Luxury sailing starts with a scented towel. This St. Maarten private charter puts you on Freedom, a 2022 Lagoon 42 catamaran, with your own captain and crew, plus a bar-and-food plan that turns the day into pure relaxation. Expect a calm morning sail, onboard snacks, and multiple classic coastline stops.

I love two big things about this trip: the all-inclusive feel (snacks, lunch, and an open premium bar all day), and the private charter setup, where your crew handles the route and the details. It’s the kind of day where you spend more time in swimwear than thinking about what comes next.

One practical drawback: there’s no hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll want to plan how you’re getting to the Renegades meeting point in Cole Bay.

Key highlights at a glance

• Freedom is a 2022 Lagoon 42 (42ft) with a teak deck and a comfort-first setup
• All-day premium bar plus cocktails and mocktails made fresh onboard
• Food plan built in: late-morning snacks, a lunch barbecue, and dessert like cookies and locally made ice cream
• Water time is ready to go with snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and a floating lily pad mat
• Multiple St. Maarten/St. Martin icons: Happy Bay, Baie Longue/La Samanna area, and Maho Beach for plane-spotting

Freedom on the water: what the 42ft Lagoon 42 brings to your day

If you’ve ever rented a boat where you’re basically paying for “a vessel” and then pay extra for everything else, this feels different. Freedom is a 42ft sailing catamaran designed for comfort, safety, and smooth cruising—so you can treat the day like a floating resort, not a project.

From the start, the vibe is set with small touches that matter when you’re on vacation: a cool scented towel as you step aboard, plus a handmade chocolate right away. Then it shifts into “do less” mode. You’ll have lounge areas to spread out, and you can count on the crew to handle the sailing, anchoring, and overall timing.

The deck matters, too. Teak isn’t just for looks—it’s the kind of surface that’s pleasant to walk on during a warm day, and it gives you a real place to lounge between swims. Add in onboard restroom access, and you can stay comfortable for a full day without constant “back-and-forth” trips.

Price and value: why $598.75 per person can actually make sense

$598.75 per person is not a budget price. That’s the honest headline.

But the value comes from how much is included in the day rather than tacked on later. You’re paying for a private sailing experience with:

• Captain and crew
• Fuel
• Late-morning snacks (including an apple and cheese charcuterie board)
• Happy hour hors d’oeuvres (homemade beet and garlic hummus with crudités, pita chips, and rice crackers)
• Lunch (barbecued skewers plus fresh salads)
• Dessert (homemade cookies and locally made ice cream)
• An open premium bar all day (including craft cocktails and mocktails made fresh, plus beer, wine, prosecco, soft drinks, juices, and infused water)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle boards (two) and a floating lily pad mat
• Reef-safe sunscreen and towels

In other words, you’re not just buying “boat time.” You’re buying a full-service day where food, drinks, and activity gear are already baked in. If you’re the type who hates surprise charges mid-vacation, this is exactly the sort of setup that tends to feel worth it.

Your St. Maarten/St. Martin route in plain English (7.5 hours)

This is a full morning-to-early-afternoon style outing, starting at 8:00am from the Renegades meeting point in Cole Bay (155 Union Rd). You’ll finish back at the same place.

The pacing is built around a relaxing sail and a few distinct “moments” rather than nonstop stops. Expect a leisurely morning sail, time to anchor and swim, and then a couple of quick hit sightseeing moments—especially Maho Beach.

Also note the route shifts with weather and sea conditions. That’s normal for catamaran days. The day is best when the water cooperates, so plan on going with the flow if the captain tweaks timing.

Stop 1: Princess Port de Plaisance at Cole Bay

Your day kicks off at Port de Plaisance Yacht Club in Cole Bay on the Dutch side. This is where you settle in before the sailing turns into the main event.

What I like about starting here is the balance: you’re not rushed into the first swim. You get a calm launch into the day with crew attention and onboard refreshments, and you’re already in position to sail out toward the best spots around St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Practical tip: come ready to be in sandals and then out of them quickly. The towel-and-chocolate welcome is a small thing, but it speeds up the “vacation switch” instantly.

Stop 2: Happy Bay Beach on the French side

Happy Bay Beach is where the day turns into a swim-and-chill anchor moment. The plan includes a leisurely morning sail over to the French side, and you’ll be sipping mimosas while nibbling late-morning snacks.

Then comes the highlight for a lot of people: you drop anchor at Happy Bay’s secret-feeling beach spot, framed by 360° natural beauty. That “secret beach” tone matters because it changes your experience from tourist-watching to just enjoying the water and the quiet.

What you can do here:

• Swim from the boat
• Use snorkeling gear if conditions are good
• Spend time floating and relaxing on the lily pad mat

Possible drawback: this is a beach day, so come prepared for sun. The good news is reef-safe sunscreen and towels are provided onboard.

Stop 3: The Belmond La Samanna area (Baie Longue)

After Happy Bay, you continue along toward Baie Longue, known for cliffs and crystal-clear water, with high-end villas and Belmond La Samanna nearby. This stop is timed so you get meaningful time in the water rather than a quick “pop in, pop out” photo stop.

This is one of those places where the water quality is the main event. If you want a classic Caribbean swim with a view that looks expensive—this is it.

What I’d plan for:

• A longer swim session compared to the shorter sightseeing stops
• Snorkeling time if you’re motivated (equipment is included)
• Using the paddle boards if you want something active but still easy

Small reality check: the “perfect swim spot” feel depends on day-of conditions. When the sea is calm, this kind of stop is magic. When it’s choppier, your captain’s judgment will shape how the water time looks.

Stop 4: Maho Beach plane-spotting (and the big wow moment)

No St. Maarten day at sea feels complete without Maho Beach. This is the famous stop where you get a front-row view of planes landing just overhead.

The stop here is about 30 minutes. That short window is actually smart. It keeps the day from getting bogged down while still giving you the signature experience.

How to enjoy it:

• Keep your phone/camera ready when you arrive
• Plan to watch for landings rather than trying to rush through the area
• Use the short time to take photos and soak up the unusual spectacle

One consideration: Maho is the kind of place where wind and noise are part of the experience. If you’re looking for quiet, this is not that stop. If you want a memorable “only here” moment, it’s worth the time.

Stop 5: Back through Simpson Bay Bridge to Port de Plaisance

On the way back, you’ll pass through the Simpson Bay Bridge, where you can wave to onlookers before docking back at Port de Plaisance Yacht Club.

The bridge moment is quick, but it helps close the loop on the day. By then, you’ve got the rhythm: sail, anchor, swim, food, drinks, repeat, then head home refreshed.

Food, drinks, and included extras that change the whole vibe

This is a serious “food-and-bar-forward” charter, and that matters because it shapes how your group spends time.

The meal flow

• Late-morning nibble: apple and cheese charcuterie board
• Happy hour hors d’oeuvres: beet and garlic hummus platter with crudités, pita chips, and rice crackers
• Lunch: barbecued skewers and fresh salads
• Dessert: homemade cookies and locally made ice cream

That’s a lot of built-in eating time, and it means you’re never stuck deciding where to stop for lunch. You also get more chances to snack between swims.

Premium bar all day

Alcohol is included with a premium bar open all day. You’ll find craft cocktails and mocktails shaken fresh, plus the standard range of mixed drinks, beer, wine, prosecco, soft drinks, and juices. There’s also infused water.

The one rule to keep in mind: the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18.

Water toys are not an afterthought

You get snorkeling equipment, paddle boards (two), and a floating lily pad mat. Reef-safe sunscreen and towels are included, which saves you from packing extra.

This matters because it removes the usual “I have to bring everything” friction. You can focus on what to try first—snorkeling, floating, or paddling.

Who this charter is best for (and who should skip it)

This private charter fits best if you want:

• A high-comfort sailing day with less planning
• A group that values time on the water and a full-service food-and-drink plan
• A mix of sightseeing stops (Happy Bay, La Samanna area, Maho) plus real swimming time

It’s especially attractive for couples and small groups who want privacy and a consistent crew experience, rather than sharing a boat with lots of strangers.

You might think twice if:

• You want a low-cost outing or self-directed sailing
• You don’t want to arrange your own transport to Cole Bay (since hotel pick-up/drop-off isn’t included)
• Your group prefers very quiet stops (Maho is loud and thrilling, but not calm)

Final verdict: should you book Renegades and Freedom?

I’d book this if you’re aiming for a classic St. Maarten/St. Martin “sea day” where the boat is comfortable, the crew runs the show, and the included food and drinks actually carry through the whole day. The biggest selling point is that you’re not piecing together the experience—you’re getting a full day with snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and multiple iconic stops.

If the price makes you pause, do the math the way you would on land: once you factor in a private captain/crew day plus all meals, open bar, and activity gear, it stops looking like a luxury you’re buying for no reason. It’s a splurge, yes—but it’s the kind that feels designed to be worth it.

FAQ

What’s the meeting point for this catamaran charter?

The meeting point is Renegades – Private Catamaran Charter – St. Maarten & Anguilla, 155 Union Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.

What time does the charter start?

The start time is 8:00am.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is this tour private?

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

What’s included with the ticket?

Snacks, late-morning and happy hour food, lunch, an open premium bar (including cocktails and mocktails), snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, a floating lily pad mat, reef-safe sunscreen, towels, and a restroom onboard. Captain and crew and fuel are also included.

Is alcohol included?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are included with the premium bar open all day. The minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18.

Are snorkeling and paddle boards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there are two paddle boards plus a floating lily pad mat.

Is hotel pick-up or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Do I need to plan for weather changes?

The itinerary may change based on weather and sea conditions, and the experience requires good weather.

What if the experience is canceled due to poor weather?

If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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