-snorkel time so you don’t just look out at pretty water.

La Samanna: classy coastline vibes

La Samanna is a named stop on the route, which is a good clue that you’re seeing more than just random shoreline. It’s the kind of place you’ll appreciate from the boat because you get that perspective you can’t replicate from shore—big waterline views, coastal angles, and the general feel of the area.

What I like about including a stop like this: it gives the day a visual anchor early on. Even if you’re not swimming yet, the scenery is doing work.

Creole Rock: a landmark you feel on the water

Creole Rock is another stop on the itinerary. From a sailing perspective, landmarks like this matter because they break up the day. You’re not just motoring along—you’re moving toward visible points, then transitioning into snorkeling and beach time.

Also, Creole Rock is part of the route that leads to the island’s top snorkeling spot, so the day builds naturally toward the water activity.

St Maarten’s top fish snorkeling site

Snorkeling is a core part of this charter, and the route explicitly includes St Maarten’s #1 snorkeling site for fish. That’s the key phrase for your planning: you’re not doing a token “see a little coral” stop. You’re going where the fish viewing is meant to be strong.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not stuck pricing rentals or packing your own kit. If you’ve ever done a snorkeling trip where the gear felt worn out or mismatched, you’ll appreciate that this is handled as part of the day plan.

The practical downside here

The route is active. If someone in your group is only comfortable being on the boat and doesn’t want to snorkel or paddle board, they may feel a little “passed by” during swim stops. The good news is that time on the catamaran is built in, and you can keep it low-key—there’s sun and shade, and you’re private, so your group’s comfort can set the pace.

Tintamarre Island: the beach, the swim, and turtle chances

Tintamarre Island is the standout “you’ll remember this” stop. The route includes time to swim there, with the experience framed around the chance to see turtles. It also includes Caribbean BBQ lunch time and an incredible beach moment afterward.

Here’s why Tintamarre works so well in a full-day charter:

• It’s not just a viewpoint. You’re getting out into the island experience.
• It blends wildlife interest (turtles) with classic Caribbean beach time.
• It breaks up the day so the snorkeling section doesn’t feel like the only highlight.

If you’re the type who gets restless sitting still, this is the section that resets your energy. If you’re the type who likes “beach first, photos later,” this is still a good match because the charter doesn’t turn Tintamarre into a rushed stop.

What to expect at the beach and lunch window

BBQ lunch is part of the day, and the plan places it around the Tintamarre stretch. You’ll also have salads and snacks, plus water and coffee/tea. In real terms, that means you’re not waiting hours hungry between water activities.

One note: swimming with turtles is described as part of the experience, but you should still treat wildlife sightings as “chance,” not a guarantee. The best approach is to enjoy the water and the beach in front of you, even if the turtles are shy that day.

Food and drink: open bar energy plus a real hot lunch

If you’ve ever paid for a sailing day that turns into lukewarm finger food and watered-down drinks, you’ll appreciate how this one is framed. The day includes an open bar with unlimited drinks: beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky. Coffee, tea, and soda are also provided, with bottled water available.

That matters because it turns the catamaran into a social space, not just a sightseeing platform. You can toast the morning sail, snack between stops, then settle in after a swim.

Hot BBQ lunch and the kind of meals that don’t disappoint

Lunch is described as a delicious hot BBQ with salads. The trip summary also points to Gouda cheese and fresh baguette as part of the onboard food setup, plus barbecue lunch. That combination sounds like it’s designed to keep everyone satisfied—especially mixed groups with different appetites.

Practical takeaway: you’re not relying on buying food in port or hunting for a late lunch. You’re eating as part of the rhythm of the day, which is what you want on a charter.

Alcohol note, in a good way

Open bar doesn’t automatically mean “party.” In this setup, it’s more like built-in convenience. Drinks are there if your group wants them, but the overall structure still includes plenty of relaxing time, snorkeling breaks, and sail time.

Snorkeling, paddle boarding, and fishing gear—included fun you can actually use

This charter doesn’t just say snorkeling is available. It includes snorkeling equipment, paddle boarding gear (stand up paddle board), and fishing rods for trolling.

That’s important because it means you can try different styles of fun without paying extra or changing plans. A day like this can become boring if everyone wants the same activity. Here, people can split their attention: one person snorkels, another paddles, someone else fishes, and the rest relax with the views.

Snorkeling equipment included

Snorkel gear is included, which is a big deal for convenience. It removes a common pain point: finding rentals, dealing with sizing, and hoping the gear works properly.

Also, the snorkeling stop is part of a longer around-the-island route, so you’re not doing it in a random, short-lived moment. You’re going to a fish-focused site.

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP)

The included SUP is one of those “this makes it feel like a vacation day” additions. From the water, SUP can be relaxing, and it also works as a low-stakes activity for people who may not want to snorkel.

Fishing rods for trolling

Trolling rods being included adds another layer. It’s great if you like the idea of trying something hands-on while cruising. Even if you don’t catch much, the activity can still break up the day in a satisfying way.

Crew and safety: what makes the day feel easy

The experience is described as being handled by experienced fun licensed captains and an attentive mate. Safety and stability are not treated as an afterthought—boats are said to be extremely stable, and that’s reinforced by how the day is structured for comfort, with time to relax in sun or shade.

In the accounts of exceptional days, Louise and Tonya come up as people who were accommodating and helped make the trip run smoothly. Even without knowing every detail of how your captain operates, it’s clear the crew approach matters here: calm, patient, and ready to guide.

That’s what you want on a full-day charter. The day is long enough that a crew’s tone affects everything—snorkel setup, pacing, and how comfortable your group feels from the first minutes on board.

Price and value for up to 15 people

Let’s talk value honestly. At $2,800 per group for up to 15, the cost is really about cost-sharing. If you’re two couples plus a few friends, this can land as a surprisingly reasonable way to buy a full day of sailing, swimming, meals, and an all-day open bar.

If you’re only a couple, the price will feel heavier. But even then, what you’re paying for is the full package: private boat time, snorkeling gear, paddle boarding, trolling rods, and a hot BBQ lunch plus snacks and drinks. You’re also paying for the route itself—multiple named highlights and a circumnavigation-style plan designed to show parts of the islands you can’t really access from land.

In short: this charter makes the most sense when your group can spread the fixed boat costs. For larger groups, it turns into a high-value splurge.

Weather and timing: how to think about the plan

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That weather rule is not small—it’s central to a day that depends on sailing time, snorkeling, and a beach swim at Tintamarre.

So your best strategy is to book with flexibility in mind. If you’re planning around a tight schedule with no cushion, you’ll want to think carefully. The upside is that the response is fair: you’re not stuck losing the money if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The good part about an 8-hour charter starting at 9:00 AM is that you get a lot of water time even if conditions aren’t perfect. But if conditions are truly unsafe, the trip can’t run as planned—that’s the reality of sailing.

Who this St Maarten catamaran charter fits best

This charter is a strong fit if:

• You want a private day with your group and no crowd pressure
• Your group includes people who want different activities (snorkel, SUP, relax)
• You care about doing multiple named highlights in one day
• You’d rather pay for convenience than coordinate separate boat rentals and food stops

It may not be ideal if:

• Your group only wants a short, chill outing and doesn’t care about snorkeling or beach time
• You have limited flexibility for weather changes
• Someone needs wheelchair use on board (wheelchairs are possible up to the boat, but cannot be used on board)

Should you book this private full-day charter?

Yes, if your idea of a great St Maarten day includes sailing plus water time—not just sightseeing. The combo of a full-day catamaran, snorkeling and SUP equipment included, a turtle-focused Tintamarre stop, and an all-day open bar plus hot BBQ lunch is exactly the kind of “buy the day, don’t manage the day” experience that feels worth it.

Book it especially if you have a group of up to 15 so the fixed charter cost spreads out. The price is steep if you’re traveling as only two or three, but it becomes much more sensible when everyone is on board for the full day of activities.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran sailing charter in St Maarten?

It runs for about 8 hours.

How many people can be on the charter?

The charter is for up to 15 people per group.

Where do we meet, and what time does the tour start?

You start at 88 Welfare Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, at 9:00 am. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Alcoholic beverages, lunch (hot BBQ with salads), snacks, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, snorkeling equipment, a stand up paddle board, and fishing rods for trolling. The open bar is listed as unlimited, including beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Does the charter include snorkeling and time at Tintamarre Island?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the popular route includes snorkeling at St Maarten’s top fish site. It also includes time at Tintamarre Island with swimming and the chance to see turtles.

What happens if weather is poor?

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