St Maarten Luxury Catamaran Full-Day Group Charter

St. Maarten is at its best from the water, and this nine-hour catamaran charter gives you a full day to enjoy it without rushing from one beach to the next. You may stop at Happy Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Tintamarre Island, with time for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or simply stretching out under the shade.

I like the small maximum group of 15 and the way the day mixes activity with proper relaxation. I also like that breakfast, snacks, a four-course lunch, and a full open bar are included, so the $245 price covers much more than the boat ride.

The main consideration is that the route depends on weather and sea conditions. Rough water can change the plan, and one account describes a day when snorkeling was not possible. The crew adapted well, but you should book this as a flexible day on the water rather than a guaranteed checklist of stops.

Key points to know before you book

• A spacious 48-foot catamaran: Flagship II has room to spread out, with plenty of shade and open areas for enjoying the views.
• A genuine full-day outing: Meet at Bobby’s Marina at 8:30 a.m. and return around 5:30 p.m.
• Food from breakfast through dessert: Expect pastries, fruit, snacks, appetizers, and a four-course gourmet lunch prepared onboard.
• Tintamarre brings the turtle stop: The itinerary may include snorkeling and swimming near this uninhabited island.
• Activities are included: Snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and two stand-up paddleboards are available at no extra charge.
• Shared does not mean crowded: The price is for a group charter capped at 15, though the exact number on your sailing can be smaller.

Starting at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg

Your day begins at Bobby’s Marina, at 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg. The catamaran is located near the Greenhouse restaurant, across the little bridge. The scheduled departure is 8:30 a.m., so arrive with enough time to find the boat and settle in before casting off.

The early start pays off. Breakfast is served onboard, with French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee. You can also begin with a mimosa or Bloody Mary, according to the tour details. It is a pleasant way to ease into the morning, especially when the first part of the trip is simply sailing and taking in the coast.

You return to the same marina around 5:30 p.m. There is no separate transportation included, so you need to make your own way to Bobby’s Marina. The location is near public transportation, but the meeting point is specific, so do not rely on a vague arrival at Philipsburg.

A current valid passport is required on the day of the trip. That matters because St. Maarten and Saint-Martin share one island but are divided between Dutch and French sides. Keep your passport with you rather than leaving it back at your accommodation.

Flagship II gives you room to relax

The boat is a 48-foot, or 15-meter, catamaran called Flagship II. A catamaran is a good fit for a long day because its twin hulls provide a broad deck and a stable platform compared with a smaller single-hull boat. Stability is not the same as calm seas, of course, but you get more room to move around and find a comfortable spot.

There is a lot of shade onboard, which is welcome in the Caribbean sun. You should still bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a beach towel. The boat is not a substitute for sun protection, especially during the sailing portions when a breeze can make the heat feel less intense than it is.

The small group limit is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. Fifteen people is still a shared outing, but it is far more manageable than a large party boat. Several accounts describe sailings with only six or seven people, which can feel close to a private charter without the full private-boat price.

The group mix can vary. One family expected a private charter and was surprised to find another couple onboard, so read the booking terms carefully. This is a shared charter designed to save money, not a private boat reserved only for your party.

Happy Bay and the western coast

The route can include Happy Bay, a scenic beach on the French side of the island. From the water, you get a different view of the coast than you would from a road or beach chair. The stop is suited to swimming, relaxing onboard, or going ashore if conditions and the crew’s plan allow.

The exact time at Happy Bay is not fixed in the information provided, and weather can alter the order of the day. That flexibility is useful because the captain can choose a more comfortable anchorage if the water becomes rough.

You should not expect every listed location on every departure. The itinerary is described as weather dependent, and the crew may replace a planned stop with another sheltered area. One account describes rough conditions that prevented snorkeling and changed the route, but the captain still found good places to swim and kept the day enjoyable.

That is worth keeping in mind if you are booking mainly for one particular beach. The value of this trip lies in the complete day, the boat, the meals, and the crew’s ability to adjust, not simply in collecting names on a route map.

Long Bay La Samana and the pleasure of unhurried sailing

Long Bay La Samana is another possible stop. This part of the day gives you a chance to slow down. You can swim, use the paddleboards, fish, snorkel, or remain onboard with a drink while the crew prepares food.

I like the balance here. Many boat excursions squeeze in several stops and leave you checking the clock. This one is built around a slower rhythm, with sailing time between anchorages and enough room in the schedule for a long lunch and water activities.

Fishing equipment is included, although the information does not promise a particular catch or a dedicated fishing session. Think of it as an optional activity rather than the main purpose of the tour. The same is true of the two stand-up paddleboards. They give you another way to enjoy the water, but availability depends on how many people want to use them.

The snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from renting equipment separately. Bring your own mask if you have one that fits well, but the supplied equipment is part of the package. Use care around ropes, mooring lines, and underwater structures. One person reported a painful skin reaction after touching a rope near underwater statues at Little Bay, possibly from microscopic marine growth. That incident was unusual, but it is a good reminder not to grab or brush against underwater lines.

Tintamarre Island and the turtle swim

Tintamarre Island is the most distinctive stop on the route. This uninhabited island sits off the northeastern coast of Saint-Martin and provides a more natural setting than the developed waterfront around Philipsburg.

The planned stay can include snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles. This is the moment to bring your underwater camera, though wildlife sightings are never something a responsible tour can guarantee. The crew can point out good areas and help you get into the water safely, but turtles move freely.

The stop is listed at around two hours in the itinerary, giving you enough time to snorkel without feeling hurried. People who prefer not to enter the water can remain on the boat, enjoy the scenery, or use the time to relax.

Families should note that children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The trip has worked well for families with young children, including a four-year-old, and even larger groups with children ranging from toddlers to preteens. Still, you know your child best. A nine-hour boat day, swimming stops, sun, and open water can be tiring for very young children.

Four-course lunch, snacks, and an open bar

Food is a major part of the value here. The day begins with pastries and fruit, followed by snacks and appetizers, then a four-course gourmet lunch. A full open bar includes alcoholic drinks, soda, and other beverages.

The meals are prepared onboard rather than handed out as basic packaged food. Accounts describe fresh fruit, guacamole and chips, cheese and crackers, vegetables, dips, charcuterie, chicken with vegetables and rice, curry, and dessert. The exact menu can change, but you should expect a substantial meal rather than a light sandwich.

This matters when comparing the $245 price with simpler catamaran trips. A basic sailing may cost less upfront, but you could then pay separately for lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and other extras. Here, the food and open bar are part of the day, and the amount provided means you are unlikely to need a second meal after returning to shore.

A vegetarian option is available. You need to request it when booking. If you have other dietary needs, ask before paying, since the information only specifically confirms the vegetarian choice.

The open bar is generous enough to make the trip feel celebratory, and several birthdays and family occasions have been marked onboard. Drink responsibly, especially in the sun and on moving water. Alcohol does not mix well with dehydration or a rough sea.

The crew makes the difference

The crew names associated with this sailing include Benjamin and Alois, with Georgia, Paula, Pavla, or Soelle serving in hosting and food-service roles on different departures. The exact team can change, but the consistent pattern is attentive service, safe boat handling, and active care for the people onboard.

Captains have shared local stories, explained the area, helped with snorkeling, and adjusted routes when conditions changed. One captain helped swimmers hand-feed fish, while another kept a group comfortable when rough water made the original plan impractical.

The cooking is also central to the experience. The crew handles navigation, food preparation, serving, and cleanup during a long day. That is a lot to manage, and the strongest part of the trip appears to be the way those jobs are handled without making the day feel formal or stiff.

There are small matters to consider. One account objected to a captain smoking, particularly when rough water forced passengers toward the rear of the boat. If smoke bothers you, ask about the policy before booking or position yourself toward the front when conditions allow.

Who will get the most from this catamaran day

I would choose this tour if you want one well-organized day that combines scenery, swimming, food, and a social atmosphere. It suits couples, families, birthday groups, and small friend groups who want more comfort than a basic shared boat but do not need a private charter.

It is especially good for people who enjoy variety. You can snorkel at one stop, paddleboard at another, fish for a while, then spend part of the afternoon doing absolutely nothing. That freedom is more valuable than it sounds on a vacation.

Families should appreciate the space, meals, and mix of activities. Children must stay with an adult, and the itinerary can change if the sea is rough. Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully about a nine-hour outing and bring whatever personal remedy they normally use, since the provided information does not list a specific seasickness service.

This is less suitable if you need a guaranteed beach schedule, a quiet private boat, or a short excursion. The catamaran is shared, the weather controls the route, and the day lasts from morning to late afternoon.

Price, cancellation, and practical details

At $245 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in St. Maarten. It becomes better value when you count the nine-hour duration, breakfast, appetizers, four-course lunch, open bar, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, paddleboards, and crew service.

A private charter would likely cost much more, while a larger shared boat may offer a lower price but less room and a less personal feel. The 15-person cap is the key comparison point. If your sailing is lightly booked, you may get a semi-private experience at a shared-charter rate.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the trip, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff uses local time.

Should you book the Flagship II?

Book it if you want a polished, food-focused day on the water and like having choices once the anchor drops. The best reasons are the small maximum group, generous meals, open bar, comfortable catamaran, and crew that can adjust the route when the sea refuses to cooperate.

Think twice if your main goal is one exact beach or a guaranteed turtle encounter. Those elements depend on conditions and nature. For everyone else, this is a strong choice for making a full day of St. Maarten’s coast, with enough activity to keep you interested and enough shade, food, and space to let you rest.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour begin?

The tour begins at Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg. The catamaran is near the Greenhouse restaurant, across the little bridge.

What time does the tour start and finish?

Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., and the catamaran returns to the meeting point around 5:30 p.m. The activity lasts approximately nine hours.

Is this a private charter?

No. This is a shared group charter with a maximum of 15 people. The actual group may be smaller, depending on bookings.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast includes French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee. Snacks, appetizers, a four-course gourmet lunch, soda, and a full open bar with alcoholic beverages are also included.

Are snorkeling gear and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, and two stand-up paddleboards are included.

Does the tour always visit Tintamarre Island and the listed beaches?

Stops are weather dependent. Possible locations include Happy Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Tintamarre Island, but the captain may change the plan if sea conditions require it.

Is a passport required?

Yes. You need to bring a current valid passport on the day of the tour.