A private catamaran day feels unfair. You get a private boat to yourselves, with a real food-and-drinks plan and snorkeling stops you just can’t reach on foot. I also like the four-course gourmet lunch setup, plus the unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks, and the chance to spot sea life at nature-focused stops. The one thing to keep in mind: the exact route can shift with sea and wind (weather rules the day).

You’re choosing between two full-day styles: a longer 9-hour loop that reaches Tintamarre Island area, or a 7-hour St Maarten shoreline day. Both include time in the water, plus fishing and snorkeling gear and two paddle boards. You’ll want to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach towels, and bring a passport because you need it on the boat.

The charter meets at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg and runs back to the same spot. If you’re trying to squeeze St Maarten into a tight schedule, it’s a smart move: your entire morning is built around sailing, swimming, and eating on a plan that’s clearly designed for comfort.

Key takeaways before you choose your day

• Two itinerary lengths let you pick a full “island loop” day or a shorter St Maarten coast run
• Tintamarre Island route includes stops like Long Bay La Samana and Happy Bay, with a chance at turtle or stingray sightings
• Built-in water time with snorkel/fishing gear and two paddle boards, plus plenty of chances to swim
• Food and drinks on a schedule: breakfast pastries and fruit, appetizers, and a four-course lunch with an open bar
• A crew-led experience with safety briefings and hands-on help in the water (including guidance for seasickness-prone people)

Why a private St Maarten catamaran changes the whole day

St Maarten can be fun, but a lot of the island experience is crowded—tour buses, packed beaches, and the same stop-and-go rhythm. This charter flips that. Instead of sharing a boat with strangers, you run the day as a private group on a catamaran, with your own pace for swimming, paddle boarding, and lounging in the shade.

The best part is how the day feels structured without feeling rushed. You get a welcome breakfast (French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee), followed by appetizers, then a four-course gourmet lunch, and snacks along the way. On top of that, the bar is set up as open bar with unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, so you’re not constantly scanning a drink menu.

There’s also a practical comfort angle. People who care about the small stuff tend to love the way the boat is set up: clean spaces, storage for things like sunglasses and phone chargers, and bathroom access that makes a long day on the water feel easier. If you’re celebrating a birthday or want music, the onboard vibe can be flexible too, since your crew can set you up to play your own playlist through the boat’s Bluetooth.

A quick “reality check”

Since it’s a sailing day, the sea is part of the plan. If wind or swell changes, the captain may adjust what you do—so think of it as a route with smart options, not a rigid checklist.

Choosing between 7 hours (St Maarten coast) and 9 hours (Tintamarre loop)

This is one of the easiest decisions to make because the two options are clearly different in spirit.

The 7-hour tour (St Maarten shoreline)

You start at 9:30am and you’re back around 4:30pm. The route focuses on St Maarten’s coast stops, including Mulet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay. It’s still a full water day—snorkeling and swimming time plus paddle board time—but you’re cutting off the longer distance of the Tintamarre-focused loop.

The 9-hour tour (Tintamarre Island area)

You start at 8:30am and return around 5:30pm. This one adds the Tintamarre Island stop and includes Long Bay La Samana, Happy Bay, and Tintamarre Island in the mix. If you’re the type who wants more chances to be in different spots, this longer day usually wins.

What both days have in common

Either way, you get:

• A private charter for your group
• Snorkeling/fishing gear and two paddle boards
• Breakfast (included on both days, with slightly different detail between options)
• Appetizers and a four-course gourmet lunch
• Unlimited drinks via open bar
• Shaded space on board (plus you should bring your own sun protection)

Tintamarre Island day: long bays, Happy Bay, and wildlife chances

If you pick the 9-hour itinerary, your day is built around a classic “sail the coast + island stops + water time” rhythm, with Tintamarre Island at the center.

Stop focus: Long Bay La Samana

Long Bay La Samana shows up on both itineraries, which tells you it’s a core swimming/snorkel stop for this operator. On a longer day, it also helps pace things out: you get a first chunk of water time, then you move on while the day stays fun instead of one long “everything at once” stretch.

Stop focus: Happy Bay

Happy Bay is one of those places that works best when you get there with time to actually enjoy it. In this itinerary, it’s part of the sequence before the Tintamarre Island stop, so you’re stacking multiple water moments rather than just one.

Stop focus: Tintamarre Island

Tintamarre Island is the headline stop for the 9-hour tour. The plan specifically includes the possibility of swimming with sea life—especially a chance at seeing turtles and stingrays. You might not see them on every outing (water and wildlife timing are random), but the route is chosen because it gives you realistic odds while you’re snorkeling and swimming.

A practical tip

When you’re doing a full catamaran day, your best photos and best memories usually come from the “in between” moments: time floating, switching from snorkel gear to just relaxing, and using paddle boards when the water is calm enough. This itinerary gives you multiple chances, so you’re not stuck waiting for just one perfect moment.

The shade and the sun math

The boat has lots of shade, which helps a lot. Still, you’ll be in the sun at stops and during sailing. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach towels as the crew suggests—those basics make the difference between a great day and a sunburn story you tell later.

St Maarten coast in 7 hours: Mulet Bay to Divi Little Bay

The 7-hour tour is the clean choice for people who want a highlight day without a full long-day commitment.

Mulet Bay

Mulet Bay is listed as a stop on this shorter itinerary. In plain terms: expect a proper swim/snorkel window there. It’s also a helpful “middle” stop—good for resetting your energy before you head to the next bay.

Long Bay La Samana

Like the longer tour, Long Bay La Samana is included, which makes sense if it’s one of the operator’s go-to water spots. You’ll get more time in the water here than you would on a quick beach hop.

Divi Little Bay

Divi Little Bay rounds out the shoreline day. It’s the kind of stop that pairs well with paddle boarding and relaxed floating. With a shorter overall schedule, it also helps ensure you finish the day feeling like you did enough water stuff, not like you only got a taste.

Weather note that matters

Even with the 7-hour schedule, the operator may change the itinerary depending on sea and wind. So if you’re planning a second activity later that day, keep some breathing room.

What you’re really paying for at $770 per person

On the surface, $770 per person sounds steep. But private sailing is one of those categories where the math depends on what’s included and what you avoid.

Here’s what you’re not paying for separately:

• A full onboard food plan (breakfast pastries/fruit, appetizers, and a four-course lunch)
• Unlimited drinks via open bar
• Snorkeling and fishing gear
• Two paddle boards
• The actual boat time and crew time to get you to multiple water stops

This is not a “you show up and figure it out” outing. It’s set up so you can relax from the moment you get on board. When the boat is private, the value also scales with your group. If you’re coming as a family group or as a small party of friends, you’re effectively buying a whole-day experience that stays comfortable, controlled, and focused on water time rather than logistics.

Also, the operator is booked ahead on average (about 54 days in advance). That’s a decent clue that the most popular sail dates go first—so if your trip has fixed days, booking earlier usually makes life easier.

Food, open bar, and the “staying hydrated” factor

The food plan is a big reason people love this charter. The day starts with breakfast items (French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee), then you get appetizers, and later a four-course gourmet lunch. Snacks are included too, so it’s not just one meal at one time.

The open bar is listed as unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks. That matters because it keeps the day simple: you’re not waiting for service, and you’re not constantly rationing what you drink. Crews also tend to manage the vibe—people mention attentive service like hydration and getting everyone set up properly at each stop.

One subtle plus: a lot of these catamaran days can turn into “eat at noon, then snack later.” Here, the rhythm is more consistent, which helps if you’re snorkeling and swimming. Food and drinks are part of keeping energy up without you having to time everything yourself.

Vegan/vegetarian option

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can request a meal in advance. It’s explicitly listed as available on request.

Crew style: smooth sailing, safety prep, and hands-on help

What makes a private charter feel worth it is the crew. This operator has a long track record (15 years noted) and the experience shows in how they run the day.

You’ll get a safety briefing before you head out. That’s not glamorous, but it makes snorkeling stops feel more confident. People also mention the captain and first mate taking a very practical approach in the water—especially for folks who get seasick. If motion makes you nervous, it’s worth paying attention to the advice they give before leaving the marina.

Names that show up in the crew mix include Alois and Benjamin (often paired together), with host-style attention from people like Georgia, Sylvia, Paula, Cami, and Daniella. The consistent theme is detail work: checking on comfort, keeping drinks moving, guiding snorkeling, and making sure you’re not left guessing.

And yes, sailing can be smooth or rough depending on conditions. The operator clearly handles changing water well—one reason private sailing can still be a win even when the day isn’t perfect.

What to bring so the day feels effortless

You’re mostly covered, but you still control your comfort.

Bring:

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach towels (the crew specifically calls this out)
• Your passport (a current valid passport is required on the day of the boat)
• Your swim setup needs (the charter provides snorkeling gear, but you’ll still want to be comfortable with your own basics)

Optional but smart:

• A light cover-up for moving between shade and sun
• Motion-sickness basics if you’re prone to it, even though the crew can suggest ways to handle it

Shaded areas on the catamaran help, but you’ll still be in the sun often enough that protection isn’t optional.

Who this catamaran charter fits best

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A private day on the water without sharing space with strangers
• Multiple snorkel/swim stops rather than one quick beach visit
• A food-and-drinks plan that’s included and handled for you
• Paddle boarding time (two boards are included)

It’s especially appealing for couples who want a romantic, low-effort day, and for small groups and adult families who want comfort plus real activities. If you’re the kind of group that likes music, you can even bring your own playlist and use the boat’s Bluetooth setup.

If you’re traveling with very small kids, this can still work, but you’ll want to consider comfort in open water and snorkeling rules. The tour lists most travelers can participate, but it doesn’t spell out age limits, so it’s worth checking with the operator for your exact situation.

Should you book it? My take

Book this private catamaran charter if your idea of a great St Maarten day is simple: sail, swim, snorkel, paddle board, eat well, and don’t spend the day solving logistics.

Skip it or rethink the timing if:

• You have a super tight schedule that can’t absorb weather-driven route changes
• You don’t want to be in the sun for long periods (even with shade onboard)
• You’re trying to do the absolute cheapest option, because privacy + full catering is the point here

The value sweet spot is when you treat this as your anchor activity. You’re paying for the whole package: boat, crew, gear, meals, and unlimited drinks. When that’s what you want, it’s one of the cleanest ways to experience the island from the water.

FAQ

How much does the private full-day catamaran charter cost?

It costs $770.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

You can choose either a 9-hour tour (about 8:30am to 5:30pm) or a 7-hour tour (about 9:30am to 4:30pm).

Where do we meet for the charter?

Meet at Bobby’s Marina, address listed as 22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included with the lunch and drinks?

The tour includes a four-course gourmet lunch, plus breakfast and appetizers/snacks. It also includes an open bar with unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of the boat, and information needs to be checked.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

Are snorkeling and paddle boards included?

Yes. Fishing and snorkeling gear are included, and two paddle boards are included as well.

Can the itinerary change during the day?

Yes. The itinerary could change depending on sea and wind (weather conditions).

Is there a cancellation policy if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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