Saltwater day on a private cat is a treat. On this full-day private catamaran charter from Simpson Bay, you get real sailing time plus snorkeling and a proper onboard BBQ lunch, with room to shape the day around what your group wants. I love how it feels like an island getaway on the water, not a rushed tour bus day.

I also like the all-day atmosphere: an open bar, snacks, and a crew that keeps things smooth and flexible. In particular, Louise and Tonya have shown up in past experiences as especially accommodating, and that calm, practical help matters when you’re out sailing for hours. The one drawback to plan around is weather: this trip depends on good conditions to run well, especially for swimming and time around the islands.

Key things that make this charter worth it

• Private-group sailing: Only your group is on board, up to 15 people, so you’re not stuck waiting on other schedules.
• Around-the-island route: Stops include La Samanna, Creole Rock, and Tintamarre Island, plus views only boats can reach.
• Plenty of water time: Snorkeling gear, stand-up paddle boards, and fishing rods are all included.
• Open bar all day: Beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, whisky, plus tea, coffee, soda, and water.
• Hot BBQ lunch on board: Fresh baguette, Gouda cheese, salads, and a Caribbean-style BBQ lunch keep you fueled.
• A great crew makes it easier: Captains and mates are described as experienced and patient, which helps when everyone’s ready at different times.

Private sailing day from Simpson Bay: 9:00am, ~8 hours, and up to 15 people

This is built for a full, no-rush day on the water. You meet at 88 Welfare Rd in Simpson Bay at 9:00am, and the charter runs for about 8 hours, ending back where you started. You’ll be on a catamaran that’s described as extremely stable and safe, run by experienced, licensed captains—a big deal when you’re planning a day that includes swimming and snorkeling.

Group size matters here. The price is $2,800 per group for up to 15 people, which means you’re paying for privacy and a dedicated crew, not just a seat on a crowded boat. If you’re traveling with family or friends, you get the bonus of staying together, eating together, and deciding your water-time pace as a unit.

There’s also flexibility built in. The day is planned around popular island highlights, but the structure is meant to be adaptable to what you want most—more time in the water, more time cruising, or extra attention at the stops.

Around-the-Island sailing route: La Samanna, Creole Rock, and Tintamarre turtles

The core of the experience is an Around the Island style route that circles St Maarten/St Martin and gives you views you just can’t get from the shoreline. The day typically flows like this:

La Samanna: classic scenery with a calm, scenic feel

La Samanna is one of the stops you’ll hit early in the day. Even if you’re not focused on beach clubs or shopping, this area is useful because it sets the tone: open water views, easy sightseeing from the deck, and a sense that you’re really doing the island by boat.

A practical note: enjoy the sightlines from your seats. On a sail day, the easiest way to “see” is from above the water—no scrambling, no traffic, just moving coastlines.

Creole Rock: St Maarten’s top fish snorkeling site

Next comes Creole Rock, described as St Maarten’s #1 snorkeling site for fish. This is the kind of stop where the value is in the water itself. You’re supplied with snorkeling equipment, and you’ll have time to get in and look around.

What to remember: fish snorkeling is about calm water, good buoyancy, and staying patient. If your group has different comfort levels, you can still make this work—one person can gear up first while others watch from the boat or do a slower start.

Tintamarre Island: swim time with turtles and a beach break

Then you head to Tintamarre Island, where the highlight is swimming with turtles and enjoying an incredible beach. This is the stop people remember because it’s specific and magical in a way a viewpoint can’t always match. You’re not just taking photos—you’re actually in the water during the most memorable moment of the day.

The Caribbean BBQ lunch and beach time usually connect here, so you get a built-in rhythm: water play, then warm food, then more relaxed beach time. Just plan for sun. Even if you’ll be in shade sometimes, you’ll still want sun protection for the time you spend near water.

Sail back toward Simpson Bay

After Tintamarre, you sail back to Simpson Bay. That return leg is a nice decompression moment—less setup, more cruising, and the last stretch to enjoy the scenery from the deck.

Snorkeling, SUP, and fishing rods: more ways to use the water

This charter doesn’t treat water play as a one-stop checkbox. It includes a kit of activities so your group can rotate through what they feel like doing.

Snorkeling gear included

Snorkeling equipment is part of the package, so you don’t need to bring your own kit. That matters because it makes the day easier—less packing, less gear decisions, and more time living the plan.

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)

You also get a stand-up paddle board. SUP is great for groups because it works even for people who might not want to snorkel right away. You can do short sessions, take turns, and enjoy the calmer moments while the boat is at a stop.

Fishing rods for trolling

Fishing rods for trolling are included too. If your group likes to try something extra while the boat moves, this is a fun add-on that changes the feel of the day. Even if no one expects to land anything big, it gives you another reason to be on deck and engaged.

The bigger takeaway: the day gives you multiple “water moods.” You can go all-in on snorkeling at Creole Rock, then switch to SUP or trolling while others rest.

Food and drinks on board: open bar plus a hot BBQ lunch

This is one of the strongest value points of the day. It’s not just snacks and a drink ticket. You get alcoholic beverages plus a full lunch setup.

The open bar layout

The charter includes an open bar with beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky, plus tea, coffee, and soda. Bottled water is also included. That means you can keep ordering what you like without doing math every time the waiter passes.

A tip that keeps the day fun: pace your drinking so you’re still comfortable in the water. With snorkeling and SUP on the agenda, I’d rather you start steady than get stuck feeling sluggish halfway through.

Lunch is more than a sandwich

The hot lunch is served across the day as a Caribbean BBQ lunch, with salads, plus Gouda cheese and fresh baguette. It’s the kind of meal that feels planned for real hunger, not just “something to hold you over.”

If your group has mixed tastes, this format helps. You’ll have cheesy and bread options, salads, and the BBQ main. It makes lunch feel like part of the experience, not just a break between activities.

Snacks and water included

Along with the meal, you get snacks and bottled water. That’s practical on a boat day when you can’t just step off to grab something quickly.

Value and price: $2,800 per group up to 15 people

Let’s talk numbers without pretending they’re the whole story. The price is $2,800 per group up to 15, and the day includes a dedicated crew, snorkeling gear, SUP, fishing rods, lunch, snacks, and an open bar.

If your group fills closer to 15, the effective cost per person can land around the mid-$100s range. If you’re smaller, it’s obviously higher per person. But the value doesn’t come only from the math—it comes from what you’re buying:

• You’re buying privacy and an itinerary that can flex with your group.
• You’re buying water activities bundled together (not pay-as-you-go snorkeling and gear).
• You’re buying a crew-run day with meals and drinks handled for you.

This is the kind of charter that makes sense when you’re traveling with enough people to share the cost and you really want a sailing day that feels like your own plan.

Comfort, stability, and practical sailing tips for your group

This catamaran experience is set up for comfort and safety. The boat is described as very stable, and captains are experienced and licensed—so you’re not guessing whether the day will be miserable in rougher conditions.

Still, boat days have their own needs. Here’s how I’d set yourself up:

• Plan for sun and shade. You can relax in sun or shade on board, but you’ll still be exposed near water and during stops.
• Bring swim-friendly essentials. You’ll be able to use provided snorkeling gear, but you’ll still want a plan for what you wear between swims.
• Expect a full flow of moments. You’ll go from sailing views to water time to eating, so keep your group organized around timing.

Accessibility notes matter too. Wheelchairs are possible up to the boat, but they cannot be used on board. Service animals are allowed, and service animals require prior approval. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you’re a group with mixed ages, this setup often works well because not everyone has to snorkel at the same time. You can rotate around the water play while others rest in the boat’s comfort.

Weather: the one factor that can make or break your day

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the charter can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So how do you prepare? Don’t overpack your day with other tight plans right after your 9:00am start. If weather changes, you may need to shuffle your schedule based on the provider’s options.

If the weather is good, you’ll feel the payoff quickly: smoother sailing, better snorkeling conditions, and more time to actually enjoy Tintamarre’s beach and turtle swimming.

Should you book this private catamaran in St Maarten?

I’d book this charter if you want a real day on the water with built-in activities and food that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. It’s especially worth it for a group that values privacy, wants snorkeling and SUP without extra hassle, and enjoys spending most of the day cruising between St Maarten highlights like Creole Rock and Tintamarre Island.

Skip it (or at least be cautious) if your schedule can’t flex with weather, or if your group is the type that hates being outside in sun and water for hours at a time. Otherwise, this is a strong choice when you want St Maarten’s coastline from the best seat in the house: the one floating on top of it.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran charter start in St Maarten?

The tour starts at 9:00am and runs for about 8 hours.

How many people can be in a private group?

It’s priced for a group up to 15 people, and it’s private, so only your group participates.

What’s included with the charter?

You get alcoholic beverages, lunch, snacks, bottled water, coffee/tea, snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddle board, and fishing rods for trolling.

Is there an open bar on the boat?

Yes. The open bar includes beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky, plus tea, coffee, and soda.

Do you stop for snorkeling and turtle swimming?

Yes. The route includes Creole Rock for snorkeling and a stop at Tintamarre Island where you can swim with turtles.

Where does the tour meet and end?

It starts at 88 Welfare Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the 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.

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