Yacht YES DARLING – Private Boat St Martin, St Barth & Anguilla

The most appealing part of YES DARLING is the freedom to shape a private day at sea. You can cruise from St Maarten toward St Barthélemy or Anguilla, stop in quiet coves, swim in clear Caribbean water, and spend the rest of the time stretched out on a broad open deck. The yacht itself is unusual, with Italian styling and a Porsche 917 theme rather than the usual plain charter-boat look.

I like the generous outdoor space, which gives a group room to spread out without everyone sitting in the same place. I also like the mix of relaxed and festive options: food, drinks, music, water activities, shaded areas, and a cabin when you want a break from the sun. The main consideration is cost. At $6,448.44 for a group of up to 12, this is a special-occasion splurge, not a casual afternoon boat ride.

YES DARLING at a glance

• A private 20-meter yacht: The boat has an open deck, shaded seating, large sunbathing areas, an interior cabin, and a distinctive Porsche 917 design.
• Three island areas in one charter: Depending on your chosen plan, you can cruise around St Martin, visit St Barthélemy, or reach Anguilla.
• Four-hour or eight-hour options: A half-day works for a focused outing, while the full-day plan gives you more time for island-hopping.
• Crew-led comfort: Captain Chris and manager Helene are among the crew names associated with particularly personal service.
• Food, drinks, music, and water fun: These details make the yacht suitable for birthdays, family outings, sunset sails, and lively group days.
• Private use only: Your group has the yacht to itself, rather than sharing the boat with unrelated passengers.

The yacht: more than a ride between beaches

YES DARLING is a 20-meter open yacht under the French flag. Its Italian styling and Porsche 917 theme give it a strong personality before you even reach the first anchorage. This is not a basic transfer boat where the point is simply to get from one island to another.

The layout matters. You have a wide open deck, several shaded spots, large areas for sunbathing, and an interior cabin. That gives your group options throughout the day. Sun lovers can stay outside, people who prefer shade can step out of the direct heat, and anyone needing quiet time has somewhere else to sit.

The generous size also helps when your group includes different personalities. Some people can listen to music and socialize, while others can sit apart with a drink or watch the coast go by. Several reviews describe the boat as spacious and comfortable, and that is one of the strongest reasons to consider it for a larger private group.

The listed price covers a group of up to 12, while the yacht information gives a total capacity of up to 30 passengers. If your party is larger than 12, ask the operator how the price changes and exactly how many people the booking includes. The difference matters a great deal when you compare the cost per person.

Choosing four hours, eight hours, or sunset

The four-hour charter is the sensible choice if you want time on the water without giving up most of your day. You can focus on one section of the region, anchor for a swim, enjoy food and drinks, and return before the outing becomes tiring. It may also be the better fit for children or for anyone who is not sure how much time they want to spend aboard.

The eight-hour option turns the yacht into a full-day base. You have more time to combine anchorages, cross toward another island, pause for swimming, and enjoy the boat itself rather than rushing between stops. Since the listed route names three two-hour sections, St Martin, Gustavia, and Anguilla, do not assume the half-day option includes every destination. Confirm the route before booking, especially if you have one particular beach in mind.

A sunset charter offers a different mood. The yacht has enough space for music, drinks, and a more social evening, while the changing light gives the coast a softer appearance. A sunset trip may suit a birthday, anniversary, or group celebration better than a daytime swim-focused cruise.

The practical choice is simple: book four hours for a concentrated coastal outing, eight hours for island-hopping and a full day at anchor, and sunset for atmosphere. Ask about the exact departure time, route, food, and drinks included in your selected version.

St Martin: easy variety around one island

The St Martin section gives you the widest list of possible anchorages. Options include Pinel, Tintamarre, Friar’s Bay, Happy Bay, Grand Case, Anse Marcel, Baie Rouge, Baie Longue, Mullet Bay, Cupecoy, and Simpson Bay.

That variety is useful because conditions and group interests can change. One cove may be best for swimming, another for a beach stop, and another for a scenic pause with the yacht anchored offshore. You are not locked into one beach when the day’s conditions suggest a better choice elsewhere.

Pinel and Tintamarre offer a more island-outing feel, while Grand Case and Anse Marcel connect the boat day with the familiar north coast of St Martin. Baie Rouge, Baie Longue, Mullet Bay, and Cupecoy provide different coastal views and swimming possibilities. The supplied route description does not promise a stop at every location, so treat this as a menu of possible anchorages rather than a fixed checklist.

St Martin is the most practical choice for a shorter charter. You spend less of the outing on longer crossings and more time enjoying the yacht, the water, and the coast. If your main goal is simply a good private day at sea, this may offer the best balance.

Gustavia and St Barthélemy: style with a natural side

The St Barthélemy section centers on Gustavia and anchorages such as Colombier, Shell Beach, and Saint John. The island adds a polished, fashionable note to the trip, but the appeal from the water is not just shopping or harbor scenery.

Colombier is described as an unspoiled anchorage, while Gustavia provides a more recognizable harbor setting. Saint John adds another popular coastal stop, and Shell Beach gives the route a beach-oriented change of pace. From the yacht, you can enjoy the island without needing to organize a full land excursion.

The drawback is time. Reaching St Barthélemy and returning to St Maarten uses part of your charter, particularly on a four-hour trip. If you want several swim stops and a leisurely lunch or party onboard, the eight-hour option makes more sense.

Choose this route if you want a mixture of natural coves and the refined feel associated with St Barthélemy. It is a strong fit for a birthday or stylish group outing, especially when the boat itself is part of the occasion.

Anguilla: beaches, bays, and a longer day

The Anguilla route includes Rendezvous Bay, Maundays Bay, Shoal Bay West, Meads Bay, Road Bay at Sandy Ground, Crocus Bay, Little Bay, and Shoal Bay Beach.

Anguilla is the choice for a classic beach-and-water day. The list includes broad bays, small coves, and well-known beach areas, so you can expect a change in scenery from the St Martin coast. Sandy Island, Prickly Pear, and Little Bay are also named among the possible Caribbean stops in the wider description.

Anguilla works best when you have enough time to enjoy the crossing as well as the destination. On a four-hour charter, distance can reduce the time available for swimming and relaxing. An eight-hour outing gives you a better chance to make the island feel like the main event rather than a quick photo stop.

Ask which Anguilla anchorage is planned and how much time you will spend there. The exact stop matters because these bays offer different moods, from a broad beach view to a smaller, quieter cove.

Food, drinks, music, and water activities

YES DARLING is not presented as a bare boat rental. Food and drinks are a major part of the experience, with repeated praise for generous refreshments, aperitifs, buffet-style food, and an open bar in some accounts. Because inclusions can differ by charter type, check what is covered before you pay.

Music also plays an important role. The yacht can support a calm day with drinks and conversation, but it can also become a lively party setting. That flexibility makes it useful for mixed groups, although you should tell the operator what sort of atmosphere you want.

Water activities are another strong point, especially for families. The crew has been praised for helping children during water activities and for paying close attention to safety. The available information does not specify every piece of equipment, so ask exactly what is provided if swimming gear or toys are important to your plan.

The best approach is to tell the crew your priorities in advance. If your group wants quiet coves and long swims, say so. If you are planning a birthday with music, drinks, and dancing at anchor, say that too. The yacht’s size and open layout can support both, but the route and timing still need to match your plan.

Service, crew, and the human side of the day

The strongest praise centers on the crew. Accounts repeatedly describe attentive, kind, professional service, with particular appreciation for Helene. Captain Chris is also named in connection with a family charter. The useful takeaway is not a promise that every request will be handled in exactly the same way, but that personal service is a central part of the product.

That matters on a private charter. You are paying for more than the boat and fuel. You are paying for help with the day’s rhythm, drinks when you want them, support during water activities, and a crew that can keep a large group comfortable.

Family groups appear to be a good match. The yacht has space for adults to socialize while children enjoy time in the water, and the crew has been praised for being friendly and careful with children. It also suits birthday groups, mother-and-daughter trips, family reunions, and friends who want a private celebration rather than a standard shared cruise.

There is one important service caution. At least one booking was cancelled because of an unexpected technical issue, and the customer received a full refund. That is frustrating when you have arranged villas, meals, and a group schedule, even when the decision is made for safety. Keep a little flexibility in your holiday plans and confirm the charter close to departure.

Is $6,448.44 a fair price?

The listed price of $6,448.44 is for a private group of up to 12. That works out to about $537 per person if 12 people share the full amount. The price per person rises sharply with a smaller party, so this is much easier to justify for a full group than for two or three people.

Value comes from the package. You receive a private 20-meter yacht, crew service, several deck areas, a cabin, food and drinks in some charter arrangements, music, and access to anchorages around three Caribbean destinations. For a large group celebrating a special event, avoiding separate hotel transfers, restaurant bookings, and shared-boat schedules can make the cost more reasonable.

Still, you should compare the exact inclusions. Ask whether the price covers your selected food and drink package, fuel, water activities, pickup, and the specific route. The listing says pickup is offered, but the meeting details do not spell out every pickup location or condition.

For a group of 12, this can be a strong luxury splurge. For a smaller party, you may prefer a shorter charter or a less expensive shared cruise. The private setting is the main value, not simply the number of beaches visited.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided at booking, and pickup is offered. The experience operates daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the stated operating period, though sunset arrangements are also described, so confirm the available time for your date.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The yacht is near public transportation. Because the boat is open and the day may include sun, swimming, and movement at sea, ask any mobility or comfort questions before booking if someone in your group has specific needs.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off follows local time.

Who should book YES DARLING?

You should consider it if you want a private Caribbean day with room to choose your own pace. It is especially well suited to groups that value attentive service, food and drinks, music, swimming, and a boat that feels like part of the celebration.

Families can benefit from the open layout and crew support during water activities. Larger groups can spread out instead of crowding around one small seating area. Couples may enjoy the sunset option, though the full private-yacht price is hard to justify for only two people unless luxury and privacy are the main goal.

You may want another option if your budget is limited, if you want a fixed sightseeing route, or if you prefer spending most of the day on land. The route is flexible, which is a strength, but it also means you should confirm the exact plan instead of assuming every listed beach is included.

Should you book this private yacht?

YES DARLING makes the most sense when you fill the group and treat the charter as a celebration. The spacious yacht, strong crew service, food and drinks, and choice of three island areas give you more than a simple boat transfer.

Book the four-hour version for a focused St Martin outing, and choose eight hours if Anguilla or St Barthélemy is central to your plan. Before paying, confirm the passenger count, route, food and drink inclusions, pickup details, and water equipment. If those match what you want, this is a polished and flexible way to spend a Caribbean day.

FAQ

Where does the YES DARLING yacht experience take place?

The experience departs from St Maarten and can include stops around St Martin, St Barthélemy, and Anguilla.

How long is the charter?

You can choose a half-day charter of about four hours or a full-day charter of about eight hours. Sunset outings are also available.

How many people can join the yacht?

The yacht information gives a maximum capacity of up to 30 passengers. The listed price of $6,448.44 applies to a private group of up to 12, so confirm pricing for larger groups.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

What stops are possible around St Martin?

Possible anchorages and beaches include Pinel, Tintamarre, Friar’s Bay, Happy Bay, Grand Case, Anse Marcel, Baie Rouge, Baie Longue, Mullet Bay, Cupecoy, and Simpson Bay.

What can you visit around St Barthélemy?

The listed St Barthélemy options include Colombier, Gustavia, Shell Beach, and Saint John.

What can you visit in Anguilla?

Possible Anguilla stops include Rendezvous Bay, Maundays Bay, Shoal Bay West, Meads Bay, Road Bay at Sandy Ground, Crocus Bay, Little Bay, and Shoal Bay Beach.

Is food and drink provided?

Food and drinks are part of the experience, and the charter is described as including options such as snacks, buffet food, aperitifs, and an open bar. Confirm the exact inclusions for your booking.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. Confirm the pickup location and arrangements when you book.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted and are not refunded.