A catamaran day here feels like cheating. I love how this trip puts you on a private boat with a real crew vibe (I’ve heard names like Captain Ben, Alois, and hosts like Georgia come up often), plus the day is built around gourmet meals and nonstop time in the water. The one thing to watch is that the sea and wind can change the exact stops and timing, so your plan should stay flexible.

Two clear perks make this stand out fast: you get a full charter experience without the crowd shuffle, and you’re not stuck with just “look at the beach” photos. You’ll start from Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg and come back there too, so it’s simple to build into a St Maarten day.

One more practical note: bring your passport. You’ll need it for a check on the day of the boat, and a morning start (8:30 or 9:30) means you’ll want to be ready early.

Key Points You’ll Care About Most

• Private charter feel: You’re not sharing the boat with strangers, and you can relax in your own space.
• Open bar all day: Unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are part of the experience.
• Snorkel and paddle gear included: Fishing and snorkeling equipment plus two paddle boards are onboard.
• Two itinerary styles: Choose a longer route (Tintamarre area) or a shorter one (more “St Maarten shore”).
• Food is a real meal: Breakfast pastries and fruit, plus appetizers and a four-course gourmet lunch.

Why a Private Catamaran Day Beats the Usual Beach Hop

St Maarten can be fun, but the common day trips tend to feel like a relay race: bus, beach, crowd, back on the bus. This is different. You sail the island coastline on a catamaran, with the kind of schedule that actually matches the sea day you want.

The big value is that the day isn’t just scenic. It’s structured around water time: swim stops, snorkeling gear ready when you are, and paddle boards waiting for you between swims. Even if you’re not the type to snorkel for hours, you still get a lot of chances to hop in, cool off, and go back aboard under shade.

And yes, this is a luxury-flavored private experience, not a barebones charter. You’re looking at a welcome breakfast setup, appetizers, and a four-course gourmet lunch, not just a snack plate. Add in unlimited drinks and you get that “vacation you don’t have to manage” feeling.

Choosing 7 Hours vs 9 Hours: What Changes in Real Life

You get two time options, and they change the rhythm of the day.

The 9-hour option (around 8:30am to 5:30pm)

This is the longer route, built for more stops and more variety. Expect sailing around St Maarten and Saint-Martin waters with multiple beach areas, including Tintamarre Island. It’s also the itinerary where you might have a chance to swim with turtles and stingrays.

If you want your day to feel like a true full-day getaway, this is the one.

The 7-hour option (around 9:30am to 4:30pm)

This is a tighter plan. You still get a full charter setup, snorkeling and paddle boards, and a four-course lunch, but the number of water stops is more condensed. You’ll sail the St Maarten shore and hit places like Mulet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay.

If your schedule is packed, you’ll likely appreciate the shorter day without feeling like you got shorted on the experience.

One practical point: the itinerary can shift depending on sea and wind. That’s normal for sailing. The difference here is that your crew has room to adjust on the fly, rather than forcing a fixed bus-style checklist.

The 9-Hour Route: Tintamarre Island and the North-Side Playbook

If you pick the full-day version, you’re starting early and you’re signing up for maximum water time.

The plan is built around sailing clear waters with stops that are hard to reach by land. You’ll work in Long Bay La Samana, Happy Bay, and then Tintamarre Island.

Why Tintamarre Island matters

Tintamarre is one of those stops that gives you a “we’re actually somewhere special” feeling. The island-and-coast mix is visually striking from the water, and it’s also where the day has that added animal-luck potential. The itinerary description includes the possibility of swimming with turtles and stingrays.

No guarantees on wildlife, of course, but the fact that the day is designed around snorkeling and gear-ready stops makes this the more adventurous choice.

What you do at each stop

Across these stops, you’re not stuck with a short photo break. You get time to swim, snorkel, and paddle. Fishing and snorkeling gear are included, and there are two paddle boards onboard for your group.

Also, the boat has plenty of shade, which matters in the Caribbean sun. You still need to bring basics like sunscreen and sunglasses, but you’ll be able to take breaks between the water sessions.

Meals and drinks on this longer day

This version includes breakfast pastries and fruit, appetizers along the way, and a 4-course gourmet lunch, plus unlimited drinks from an open bar. That means lunch isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the experience, and it keeps energy steady during a long day of sailing and swimming.

The 7-Hour Route: Mulet Bay to Divi Little Bay

The shorter day keeps the same “private charter” idea, just with a more streamlined itinerary and less time overall.

You’ll start around 9:30am and return around 4:30pm. Along the way, you’ll sail St Maarten shore and stop at Mulet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay.

Why this route works if you want variety without a full-day commitment

You still get multiple beach and water stops, and you get the included snorkeling and paddle boards. But with fewer stops than the 9-hour route, you’re less likely to feel rushed. It’s a great option when you have dinners planned, a cruise port day, or you just want to keep the rest of your trip flexible.

What to expect in the water

Like the longer itinerary, this one includes fishing and snorkeling gear and time for swimming and paddle boarding. If you’re someone who likes to do a bit of everything, this schedule gives you enough action to feel like it was a real outing, not a quick dip.

Food and drinks stay the same style

You still get light breakfast, appetizers, and that four-course gourmet lunch, plus unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks. So the “luxury day” feel doesn’t disappear just because you chose the shorter option.

Food, Open Bar, and the Crew Details That Make It Feel Special

This is one of those tours where the staff matters because they’re managing the day for you. The crew is repeatedly described as attentive, friendly, and good at keeping the mood relaxed while still running a tight ship.

From the information provided, you can expect:

• Unlimited drinks from an open bar, including alcoholic options (vodka, tequila, rum, mixed drinks are specifically mentioned in one account).
• A full meal plan: breakfast items plus appetizers and a four-course gourmet lunch.
• Snorkeling guidance as part of the experience, including help that can help you spot marine life.

Some reviews also point out small but important comfort details: the boat is kept very clean, storage is practical for items like sunglasses and chargers, and you can use onboard Bluetooth to play your own music. That’s not just fun—it helps the day feel like it’s yours.

If you’re prone to seasickness, ask your crew about tips. At least one review notes that suggestions were useful for people who get queasy. Even on a stable catamaran, it helps to know what to do.

What to Pack (and What to Remember About the Passport Check)

This trip runs on the water, so packing well is what keeps you comfortable.

Bring:

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a beach towel (these are specifically mentioned)
• Anything you want for snorkeling that you personally prefer (the gear is provided, but you might have your own comfort items)
• A good attitude about changing plans if the wind shifts

And do not forget your passport. A current valid passport is required on the day of the boat for information to be checked.

Also note the boat offers a lot of shade, which helps a lot when you’re bouncing between swimming and relaxing.

Price and Value: Is $770 Per Person Worth It?

At $770 per person, you’re paying for a private charter experience with food and drinks included. That’s not cheap, but it’s not just “rent a boat and fend for yourself” either.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• You’re getting a private day on a catamaran, not a seat on a crowded boat.
• Meals are included (breakfast basics, appetizers, and a four-course lunch).
• Unlimited drinks are included.
• You get snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and multiple water stops designed around swimming time.

If you’re traveling with a group and can take advantage of any group discounts, the price per person can start to look more reasonable. But even without discounts, the appeal is that you’re buying simplicity: someone else runs the route, feeds you, and keeps drinks coming while you focus on the water and the views.

One more value note: reviews include comparisons to cruise ship food, with the charter meal described as better. That matches what the itinerary promises: real cooking effort, not just a snack.

Who This Catamaran Charter Fits Best

This charter is a strong match if you want:

• A couples or adult group day that feels romantic and relaxed
• A higher-comfort way to explore the coastline you can’t reach easily on foot
• A day built around swimming and snorkeling, not just sightseeing from shore
• A private setup where you can choose your pace at each stop

It’s also ideal for someone who wants to start their St Maarten trip on a high note. You sail early, you eat well, and you spend the day in the water instead of waiting in lines.

If you have limited time, pick the 7-hour option. If you want the full “this is a vacation within the vacation” feel, choose the 9-hour itinerary.

Should You Book This Private St Maarten Catamaran Charter?

Book it if you care about three things: privacy, strong food, and a day that’s actually structured for water fun. This is the kind of excursion that turns a normal Caribbean day into a story you’ll tell later, because the boat and crew run the day as a complete package.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You have a tight schedule that can’t tolerate weather-related timing changes.
• You’re the type who expects exact stop-by-stop certainty in all sea conditions.

Otherwise, this is a great use of your day on the island—especially if you’d rather enjoy the sea and beaches from a catamaran than cram your schedule with beach-to-beach hopping.

FAQ

What are the tour durations for this catamaran charter?

There are two options: a 9-hour tour (starting around 8:30am and returning about 5:30pm) and a 7-hour tour (starting around 9:30am and returning about 4:30pm).

What’s included in the price?

The charter includes breakfast pastries and fruit (or light breakfast for the shorter option), appetizers, a 4-course gourmet lunch, unlimited drinks from an open bar, snorkeling and fishing gear, and 2 paddle boards.

Do I need a passport?

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

Does the itinerary ever change?

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

Where do we meet, and how does the trip end?

The start is at Bobby’s Marina (22H), Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. Vegan or vegetarian meals are available on request.