A private catamaran feels like your own island. Be Happy turns St Maarten into a simple 4-hour plan with a private group cruise and beach stops at Mullet Bay, Plum Bay, and Little Bay. You’ll have snorkel gear plus a paddleboard and a floating mat/lilypad for easy water time.

I love the relaxed, pampered tone of the day, even with a tight schedule. I also like that snorkeling gear and the onboard snack-and-drink setup are part of the package, so you’re not hunting for basics mid-cruise.

One thing to consider is weather. The route can shift based on conditions, and changes are not tied to a price discount or cancellation.

Key things that make Be Happy worth your time

• Private-group comfort: only your group on board, so the vibe stays yours
• Four hours, three water stops: Mullet Bay (2 hours) plus Plum Bay and Little Bay (1 hour each)
• On-water toys: paddleboard/SUP, floating mat/lilypad, and snorkeling equipment
• Food and drinks included: snacks and a full set of sodas/juices/water, with alcohol for 18+
• Little Bay’s underwater wrecks: a helicopter and submarine wreck add a real wow factor
• A calm, local rhythm: Caribbean music at Mullet Bay and a quieter feel at Plum Bay

St Maarten at catamaran speed, without the tour-bus feel

If your St Maarten plan is short, a half-day private sail cruise is a smart way to still get the island’s best water moments. Be Happy is built for that exact mood: you pick a time window, you sail out, you swim, and you’re back without spending your whole day in transit.

The big win is how this feels like a real private charter. It’s not just “reserved seats.” It’s your group’s space, with an attentive crew that keeps things moving and fun, including stories and fun facts while you’re on the water. That matters because when you’re paying for a private boat, you want the day to feel organized and personal, not like you’re just renting a vessel and figuring it out.

I also like how the itinerary is simple and water-focused. You’re not bouncing around for hours in tiny increments. You get a substantial beach window at Mullet Bay (two hours), then two shorter stops to break up the day: Plum Bay, then Little Bay for snorkeling.

At $770 per person, this is not a budget move. It’s a premium experience. But it can still feel reasonable if you’re traveling as a group that wants privacy, drinks, and real time in the water—without extra add-ons.

Mullet Bay for two hours: the local favorite with beach-bar energy

Mullet Bay is the first stop, and the timing says a lot: you get about two hours there. This is one of the island’s go-to beaches, known for blue water and white sand. It’s also where you can tap into the more social side of the day—there’s Caribbean music in the mix, plus beach restaurants and bars nearby.

What I’d do with that time: treat it like your main “settle in” stop. You can swim, snorkel, or just hang on the floating mat once you’re back on board, but Mullet Bay is also a beach where it’s easy to spend time without needing constant structure. If your group wants photos, a longer swim, or simply a slower pace, this is where you’ll get it.

Tradeoffs? Because it’s the popular choice, the whole experience can feel a bit more lively than a secluded beach day. If you’re chasing quiet, you’ll likely still find that calmer energy later at Plum Bay. But for most people, the charm of Mullet Bay is exactly that: good sand, clear water, and a fun Caribbean soundtrack.

One practical note: towels aren’t included, so plan ahead. This stop is long enough that you’ll want a towel handy for getting comfortable after you’re out of the water.

Plum Bay and Terres Basses: a quieter stop with big-villa scenery

Next up is Plum Bay for about one hour. This is described as a secluded beach, tucked into the gated Terres Basses area. The payoff here is contrast. After Mullet Bay’s longer, more social beach break, Plum Bay is the palate cleanser: less about the crowd vibe and more about a calmer, rarely visited feel.

Even better, you’ll get sightseeing without needing to leave the boat. You pass by luxury villas, and one well-known reference included in the route is the villa of Donald Trump. You don’t go there—you just get the view from the water as you cruise along.

For groups that love photos or just like watching the island’s mix of luxury and coastline, Plum Bay is a strong “window” stop. And since it’s only an hour, you’re not stuck in limbo. You’ll still feel it as a real change of scenery.

If you’re the type who wants maximum time in the water, this is the one stop you might wish had a little more time. But it exists to keep the day varied, and it sets you up nicely for the snorkeling-focused final stop.

Little Bay: snorkeling time plus the helicopter and submarine wreck

Little Bay is the final stop and your best bet for underwater curiosity. You get about one hour here, and it’s described as a great snorkeling area with aquatic life. Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, wrecks tend to pull people in fast.

The standout details are the helicopter and submarine wreck on the bottom. That’s the kind of feature that turns snorkeling from just “seeing fish” into “seeing something that feels different.” It also gives the crew something concrete to point out and talk about, which can make the hour feel more guided and less random.

Timing matters. One hour sounds short until you realize Little Bay is the stop where the most “activity per minute” happens. You’ll want to balance getting your snorkel gear on, checking out the underwater highlights, and still leaving time to enjoy the water without rushing.

A quick consideration: since you’ll be entering the water, you’re doing it at your own risk. That’s a common rule for water activities, but it’s still worth respecting—especially if your group has mixed swimming comfort.

What’s included aboard Be Happy: snacks, drinks, floating time, and gear

The onboard inclusions are where this private half-day starts to make sense. Alcoholic beverages are included for guests 18+, and the snack-and-drink setup covers both “light bites” and actual satisfaction.

Food listed includes madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips. Drinks include a range of sodas (coke, diet coke, sprite), ginger ale, club soda, fruit juices, and water. That’s more than a token “here’s a bottle” situation.

Then there’s the water gear side. You have snorkeling equipment, a floating mat/lilypad (often described as a floating bar), and a paddleboard/SUP. The overview also mentions swimming noodles, which are ideal for groups who want easy, low-effort floating.

Fishing gear is included too. You may not use it every minute, but it’s a nice extra for groups who like having options. On a short charter, options are the whole point.

What’s not included: towels. I’d treat that as your one non-negotiable prep item. If you forget, you’ll be stuck finding something on the fly at the marina area or drying off less comfortably than you’d like.

Crew vibe: attentive service, and names you might hear on board

The tone of the day is best described as friendly and relaxed with a crew that pays attention. You’re not just left to your own devices. The crew helps with the flow of the cruise and keeps the onboard experience smooth, including stories and fun facts while you’re sailing between stops.

I’ve seen names attached to this boat experience that hint at the personality you’ll likely get. Captain Charlie is specifically mentioned in one account, and Chef/crew Aga comes up for another onboard experience style. Captain Maxima is also named in an anniversary context. Different trips, different crew mix, but it tells you the staff can be memorable and not just background service.

So what should you look for in the moment? Usually it’s the small things: drinks showing up when you want them, someone pointing you toward the best way to use the snorkeling gear, and an effort to make a special occasion feel special. If you’re planning something like a celebration, that kind of attention can turn a nice cruise into a true “we’ll remember this” moment.

Price and value: when $770 per person feels fair

At $770 per person, you’re paying for three things: privacy, time on a sail catamaran, and the included onboard experience. The math is never going to be “cheap.” But value isn’t only about cost—it’s about what you’d otherwise pay for separately.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• You get a true private charter vibe (only your group on board).
• You get multiple beach stops in about four hours.
• Snorkeling equipment, paddleboard/SUP, and the floating mat are included.
• Drinks and snacks are included, and alcohol is available for 18+.

If you’re comparing to a typical public boat tour, the private format is usually where the difference lands. Public tours can be cheaper, but they also mean shared space, less flexibility, and often fewer included comforts. With a private setup, the day becomes easier to manage—especially for groups celebrating something.

Group discounts are also mentioned, which can help if you’re splitting the cost across enough people.

My practical take: this is a great fit when you want comfort and control more than you want to maximize number of hours. If your group would rather spend money on a longer multi-day vacation, you might skip the premium half-day. But if you want a standout water day without dragging it into a full itinerary, this price can feel like a fair trade.

Practical tips that help the day go smoothly

This is a water-focused experience, so a little planning saves time and hassle.

Bring your own towel since it’s not included. Even if you use the floating mat and noodles, you’ll likely want something to dry off after swimming and snorkeling.

Since the day depends on weather, keep your expectations flexible. The route is subject to conditions, and a change of itinerary isn’t tied to a discount or cancellation. That doesn’t mean chaos—it means the crew adjusts to make the day work.

Also note the basics: alcoholic drinks are for 18+, and entering the water is at your own risk. If anyone in your group is a cautious swimmer, set expectations early: this is a “try it if you’re comfortable” type of day, not a forced activity.

For where to show up, it starts at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg (22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd). The good news is it’s listed as near public transportation, so you’re not locked into one expensive ride option.

Should you book Be Happy, the private half-day catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a private St Maarten water day that blends beach time with real snorkel moments, without turning your schedule into a whole project. I’d especially recommend it for couples and groups who value included snacks and drinks, love the idea of paddleboard-and-floating mat time, and want Little Bay’s wreck snorkeling as a highlight.

Skip it if your group is chasing the lowest price or if you’re uncomfortable with the idea that weather can change the exact route. It’s also not the best choice if you want towels handled for you—because you’ll need to bring them.

If you match the vibe—privacy, easy luxury, and water time—this is one of the better ways to spend a half day on St Maarten.

FAQ

How long is the Be Happy half-day cruise in Sint Maarten?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Where does the cruise start?

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

What’s included, and do I need to bring towels?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, floating mat/lilypad, paddleboard/SUP, fishing gear, snacks, and drinks (including alcohol for guests older than 18). Towels are not included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are offered to guests older than 18 years old.

What happens if the weather affects the itinerary?

The itinerary is subject to weather conditions. If the cruise is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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