A catamaran day with zero stress. This private luxury sailing charter circles St. Maarten with built-in snorkeling, beach time, and a crew that runs the day like a smooth clockwork plan—plus snacks, lunch, and an open bar keep you from ever feeling stuck waiting. I love that it’s truly private for up to 8, so the pace fits your group instead of a big-boat scramble, and I like how the captain shares practical local tips along the way. One consideration: because the island routing can shift with weather, the exact stops may vary.

You’ll start with a safety briefing, then cruise the coastline with coffee and croissants. After that, it’s all about water time: you’ll snorkel, use paddleboards if you want, or just relax on the beach while the crew sets up lunch and keeps drinks flowing. If you’re the kind of person who hates logistics days, this one is built for you.

Key highlights that matter (not just nice-to-haves)

• Private charter for up to 8 means less waiting, less crowd noise, and a more personal day on the water
• Open bar all day with mimosas, rum punch, beers, sodas, and mixed drinks
• Snorkeling + paddleboarding time at major spots like Long Bay and Little Bay (plus Tintamarre Island when conditions allow)
• Lunch is cooked for real: charcoal BBQ chicken, mixed salad, gluten-free pasta salad, homemade garlic dip, and more
• Captain stories along the route add context while you cruise—wreck and sea-life talk is part of the fun
• Easy meeting point at AzianaBobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, with the trip ending back where you started

A full-day private sailing charter from Philipsburg: what you get

This is a seven-hour, private luxury catamaran day built for people who want the ocean experience without the planning headache. You meet at AzianaBobby’s Marina, #22 Juancho Yrausquin Blvd in Philipsburg, and you end back at the same place. That “start and finish the same spot” detail sounds small, but it matters on island trips where parking and shuttles can turn into a whole extra task.

The group size is capped at up to 8 people. That’s a sweet spot. You can still have a social day with friends or family, but you aren’t getting swallowed by a large tour crowd. It also means you can relax into the rhythm of the day—snorkel when you want, take a beach break when you don’t, and eat lunch without timing it like a relay race.

And you’ll feel the “luxury” side in the basics: snacks and meals are included, drinks are included, and the crew handles the day’s workflow from safety briefing to equipment setup.

The onboard vibe: coffee, croissants, and an open bar plan

The day starts the right way: a safety briefing and clear instructions about life jackets, bathroom, and boat basics. It’s not the kind of briefing you remember later, which is exactly the goal. Once that’s done, you’re free to enjoy the cruise.

Before you hit the first water stop, coffee and croissants show up, and then the open bar shifts the mood into vacation mode. The bar isn’t a token drink stop. Alcoholic beverages are part of the day’s included package, with options like mimosas and rum punch, plus beers, sodas, and mixed drinks. Water and juices are also on the list, so you can keep it balanced.

What I like about this setup is the pace. You’re not constantly scanning a menu or asking if food is coming. The crew prepares the day in a way that keeps you fed and hydrated while you move between calm cruising and active snorkeling.

Also, keep in mind this is a private tour/activity. That means your group controls the vibe—no herd energy.

Cruising with the captain: coastline time you can actually enjoy

Between stops, the catamaran cruises along the coastline with historical info and helpful tips from the captain. This is one of those details that makes the boat time feel like more than just transportation.

On a sailing day, you can end up doing two things: either you’re watching water in silence, or you’re trying to entertain yourselves. Here, you get guided context—what you’re looking at, why it matters, and what sea life might show up. When the captain points out what to watch for, you get better at spotting it, even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler.

Snorkel stops around St. Maarten: Long Bay, Little Bay, Tintamarre

This charter is built around multiple water moments, and that’s the main reason it’s worth it if snorkeling is on your trip plan. The itinerary includes stops at major areas like Long Bay, Little Bay, and Tintamarre Island, with flexibility based on weather.

Here’s what to expect at each highlighted area:

Long Bay: turtles and easy-to-enjoy sea life viewing

You’ll cruise, then arrive at Long Bay for snorkeling and more cruising context. There’s a short practical briefing on snorkel equipment first, so you aren’t guessing how to use the gear. While you’re in the water—whether you snorkel, paddleboard, or lounge on the beach—the crew works on the next stage: prepping lunch.

The big “what you might see” note here is sea life, including turtles. Even if you don’t spot one, the point is that you’re at a place the crew expects to be productive for viewing.

Little Bay: a stop with shipwreck and submarine stories

Next comes another classic water area with more info on what you’ll find. You’ll learn about the underwater environment, including references to a submarine and a shipwreck. There’s also talk of a helicopter, adding to the mix of marine-theme history you’ll hear as you settle into the water.

If you like snorkeling stops that feel like they have a story behind them, this part usually lands well. You’re not just swimming in pretty water; you’re swimming with context.

Tintamarre Island: snorkeling and beach time when conditions allow

Tintamarre Island is part of the plan, but the route can change if the wind or conditions aren’t right. That’s not a red flag—it’s how real sailing works. The value is that the crew plans your day around the best options available, rather than forcing a stop that could turn into a rough experience.

At Tintamarre, you can expect a mix of snorkeling and beach relaxation, with downtime built in for people who want less gear time.

Lunch that feels like a plan, not a snack: charcoal BBQ and homemade dips

Lunch is one of the most praised parts of this charter, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s not just sandwiches and chips. The crew prepares a full meal once you’re back on board, with time taken during the earlier swim period to get everything ready.

The lunch menu includes:

• Charcoal BBQ marinated chicken breast
• Mixed salad
• Gluten-free pasta salad
• Homemade garlic dip
• French bread
• Vegetarian options, including beyond burgers and more

You also get melon, snacks, and additional drinks between swim rounds. It’s a smart structure: you’re out in the water, you come back hungry, and then you’re fed. No awkward “food arrives whenever” moment.

If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group of swimmers and non-swimmers, this matters. Everyone can eat without the day shifting into a coordination puzzle. And when the crew takes care of lunch, you can spend your energy on the water.

Drinks, snacks, and pacing: how the crew keeps the day moving

The charter is set up with snacks and drinks between activities, so the day doesn’t feel like a series of long waits. Coffee and croissants launch the morning. Then you move into cruising and a snorkeling stop with the crew getting the next phase ready.

While you swim or relax, they handle meal prep. When you return, lunch is served. Later, more snacks and drinks show up along with stories from the captain. That rhythm is what makes the day feel “easy,” even though there’s plenty happening.

One detail that keeps popping up in the feedback is how attentive the hosts are. Elmira is often mentioned for making sure people don’t have to ask for anything, while the captain keeps the day friendly and informative. If you’re the kind of person who hates flagging down staff, this style of service is a big win.

Snorkeling equipment, beach time, and what to pack (seriously)

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll get a snorkel gear quick brief before your first stop. The day also includes paddleboarding options. Even if you aren’t planning to paddleboard, the option is nice because it gives you a second way to enjoy the water without committing to a long snorkel session.

You’ll also want to bring towels. That’s listed as a must. If you forget, you’ll be hunting for a solution mid-trip, and that’s exactly the kind of friction this charter is trying to avoid.

Also bring the right sunscreen. Non spray suntan lotion is specifically noted. On boat days, that matters because spray sunscreen can create a problem for water gear and the deck environment.

Finally, you’ll likely be moving between sun and shade as you swim and then relax. Packing for sun protection isn’t optional. Think hat, sunglasses, and a light layer if you get chilly when the wind picks up.

Price and value: $1,700 for up to 8 people

The price is $1,700 per group up to 8, for about seven hours. Here’s how I’d think about value:

• You’re paying for a private catamaran charter, not just a seat on a shared boat.
• Meals are included (including a BBQ-style lunch with multiple items).
• Drinks are included all day, including alcohol.
• Snorkeling equipment is included.
• You’re getting multiple water-focused stops, with guidance between them.

If you split it among 8 people, the math becomes far more comfortable than it looks at first glance. Even if you’re not at the max group size, the included food, drinks, and equipment often make this a better deal than piecing together separate snorkeling tours plus meal plans plus transport.

If you’re traveling as a couple, it can still work when you want a true private day and you know you’ll use the stops and drink package. The key is being honest about group size. With a larger group, this charter tends to look very strong.

Who this charter suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is ideal if you want:

• a private sailing day with friends or family
• snorkeling time without the stress of organizing gear and timing
• included lunch and unlimited drinks as part of the experience
• a crew that keeps things moving and makes the day feel cared for

It’s also a good fit for first-time island visitors because you get tips along the way and guided context during the cruise.

Who might rethink it? If you’re on a strict budget where alcohol and onboard food are a dealbreaker, you’ll feel the cost more. Also, if you hate any uncertainty around routing, remember that destinations may vary due to weather.

That weather flexibility is normal for sailing. It’s not a gimmick. It’s just how day-of conditions affect what’s comfortable and safe.

Should you book this private sailing charter?

If you want a St. Maarten day that feels like a vacation, not a task list, I’d book it—especially if your group will actually use the snorkeling time and the included meal-and-drinks rhythm. The big strengths here are the private setup for up to 8, the high-attention service style, and the way the lunch and open bar are woven into the day instead of being an afterthought.

If you’re okay with possible route tweaks due to weather and you’re willing to plan for sun (towels and non spray sunscreen lotion), this is the kind of tour that makes the island feel calm and special.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The duration is about 7 hours.

How many people can you book for?

It’s a private charter for up to 8 people per group.

Where is the meeting point?

You’ll meet at AzianaBobby’s Marina, #22 Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

What’s included with the ticket?

Included items are alcoholic beverages, lunch, snacks, beers, sodas, mimosas, rum punch, rum, vodka, water, juices, and mixed drinks. Snorkeling equipment is also included.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. The charter includes an open bar with options such as mimosas, rum punch, beers, sodas, and mixed drinks.

Where do you go for snorkeling?

Stops may include Long Bay, Little Bay, and Tintamarre Island. Exact destinations can vary due to weather.

Do I need to bring towels?

Yes, guests must bring towels.

What should I bring for sun protection?

You’re asked to use non spray suntan lotion.

Is service charge or gratuity included?

Service charge/gratitude is not included.

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