Planes, beaches, and mimosa sailing in one day? A private 42ft Lagoon 42 charter on St. Maarten turns the whole island into your personal playground, with your own captain and crew and a luxury setup meant for real downtime.

What I like most is how much is bundled into one ticket. You’ll get a late-morning snack, a full lunch with barbecued skewers, plus an all-day premium bar (craft cocktails, beer, wine, prosecco, juices, infused water), and the kind of comfort items that make it feel taken care of rather than staged.

One thing to consider: this is priced per person, and there’s no hotel pickup. You’ll meet at Renegades in Cole Bay (8:00am start), so you’ll want to plan your morning around getting there on time.

Quick hits before you sail

• 2022 Lagoon 42 (Freedom): Brand-new catamaran feel with spacious teak deck lounge time
• All day, truly all day: Snacks, lunch, cookies, locally made ice cream, plus a premium bar
• Water-time extras: Snorkeling gear, paddle boards (x2), and a floating lily pad mat
• Iconic stops: Happy Bay, Baie Longue/La Samanna spa area, and the plane-view chaos of Maho
• Private for your group: Your own captain and crew, not a big mixed-people tour
• Caribbean pace with structure: Approx. 7h30 with multiple shorter stops and two longer swim breaks

Freedom on the Teak Deck: The Lagoon 42 Feel

This isn’t the usual “hop on, take a few photos, then bounce” type of day. Freedom, the 2022 Lagoon 42, is built for comfort at anchor and underway. From the moment you step aboard, it’s the small touches that set the mood: a cool scented towel and a handmade chocolate to start your morning the right way.

I also like that the boat is set up for hanging out, not just sitting. You’re moving around between lounge areas while the crew runs the sailing side, and that matters on a charter day. You want the day to feel like you can exhale, not like you’re always bracing for the next thing.

And yes, it’s a sailing catamaran. That usually means a calmer ride than a fast powerboat, especially once you’re anchored and the day slows down for swims and snacks.

Your Captain and Crew: What You Get Beyond the Yacht Name

This charter is “captain and crew” in the practical sense. Fuel is included, which helps you avoid the classic surprise where the day changes because of cost. You also get restrooms on board, so you’re not rushing to the shore for every basic need.

The crew setup also matters for the vibe. Based on how the hosts describe their approach (names like Carla and Andre come up often), the focus is on making the day feel smooth: warm welcome, food and drinks flowing, and guidance when you want it. You’re not left guessing what to do next.

A detail I appreciate: the experience is private for your group. That means you’re not working around a big crowd schedule. If your group likes quieter swim time, you can keep your rhythm. If you want photos and a quick look at Maho’s air traffic show, you can do that too without playing tour-crowd tag.

Day Plan on the Water: From Cole Bay to Happy Bay, Baie Longue, and Maho

You start from Port de Plaisance Yacht Club in Cole Bay on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The first stop is listed at Princess Port de Plaisance, and with a 30-minute block, it’s basically your calm launch window. Use it to get settled, grab water/juice, and get oriented before the day spreads out.

Stop 1: Princess Port de Plaisance (Cole Bay)

This is your departure-and-settle moment. You’ll head out from Port de Plaisance Yacht Club and begin cruising toward the day’s best viewing and swim areas. Since the boat has towels and reef-safe sunscreen available, I’d take advantage of that right away rather than waiting until you’re already in the sun.

Stop 2: Happy Bay Beach (French side)

Happy Bay is the big “slow down and swim” stop. You’ll sail over to the French side while mimosas are in play and late-morning snacks are part of the rhythm. Then you anchor at Happy Bay, described as a secret-feeling beach with a huge sense of natural openness.

This is a great time to use what’s included on board:

• snorkeling equipment for checking out the shallows
• paddle boards if your group likes an easy, fun workout
• the floating lily pad mat if you want a low-effort float-and-talk setup

One practical note: bring reef-safe sunscreen (it’s provided, but you might still want your own favorite lotion) and plan for short bursts of shade—there’s sun everywhere, and your best strategy is to cool off often.

Stop 3: The Spa at Belmond La Samanna / Baie Longue area

After Happy Bay, the sailing continues to Baie Longue, known for its cliffs and clear-water scenery. This is the “reset” stop. You get 3 hours here, and the ticket is included for The Spa at Belmond La Samanna.

Even if you don’t go full spa mode, this stop breaks the day into two distinct moods: beach morning and a more polished luxury pause. It’s also valuable because it’s a planned change of pace. Instead of being in swim-only mode for the entire day, you get a chance to freshen up and stretch out mentally.

The practical tradeoff: 3 hours can go fast if your group splits time between water and spa time. If you’re the planner type, decide in advance whether your group is prioritizing the spa ticket or spending most of the time on the water.

Stop 4: Maho Beach plane viewing

No St. Maarten day is complete without Maho. You get a 30-minute block at Maho Beach, famous for planes lining up for landing and coming in low enough to feel like part of the show.

This stop is quick by design. You’ll want to use it for the best photos and the unforgettable sound of it all—then get back to the cooler, calmer boat time before everyone gets sunburnt or annoyed. Think of this as the day’s “wow moment,” not a long lounging session.

Stop 5: Back to Princess Port de Plaisance via Simpson Bay Bridge

On the way back, you cruise through the Simpson Bay Bridge area, where you’ll be able to wave as you pass. It’s a small thing, but it’s one of those fun local-feeling moments you don’t get on a fixed-route tour.

You dock again at Port de Plaisance Yacht Club to end where you started, so you’re not dealing with the stress of a complicated end location.

Food, Drinks, and Water Toys: Where the Value Really Shows

This is an all-inclusive day in the ways that count. Your budget usually gets attacked by “extras” on boat tours—extra food, extra drinks, extra water toys, extra equipment. Here, the included list is clear and substantial.

Snacks and lunch that feel like an actual meal plan

You start with late-morning nibble items: an apple and cheese charcuterie board. Then there’s happy hour hors d’oeuvres: a homemade beet and garlic hummus platter with crudités, pita chips, and rice crackers.

Lunch is set up as a proper barbeque: grilled skewers, fresh salads, and then cookies plus locally made ice cream. This is one of the reasons the day works even if your group doesn’t snorkel or paddle board for long stretches. You can eat well while you float, and that keeps the whole charter feeling like a treat.

An all-day premium bar (and a real note on alcohol rules)

Alcoholic beverages are included all day. The premium bar lists craft cocktails and mocktails shaken fresh, plus standard mixed drinks, beer, wine, prosecco, soft drinks, juices, and infused water.

One consideration: the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18. If you’re bringing a mixed-age group, it’s worth planning how you’ll handle drink choice so the day stays relaxed for everyone.

Included water toys for different energy levels

You get snorkeling equipment, plus paddle boards (x2) and a floating lily pad mat. This is smart for groups because not everyone wants to swim the same way.

Want easy fun? Lily pad mat.

Want a light workout? Paddle boards.

Want to check out underwater life? Snorkeling equipment.

And they provide towels and reef-safe sunscreen, which is a subtle but important cost saver and comfort win.

Price and Logistics: Is $598.75 Per Person Worth It?

At $598.75 per person, you’re paying for privacy, a brand-new catamaran, and a full-service food-and-drink setup. The value part is that the inclusions aren’t tiny. You’re not just buying a boat ride; you’re buying time where the basics are handled: meals, drinks, fuel, snorkeling gear, and the crew.

This can be a strong deal if:

• you’re going as a small group and splitting the private day across people
• you want a calm, planned luxury experience with no surprise add-ons
• you care about being on a sailing catamaran with space for lounging

It may feel steep if:

• your group is very small, meaning you’re effectively paying for the whole charter yourself
• you want a cheap “see a beach and go” day rather than a full-service day

Also, you should factor in the meeting logistics: no hotel pickup. You meet at Renegades, 155 Union Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten at 8:00am. That’s not hard, but you should treat it like a real appointment, not a casual morning stroll.

The good news: the start point is near public transportation, and the experience uses a mobile ticket.

Weather and Timing: How to Plan for a Calm, On-Time Day

This experience runs about 7 hours 30 minutes and requires good weather. The itinerary may change based on sea and weather conditions, which is normal for open water.

I’d plan your day with this in mind:

• Start early with your snacks and hydration in mind, because you’re leaving at 8:00am.
• Bring swimwear that dries quickly, since you’ll be moving between anchored swim time and spa-related plans.
• Keep an eye on sun exposure. Maho is a quick stop, but the water stops and open deck time add up.

If your group likes structure, the day has it: longer swim/sail anchors at Happy Bay and Baie Longue, then short, high-impact hits at Maho and the return. If your group wants flexibility, you still get a planned route, but you’re not tied to a rigid beach-only format.

Should You Book This Luxury Catamaran Charter?

Book it if you want a true private, all-inclusive St. Maarten day that treats you like you showed up for a celebration, not a checklist. The combination of a luxury catamaran, a full premium bar, and water toys gives your group multiple ways to have fun without buying extra stuff every time you turn around.

Skip or rethink it if you’re trying to keep costs down or you hate early starts. The meeting point in Cole Bay and the per-person price mean this is best for groups who can share the charter day.

My bottom line: if your idea of a great day is swimming, lounging, good food, and a smooth crew-run experience with stops that actually make sense, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

What is the duration of the private catamaran charter?

The experience lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $598.75 per person.

Where do we meet and when does the tour start?

You meet at Renegades – Private Catamaran Charter – St. Maarten & Anguilla, 155 Union Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The start time is 8:00am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

This is private. Only your group participates.

What stops are included in the day?

The day includes Princess Port de Plaisance, Happy Bay Beach, The Spa at Belmond La Samanna (Baie Longue area), Maho Beach, and then Princess Port de Plaisance again on the return.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Snacks, late-morning nibble items, happy hour hors d’oeuvres, lunch (barbecued skewers and fresh salads), homemade cookies, locally made ice cream, and alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with paddle boards (x2) and a floating lily pad mat.

Is there alcohol on board, and are there age rules?

Alcoholic beverages are included, and the minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption is 18.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Are there any limits or important rules to know?

Service animals are allowed, the experience requires good weather, and the itinerary may change due to sea and weather conditions.