Your beach-hopping day starts with a speedboat. I love the private charter setup, where you steer the day with your captain, and I love the open bar feeling that makes it all easy—drinks, snacks, and a relaxed pace. The one drawback to plan for: lunch is not included, and you should budget extra fees once you get to Anguilla plus the Rendezvous Bay beach charge.

This is the kind of day that works best when you want sun, water, and options rather than a fixed “checklist.” The captains run the route based on weather, which is exactly what you want in this region, where conditions can shift quickly. And if you’re not a super-sold-signal snorkeler, you can still enjoy a beach-and-swim day with the boat doing the heavy lifting.

Key points worth knowing

Private vessel for up to 10 people with a captain who adjusts the route to weather and interest.

Snorkel gear and a floating mat are included, so you can get into the water fast.

Rendezvous Bay plus a runway-view stop at Maho gives you both calm swim time and a fun spectacle.

Pinel Island is your built-in food break, with restaurants there if you want lunch on land.

Extra on-the-ground costs apply, including Anguilla tax and the Rendezvous Bay beach fee.

Why This Charter Feels Like the Smart Way to Do St. Martin + Anguilla

St. Martin and Anguilla are close on the map, but in real life, getting the time on the water you want can be tricky. That’s where a private speedboat day pays off. You’re not trying to fit into a group schedule, and you’re not stuck with a single beach or one snorkeling stop that everyone must accept. The captain plans around your interests and the day’s conditions, which usually means less time waiting and more time swimming.

You’ll start at the Paper Boat Charter Marina Anse-marcel around 9:00am, and the day runs about 8 hours. A quick boarding window is built in, then the boat does what it does best: moving you between beaches and snorkeling areas without the hassle of ferries, transfers, and long waits.

Also, I like how the tone is set on the water. It’s not a stiff “tour talk” day. It’s more like: get on board, get comfortable, and then the captain keeps nudging the itinerary toward the best water and visibility. Multiple captains come up as energetic and accommodating—names like Captain Elliot and Captain William show up in the records for being especially friendly, flexible, and good at tailoring the day.

The In-Water Part: Snorkeling Stops You Might Hit (and Why That Matters)

The snorkeling theme here is a big deal, and it’s tied to flexibility. The tour describes top areas like Tintamarre, Creole Rock, and Prickly Pear. You may not visit all of them every day—weather, sea state, and visibility matter—so treat this as a “best-of” menu your captain can pick from.

Here’s what I think makes this valuable for you:

• You’re not locked into one underwater spot. If one area isn’t cooperating, the captain can look for better conditions elsewhere.
• Snorkel gear is included, which removes a common friction point. You don’t want your day to turn into gear-hunt logistics.
• The giant floating mat is included, and it’s one of those comfort upgrades that sounds small until you’re tired of treading.

If you’re curious but not committed to snorkeling the whole day, you can still have a great time. Many people love this setup because it makes it normal to swim for a bit, pause, float, and then swim again. You’re not pressured to do a long stretch.

Stop by Stop: What to Expect at Each Main Moment

Rendezvous Bay Beach: White Sand + Clear Water Time

Rendez-vous Bay is the first big swim-and-sun stop. The description calls it a pristine white beach with crystal-clear water, and that matches what most people want from Anguilla: a beach that looks like it belongs on a postcard, with enough calm water to actually enjoy it.

The planned time is about 1 hour. That’s enough for:

• a proper swim
• a beach sit-down (if you bring your own shade plan)
• a quick rinse-off and snack break

One practical note: Rendezvous Bay has a $35 per person beach fee that’s not included. So if you’re doing the money math, this is part of the “you must pay this to enjoy the water” reality.

Maho: Planes Coming In Low (Short and Sweet)

Next up is Maho, the famous spot where you can watch planes land close to the beach. Your time here is about 20 minutes, and that brief window is actually perfect. It lets you see the show without eating your whole day on a runway view.

What I’d do here: grab a spot with a clear line of sight, watch a few landings, and then head back to the boat while you still feel energized. This is fun, but it’s also loud and intense. Short is smart.

Pinel Island: A Lunch Break That Doesn’t Feel Forced

Pinel Island is where you get a land-based pause. You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes there, and the tour notes lunch options at one of two restaurants on the island.

This stop is useful because it changes the rhythm. After time in the water, you get a chance to dry off, eat something that isn’t snacks-from-the-boat, and reset. If you’re traveling with mixed preferences—someone wants snorkeling, someone wants beach lounging—Pinel is a middle ground that usually works.

Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll pay there. But since restaurants exist right on the island, you don’t need to plan a packed meal. Still, I recommend bringing a little spending cash or confirming card options ahead of time.

Paper Boat Charter Marina: The Boarding Moment That Keeps You on Schedule

The day starts and ends back at Marina Anse-marcel with Paper Boat Charter. The itinerary notes a short stop (about 10 minutes) that’s essentially the boarding and handoff moment.

This matters because private charters rise or fall on how smoothly that handoff goes. When it’s well-run, you’re back on the water fast, and the day feels effortless.

Drinks, Snacks, Gear, and the Floating Mat: The Small Stuff That Adds Up

The “included” list is one of the reasons this feels good value. You get unlimited drinks (open bar), and the overall description also points to complimentary beverages and snacks on board. In plain terms: you can focus on enjoying the day instead of tracking what you’re buying.

You also get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Giant floating mat
• Fuel surcharge
• Driver/guide
• Pickup offered (when available)

The open bar is the headline, but I love the combination of drinks + snacks + gear. That trio removes the usual “vacation friction.” You don’t have to worry about missing a snack or spending time searching for mask and snorkel while the best light on the water slips away.

And the floating mat? It’s one of those practical inclusions that makes your stops feel safer and easier, especially if someone in your group is more comfortable floating than swimming continuously.

Price and Logistics: Is $1,700 Worth It?

The price is $1,700.00 per group (up to 10), and the trip runs about 8 hours. For a private speedboat day, that’s not surprising. What’s worth thinking about is how that total turns into value per person and what’s extra.

Here’s a simple way to look at it:

• If you fill the boat to 10 people, you’re looking at about $170 per person as the base cost.
• If you have fewer people, the per-person cost goes up fast, since it’s priced as a group charter.

Then add the known extras:

• Anguilla tax (amount not listed, but it’s explicitly not included)
• Rendezvous Bay beach fee: $35 per person
• Lunch (not included; Pinel Island has restaurants)

Even with those extras, the value often comes from the fact you’re paying for:

• a private vessel
• a captain who adjusts the route
• time on multiple highlight locations
• included snorkeling gear and basic comfort items

If your alternative is a shared cruise that may or may not line up with your ideal beach and snorkel time, a private day becomes more attractive. You’re essentially paying to control your day.

Also, it’s been booked with short lead times. The data shows it’s often reserved around 34 days in advance, but there’s enough demand that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute if you have specific timing needs.

Meeting at 9:00am and How the Day Stays Easy

Start time is 9:00am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. The meeting point is Paper Boat Charter Marina Anse-marcel in St. Martin.

Two practical notes for your actual trip day:

• Have your passport with you. A valid passport is required on travel day.
• Plan for sea conditions. You can’t control weather, but the captain’s job is to adapt. That flexibility is a big part of why this works.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking.

Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This charter is a great fit if you’re the type who wants:

• sun + swim time without rigid schedules
• flexible snorkeling based on conditions
• a private day with friends or family
• included gear so you don’t waste time preparing

It also fits well for groups where not everyone snorkels. The itinerary mixes beach stops (with time to swim) and runway watching at Maho. That lets you enjoy different “styles” of fun within the same day.

If you’re traveling as a couple, it can still work, but the decision should come down to your group size and budget. Since it’s per group up to 10, two people will pay the same total as a larger group.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Captain’s Plan

Since the itinerary is customized with your captain based on your interests and the weather, go in with a few clear priorities. I’d do this:

• Decide your snorkeling comfort level. Tell the captain what you want: a couple of swims, or more time in the water.
• Pick your must-see moments. Maho is short but specific; Rendezvous Bay is the classic swim. Pinel Island is where you’ll probably eat.
• Bring a simple beach plan. You’ll be in the sun a lot, so pack what keeps you comfortable for beach time between swims.

And one more thing: when you book, you’re hiring more than a boat—you’re hiring the person handling the route. Captains like Captain Elliot, Captain William, and Captain Jean-Claude have shown up as popular for being attentive, energetic, and willing to adjust plans when needed. That kind of service is what makes the day feel personal.

Should You Book This St. Martin to Anguilla Private Charter?

If you want a flexible, high-comfort day at sea—with snorkeling gear handled, beaches that look incredible, and a captain who can shift the plan when conditions change—this is an easy yes for the right budget.

I’d say book it when:

• you can fill the group (or at least bring enough people to make the per-person cost make sense)
• snorkeling and beach time are your main goals
• you like the idea of calling the shots, not following someone else’s schedule

I’d hesitate if:

• you’re very cost-sensitive once you factor in Anguilla tax, the $35 per person Rendezvous Bay fee, and lunch
• you only want one beach and one easy stop, because then a smaller or shared option might feel more efficient

For many groups, though, this is one of the best ways to turn St. Martin and Anguilla into a real day of water and sun, without turning it into a logistics project.

FAQ

How long is the private cruise?

The experience lasts about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00am.

Where do we meet for the cruise?

You meet at Paper Boat Charter Marina Anse-marcel, Saint-martin 97150, St Martin.

Is this a private tour?

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

What is the group size limit?

The charter is priced for up to 10 people per group.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are fuel surcharge, unlimited drinks (open bar), driver/guide, snorkeling equipment, and a giant floating mat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What extra fees should I budget for?

Anguilla tax and the Rendezvous Bay Beach fee ($35.00 per person) are not included.

What documents do I need to bring?

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

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel within 24 hours, you won’t receive a refund.