A fast boat turns St Maarten into your own playground. This private speedboat charter lets you pick the stops with your captain, so the day feels relaxed instead of scheduled. I love that you’re not stuck watching the clock at a crowded group tour.

The two big wins for me are snorkeling-first routing and the convenience of included gear and drinks. You’ll have time to cruise, swim, and snorkel in some of the island’s best waters—plus beer, rose wine, rum punch, soft drinks, and water while you’re out there. If you want a day that mixes sightseeing with actual time in the sea, this fits.

One thing to consider: the experience needs good weather, and the boat setup is meant for the water. If you’re hoping for a long, cushy lounge-style ride for non-swimmers, plan for some time standing or holding on during faster cruising.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter feel: it’s just your group, not a shared itinerary.
• Captain-led routing: you choose where you stop based on interests and weather.
• Snorkeling gear included: so you can get in the water quickly at each swim stop.
• Nature reserve focus: Creole Rock, Tintamarre, Pinel, and nearby areas are built for sea life sightings.
• Onboard drinks included: water, soft drinks, beers, rose wine, and rum punch.
• Marine Park fee applies: budget an extra $5 per person.

Why St Maarten looks better from a speedboat

St Maarten is pretty from shore. It’s something else when you’re bouncing across calm water with the coastline sliding by. A speedboat changes the whole rhythm of the day: you go from one beach or snorkeling spot to the next without losing hours to driving and waiting.

You also get a smarter kind of flexibility. Instead of locking into one set “tour loop,” you’ll talk with your captain about what you care about most—swimming, snorkeling, beaches, plane spotting, or a mix—and then you’ll shape the route around what conditions allow that day.

Picking half-day or full-day (and not wasting good water time)

You can book a half-day (about 3.5 hours) or a full day (about 7 hours). Half-day is best if you’re on a cruise day with limited time or you just want a quick hit of snorkeling plus one beach stop.

Full-day is the smarter move if you want the full variety: lagoon cruising, nature reserve snorkeling, uninhabited islands, and time to breathe on the water between stops. With more hours, you’re less likely to feel rushed when weather or currents shape what’s safe and comfortable for swimming.

Meeting in Cole Bay and starting fast

Your meeting point is Powerboat Adventures at 57 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. There’s no hotel pickup listed, so you’ll want to plan your own ride or taxi to Cole Bay and arrive with enough buffer for check-in.

The payoff is you start right where the water work begins. If you’re the type who hates wasting vacation time in traffic, starting near the marina helps the day feel efficient.

Setting your own itinerary with your captain

This is a private tour, so your captain isn’t juggling multiple groups. You’ll set the itinerary together based on your interests and the day’s weather, which matters a lot in St Maarten where sea conditions can change quickly.

Captain Sam is repeatedly described as responsive and easy to work with—quick to answer questions and willing to adjust for what your group wants to do. If you’re traveling with kids, snorkelers, or a mix of swimmers and non-swimmers, you’ll likely appreciate having someone guide the pace instead of forcing everyone into one pattern.

Stop 1: Cole Bay and the Simpson Bay lagoon cruise

Even before you hit the best snorkeling areas, you’ll get a fun, scenic opener: cruising along Simpson Bay lagoon. This is where you can take in the coastline and get that “we’re moving” feeling right away.

It’s also a chance to spot billionaires’ yachts, and your guide can point out points of interest with history and cultural context. The practical benefit: it’s a low-effort start. You can take photos, settle in, and decide how ambitious you want the rest of the day to be.

Stop 2: Creole Rock for snorkeling with serious fish life

Creole Rock sits in the St Martin nature reserve and is one of the island’s stronger snorkeling areas. The big reason people love it is the diversity of fish, so even if you’re a casual snorkeler, you’ll usually find something worth watching.

Plan on spending about an hour here. One consideration: this is a snorkeling stop, so wear your swim gear and be ready to get in the water promptly. If you’re traveling with someone nervous about snorkeling, focus on short sessions and calm entry—your captain can often manage the flow.

Stop 3: Tintamarre Island and the sea turtle possibility

Tintamarre Island is uninhabited, which is exactly what you want for a calmer, more nature-focused swim. The highlight here is the possibility to snorkel with sea turtles, which turns a regular swim stop into an I-can’t-believe-this moment.

You’ll have about an hour at this stop. Since it’s nature-driven, sightings aren’t guaranteed, but this is one of the best ways to increase your odds without turning the day into a strict “hunt.” If turtles are your priority, make this stop early in your day when energy levels are high.

Stop 4: Pinel Island for easy shallow-water fun and iguanas

Pinel Island is another uninhabited-feeling stop, but with a practical advantage: the waters are very shallow, which tends to make it easier to swim, wade, and hang out even if you’re not a confident swimmer.

It’s also a great spot for small “vacation moments”: you might encounter iguanas, and if you want food, you may have a chance to grab lunch at one of the two beach restaurants. Lunch isn’t included in the charter price, but the timing and access make it convenient if you want a real meal without leaving the water day behind.

You’ll typically get about an hour here. My advice: treat this as your recovery stop—hydrate, take photos, and refuel—so you can enjoy the later cruising and any extra beach time you add.

Stop 5: La Samanna area (Baie Longue) for a shaded, upscale beach pause

If you want a beach break that feels special, the route can include Baie Longue near La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel. It’s described as one of the island’s most beautiful and hidden beaches, with the comfort of shade connected to a high-end resort setting.

You’ll likely spend about an hour here. The vibe is more “relax and soak it in” than “snorkel nonstop.” One note: since this is tied to a specific area, you’ll want to listen closely to your captain about timing and how comfortable the beach conditions are on that day.

Stop 6: Maho Beach for plane-spotting from near

Maho Beach is famous for aircraft landing and taking off at very close range, and this charter can plug it into your day for a quick hit. The plan includes about 15 minutes here, which is enough to watch a landing or take a few quick photos without turning the trip into a long detour.

This stop is best if you’re the kind of person who likes unusual moments. If you’re traveling with kids, it can be a big hit because it feels like a live event. If your group would rather focus purely on swimming, you may treat Maho as optional and swap it for another short swim window.

Drinks onboard: a vacation perk, not a complicated add-on

One reason this charter feels like a true upgrade is what’s already on the boat: water, soft drinks, beers, rose wine, and rum punch. That turns the time between swim stops into a comfortable hang instead of everyone waiting for a bar later.

You do need to follow the minimum drinking age of 18. If you’re traveling as a mixed-age group, it can still work well, but it’s smart to plan for non-alcoholic options since the tour includes soft drinks as well.

Also, bring your expectations down to earth: this is a speedboat day, so the main experience is the water. Treat drinks as a nice extra, not the center of gravity.

Snorkeling gear included, but manage comfort like a pro

Snorkeling equipment is provided, which saves you from renting gear or hunting for it on arrival. That’s a real value win, especially if you’re trying to travel light.

For the most comfortable day:

• Use sunscreen before you get in the water (reapply when you’re back onboard).
• Bring a small towel and a dry bag if you have one.
• If you’re not a strong snorkeler, focus on calm entry and stay near the captain’s guidance.

Your captain can shape the day, but you still control your comfort. The smoother you feel, the more time you’ll want to spend underwater.

What you should budget beyond the base price

The price is $398.56 per person for a private charter, with durations roughly 3.5 hours or 7 hours. That might sound high until you compare it to what private time usually costs in the Caribbean. Here, the value is that your group gets a boat, a captain, included snorkeling equipment, and included drinks—so you’re not paying extra for every small add-on.

You should also budget the Marine Park fee of $5 per person. Lunch is not included, though the route can give you the chance to buy it at a beach restaurant (like on Pinel Island).

Hotel pickup isn’t included either, so factor in transport to Cole Bay. Once you add those items, you’ll have a clearer sense of the real total.

Who this charter suits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• Snorkeling plus beaches without spending the day in transit.
• A private format where you can adjust stops around your group.
• A captain who can recommend what to prioritize based on weather.

It also works well for couples and friend groups who want a laid-back pace, and families who want one captain to manage the rhythm. One constraint: the tour notes a moderate physical fitness level, which usually means you should be comfortable with short swims, getting in and out of the water, and moving around the boat.

A few practical considerations before you book

Speedboat days reward good planning. You’ll want to be ready for sun, wind, and quick transitions between stops. If your group includes non-swimmers, it may help to set expectations: the day is built around water time, not a long sightseeing ride with minimal movement.

Also, good weather matters. This experience requires conditions that make it safe and enjoyable for cruising and snorkeling, so you may need to be flexible with timing if the sea state changes.

Should you book this St Maarten private speedboat charter?

If your idea of a perfect St Maarten day is time in the water, a flexible plan with a captain, and included drinks while you cruise between uninhabited islands, I’d book it. The routing options—Creole Rock for fish, Tintamarre for sea turtle odds, Pinel for shallow-water fun—give you variety without forcing you to choose only one thing.

I’d think twice only if you want a long, low-movement day with minimal water activities. Since snorkeling gear is included and multiple stops are designed for swimming, this is best for people who actually plan to use it.

If you want an efficient, local-feeling way to see the island beyond the usual crowd patterns, this private speedboat in Cole Bay is a strong choice—especially if you’re chasing the nature reserve snorkeling highlights and a stress-free day on the water.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat charter in St Maarten?

You can choose a half day of about 3.5 hours or a full day of about 7 hours.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What’s included in the charter?

The charter includes a private tour with a professional captain/guide, water and soft drinks, beers, rose wine, and rum punch, plus the use of snorkeling equipment.

What snorkeling areas can we visit?

Common stops include Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island, and Pinel Island. You can customize the exact itinerary with your captain based on your interests and the weather.

Do we need to pay extra fees?

Yes. There is a Marine Park fee of $5 per person. Lunch is not included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is Powerboat Adventures at 57 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.

Are there age rules for drinks or for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What if we’re on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship passengers need to provide ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking.

What if weather is bad?

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