Tarzan swing meets Caribbean water time. This family-friendly catamaran day sail from Simpson Bay mixes time at two swim spots with snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and a trapeze-style swing. You cruise along the island’s French and Dutch coastlines and spend about five hours out on the water.

I especially love how the day is built around hands-on fun: snorkel gear, paddleboards, and the famous Tarzan swing at Mullet Bay. I also like the food and drink setup, with a grilled lunch plus snacks and a top-shelf open bar that keeps the mood easy.

One consideration: the experience is weather-dependent and runs on a set schedule (two main stops, each about two hours). If you’re hoping for an all-day “see everything from the best viewpoints” cruise with lots of different beaches, this format is more about water activities than nonstop sightseeing.

Key Points I’d Put at the Top

• Two anchor stops with real swim time: Mullet Bay and Little Bay, usually about two hours each.
• Tarzan swing at Mullet Bay: a safe, easy trapeze-style swing enjoyed by kids and adults (reported range: ages 2 to 89).
• Snorkel gear plus paddleboarding included: you don’t have to pay extra once you’re on board.
• Lunch on the boat is a big deal: grilled chicken skewers, green salad, baguette, and Caribbean rice.
• Small-group feel: maximum of 30 people, which helps the crew keep eyes on everyone.
• Crew energy with named standouts: Anna, Jackie, and captain Scotty/Scott show up again and again in the praise, plus Queenie the dog.

Entering Random Wind: Why This Catamaran Feels Personal

This sail runs with Random Wind Charters and a boat that feels more like a comfortable day aboard a clean, spacious vessel than a cattle-call excursion. You’ll find cushioned seating, and you can choose shade or sun depending on how hot you like your life.

The crew is a major part of the charm. Names you’ll hear in the mix include Anna, Jackie, and captain Scotty (also written as Scott/Scotty)—and the vibe you’re going for is friendly, attentive, and safety-minded without being stiff. One detail I really like: people mention they don’t have to chase anyone for drinks, snorkel help, or gear.

There’s also a character onboard that makes the day memorable. Queenie, the canine “first mate” (and co-captain in the playful wording people use), shows up in the stories as part of why families end up loving this trip.

Leaving Simpson Bay for the French and Dutch Sides

You depart from Simpson Bay and spend the morning cruising as the coastline fades into the distance. The day is designed to show you both sides of the island—French and Dutch beaches—instead of just sticking to one area.

Here’s a practical point that matters: the route is kept in calmer waters. The day does not go into the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s described as sailing not too far offshore. That combination is a big deal if you’re sensitive to motion sickness; at minimum, it removes one common worry before you even set foot on the boat.

You’ll also get that “island in motion” feeling as you pass major areas along the water. One review mentions seeing a plane landing at Maho while sailing past, which is the kind of quirky Caribbean moment that turns a normal cruise into a story you’ll tell later.

Mullet Bay: Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Lunch, and the Tarzan Swing

Mullet Bay is the big activity stop. You’re there for about two hours, with the day’s centerpiece action happening at this location. People come aboard ready to swim, and this is where the crew makes sure you’re actually equipped and pointed in the right direction.

What you can expect to do here includes:

• Snorkel time with provided equipment
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Kayak time mentioned as part of the water options
• Swimming to the beach and hanging out on noodles (yes, that’s how it’s described)
• Lunch served on board while you’re anchored and relaxed

Then comes the signature moment: the Tarzan swing. This isn’t a “maybe, if conditions are right” add-on. It’s timed into the second part of the Mullet Bay stop, and it’s described as a trapeze-type swing that’s easy and safe. The reported age range for participants goes from 2 to 89, which tells me the swing is set up for a wide range of comfort levels.

Safety is handled with the life jacket setup and crew presence. The way people describe it, there’s always someone nearby adjusting gear or making sure you’re ready, whether it’s your first time snorkeling or your first time doing the swing. If you have kids, this is also the kind of activity that makes it feel like they’re not just watching from the boat.

One more thing that makes this stop work for real life: the bar is open and included, and there are snacks too. So when laughter turns into hunger, you’re not scrambling for food.

Little Bay: The Second Two-Hour Swim Break

The second stop is Little Bay, also about two hours. Depending on sea conditions, it can be the first stop or the second stop in the day—so don’t be surprised if the order shifts.

Even though the day’s headline is Mullet Bay, Little Bay matters because it gives you a second chance to enjoy the Caribbean water without the pressure of “one perfect moment.” This is where you can slow down, swim, cool off, and soak up the island feel from a different angle than the first stop.

If you’re trying to maximize fun, plan for your energy to be split. Mullet Bay is where you’ll likely burn the most excitement and calories. Little Bay is where you stretch, float, snack, and recover before heading back.

Onboard Food and Drinks: The Value Hidden in the Details

A lot of boat days promise food. This one delivers something more like a real lunch service. People describe the meal as grilled right onboard, which is a big reason it feels special instead of prepackaged.

The lunch is described as:

• marinated chicken skewers
• green salad
• baguette
• Caribbean rice

You’ll also find snacks during the day. And then there’s the drinks: unlimited drinks with a top-shelf open bar. That’s the kind of inclusion that changes the math on the day, because you’re not deciding whether to order one drink or none.

I also appreciate that the drink setup isn’t only for people who drink alcohol. One review calls out that they don’t drink, but still found soda water flowing well. If you’re traveling as a mixed group, this matters. It keeps the vibe social without making non-drinkers feel like they’re sitting out.

What to Bring for a Tarzan-Swing Day in St Maarten

This is a boat day built around getting wet. You’ll save yourself hassle if you treat it like that from the start.

Bring:

• a bathing suit you’re comfortable wearing for a few hours
• a towel
• sunscreen (you’ll be out in the sun)
• any small personal items you want while snorkeling or paddleboarding

Also, plan for the practical side of being on the water:

• You’ll want life jackets available for the activities that use them (provided on board).
• You’ll use snorkel equipment provided on board, so focus on fit and comfort rather than packing your own gear.

If you’re boarding from a cruise port, you’ll likely find it’s within walking distance. And while this is a simple day, don’t rely on what your ticket text says for the meeting location. The key instruction is to ignore what the ticket indicates and instead watch for an email from Diane about the meeting point. Check your junk/spam folder too.

Price and Value: Why $139 Doesn’t Feel Like a “Buy One, Pay for Everything Later” Deal

At $139 per person, this tour can look like a splurge—until you tally what’s included. You’re paying for a full about-five-hour catamaran day plus a package of activities that would often cost extra elsewhere: snorkel equipment, stand-up paddleboarding, the Tarzan swing, and life jackets.

Then add food and drinks. Lunch isn’t a sad sandwich situation here. It’s described as a grilled meal onboard with sides. On top of that, there are snacks and unlimited top-shelf drinks. That kind of inclusion is where the value comes from for most people.

There’s also the small-group factor. With a maximum of 30 people, the day tends to feel easier to manage. That translates into less waiting for gear, more help when you want it, and a smoother experience around the swing and snorkel moments.

The balanced way to think about it: if you only want a quick look at the island and you’re not interested in water activities or the open bar, you might find cheaper options elsewhere. But if you want one day that’s mostly about being in the Caribbean and doing things, the $139 price starts to look fair.

Who This Catamaran Day Sail Fits Best

This is a strong pick for:

• Families: the Tarzan swing is reported as enjoyable for a very wide age range, and kids tend to love having multiple water options in one stop.
• Couples and honeymoon/babymoon types: it’s relaxed, the boat is spacious, and the pacing doesn’t feel rushed.
• People who want fun with structure: the crew runs the day so you’re not trying to figure out logistics while on vacation.
• Anyone who worries about seasickness: the day is kept in calmer waters and not far offshore.

It may feel less perfect if you’re the type who wants dozens of separate stops, lots of walking tours, or a heavy focus on history and museums. This is not that day. This is a do-the-water-things day.

Should You Book This Random Wind St Maarten Sail?

If your ideal St Maarten day includes snorkeling, paddleboarding, a Tarzan swing, and a no-stress meal with included drinks, I’d call this an easy yes. The best sign is how consistently the experience is praised for the basics that matter: a clean, comfortable boat, friendly named hosts like Anna and Jackie, attentive captain Scotty/Scott, and a lunch that feels real.

Book it if:

• you want one solid 5-hour water day from Simpson Bay
• you’re traveling with kids or mixed ages
• you want activities included, not purchased one-by-one
• you like the idea of a small group (max 30)

Skip it or consider an alternative if:

• you want lots of different sightseeing stops instead of two main swim bases
• your priorities are strictly land-based

Bottom line: for many people, this is the kind of day that delivers on the promise. You’ll spend your time in the water, you’ll eat well, and the swing is the moment people remember.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran day sail in St Maarten?

The experience runs for about 5 hours.

Where does the sail depart from?

It departs from the pier at Simpson Bay.

What time does the tour start?

The start time listed is 10:00 am.

Where is the boat going during the day?

You cruise along the coastline and visit beaches on both the French and Dutch sides. The plan described keeps you in the Caribbean Sea and not the Atlantic Ocean.

What are the main stops during the tour?

The two main stops are Mullet Bay and Little Bay. The order can shift depending on sea conditions.

What’s included besides the sailing?

Included are lunch, snacks, unlimited drinks (top shelf open bar), stand-up paddleboarding, Tarzan swing, and snorkel equipment and life jackets.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and life jackets are provided.

Is the Tarzan swing suitable for children?

The swing is described as enjoyed by people between 2 and 89.

What’s the minimum age to drink alcohol?

The minimum age to consume alcohol is 18.

What if weather or sea conditions cause changes?

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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