A private day on the water beats most tours. On Be Happy, you get a private luxury catamaran outing with multiple St Maarten stops, plus a crew that keeps things lively with stories and practical help. I love how you start early, settle in, and then just enjoy the island at a slower pace, with a plan built around beaches and water time. I also like that the day includes a real package of snorkeling gear, paddleboard time, and snacks and drinks, not just a ride from Point A to Point B.

One thing to think about first: $960 per person is a premium price, so it’s best when you’ll actually use the included water activities and enjoy the private-group feel. If you’re mainly after budget sightseeing, you may want to compare options.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Use on Board

• Private catamaran vibe: only your group participates, so the day feels personal.
• Water toys included: snorkeling gear, noodles, paddleboard/SUP, and a floating mat (with that laid-back “floating bar” style).
• Beach-hopping stops: Long Beach, Plum Bay, Grand Case, and Little Bay are built for different moods.
• Snacks and drinks included: from soft drinks and juices to alcoholic beverages, plus madeleines, fruit, nuts, chips.
• Crew focus on fun and ease: they share stories and fun facts while keeping things running smoothly.

What Be Happy Is: A Luxury Catamaran Day, Not Just Sightseeing

Be Happy is a private catamaran cruise for a full day on St Maarten waters, timed at about 8 hours. The best way to describe it is: you’re buying time and comfort. Instead of cramming in quick photo stops, you get long enough stays at the beaches so you can actually swim, snorkel, and relax.

You also get the advantage of a crew that’s clearly meant to manage your day. They’re there for more than pointing at the coast. Expect a steady rhythm: sailing time, beach time, and on-board attention with snacks and drinks moving along with you.

And because it’s private, you’re not negotiating your plans with strangers. If your group wants a quieter swim window or wants to take paddleboard turns, it’s much easier to set your own pace.

Boarding at Bobby’s Marina: The Start Time Matters

The day starts at 9:00 am from Bobby’s Marina (22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten). It ends back at the same meeting point. That “returns to base” setup is handy because you don’t have to think about transportation after the water time.

It’s also worth planning for the fact that this is an experience that depends on good weather. The itinerary can change due to conditions, and while the operator doesn’t offer a price discount for changes, you’ll still be out on the water when the conditions allow it.

Practical tip: since towels aren’t included, bring one (or plan to dry off with what you have). For water time, consider packing sunscreen and a change of clothes. The day can run long, and you’ll want to get comfortable once you’re back.

Long Beach: White Sand, Clear Water, and an Easy First Win

Your first major stop is Long Beach, known for being the longest beach on the island and for its white sand and crystal-clear blue water. This is the kind of beach that works early in the day because the water looks inviting right away and you have time to settle in.

What I like about starting here is the payoff-to-effort ratio. You’re not trying to master a complicated snorkel spot on your first hour. You can swim, float, and orient yourself. If your group includes people who aren’t all at the same comfort level in the water, Long Beach gives everyone a comfortable entry point.

Possible drawback: because it’s a famous beach, you may find it busy if the day is sunny and ideal. The cruise helps by giving you a longer window, so you still get real beach time instead of a quick drop-and-go.

Plum Bay: Secluded Beach Energy and Villa-Spotting Along the Sail

Next up is Plum Bay, described as a secluded and rarely visited beach in the Terres Basses area. You also get a nice sailing segment that brings you past impressive properties, including mention of the villa of Donald Trump.

This is one of those stops that feels like it’s designed for atmosphere. The point isn’t only swimming—it’s the feeling of reaching a quieter corner of the island, away from the most obvious tourist routes. If your group loves scenic sailing (not just “park and swim”), Plum Bay delivers.

What to keep in mind: it’s a shorter listed stop window, so use your time on the first minutes. Get your bearings, get in the water if you want, and then slow down. If you arrive late, you’ll feel the schedule pressure.

Grand Case Beach: French-Side Relaxing and Creole Rock Curiosity

Then you head to Grand Case Beach, a popular beach on the French side of St Maarten. The water and sand are described as crystal-clear and sun-bleached, which is a good setup for lounging and snorkeling.

There’s also something specific to look for: a mention of Creole Rock and the chance to explore it. If you like noticing details underwater and along the coastline, this stop gives you that kind of “pay attention and you’ll find something” moment.

One more nice angle: the experience can turn into a full day on the water and food on land. In particular, I like that the day can include lunch on the beach at a great restaurant, with the crew helping make that happen. Just note that lunch itself isn’t listed as included, so plan on covering that separately.

If your group is split between people who want to snorkel and people who want to sit and chat, Grand Case also supports both modes. You can spend time on the sand or use the water gear.

Little Bay Snorkeling: Underwater Statues and the Fun “Finds”

Your snorkeling-focused stop is Little Bay, described as a snorkeler’s paradise. The biggest draw here is the underwater “set pieces” you can look for: underwater statues, a sunken submarine, and a helicopter at the bottom.

That matters because it changes snorkeling from “swim and hope.” You have actual things to spot. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you can take it slow, use the included gear, and focus on exploring at your own pace.

Possible consideration: snorkeling time comes with real water logistics. You’ll want to manage how long you stay in, and where you feel comfortable. The operator also notes that anyone who swims or enters the water does so at their own risk. That’s a normal statement, but it’s worth treating seriously—go easy, follow the crew’s guidance, and don’t push beyond your comfort level.

Drinks and Snacks on Board: This Is Where the Day Feels Premium

This is one of the best-value parts of the day because it’s not just “a drink on the boat.” The included package covers:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Soda/pop (including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, and more)
• Fruit juices and water
• Snacks such as madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips

On a day like this, food and drinks are what keep you from feeling drained between swims. You’re not constantly budgeting for small items, and you’re not forced to choose between drinking something and spending energy figuring out where to eat.

Then there are the water extras: a floating mat / lilypad that works like your floating hangout space, plus paddleboard/SUP and snorkeling equipment. The floating mat also means you can rest without leaving the group’s rhythm.

If you’re celebrating something, this kind of on-board setup helps a lot. One review highlighted that the staff made a birthday special. A day with a crew that’s attentive, plus a “floating bar” style setup, does wonders for turning a normal outing into a memory.

Activities at Your Pace: Snorkeling, SUP, and Float Time

What makes this cruise feel like a true activity day is that the included gear supports multiple styles:

• Snorkeling: you get use of snorkeling equipment
• SUP/paddleboarding: paddleboard/SUP is included
• Floating time: floating mat/lilypad is included
• Extra water play: swimming noodles are included

You don’t have to do everything. But you can. That flexibility is the practical magic.

Also, fishing gear is included. Even if nobody in your group plans to fish, it’s a nice “just in case” option. On a calm day, included gear reduces the mental checklist: you’re already equipped.

Price and Value: Is $960 Per Person Actually Fair?

At $960 per person, this is a high-priced outing. So the value question isn’t just the cost—it’s how much you get that you’d otherwise pay for separately.

Here’s what you’re covering with the price:

• A private charter, meaning your group has the boat
• Multiple water-focused stops around St Maarten
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboard/SUP and floating mat time
• Food and drinks all day, including alcoholic beverages
• Snacking that’s more than basic chips-and-water

If you tried to assemble the same day on your own—private boat hire, snorkel gear rental, a long beach route with guided timing, and a steady drinks-and-snacks plan—you’d likely end up spending more or dealing with bigger gaps in the schedule.

So I see it as value if your group will actually take advantage of the included water toys and you want a day that feels arranged for you, not improvised. It’s less value if your group prefers to stay mostly on land or only wants a short swim session.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This tour fits best if you’re looking for:

• A private group day on the water
• Beach time with real swim and snorkel opportunities
• Included amenities that keep you comfortable (drinks, snacks, gear)
• A crew that adds stories and keeps the day fun, not stiff

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re strict on budget and want something cheaper
• You’re not planning to use the water activities
• Your group dislikes weather-dependent itineraries (even though you’ll still be offered an alternative date or a full refund if canceled due to poor weather)

If you want one day that covers a lot of “St Maarten moments” without the hassle of planning, Be Happy is built for that.

Weather Reality Check: How Plans Adjust

The day requires good weather, and the itinerary is subject to conditions. That means you should keep your schedule flexible. The good news is that you’re not left stuck on shore with nothing. If the operator cancels due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

If you’re the type who likes a specific snorkel stop no matter what, treat the day as a “best available plan” on the water. You’ll still get beach and water time.

Should You Book Be Happy? My Practical Recommendation

I’d book Be Happy if you want a private, comfort-first St Maarten day and your group will use the included gear. The cruise makes sense when you care about the whole package: longer beach windows, snorkeling spots with actual things to see, paddleboard time, and a no-stress on-board food-and-drink setup.

I’d think twice if the budget is tight or if your group only wants brief water time. At $960 per person, this is the kind of outing you book for a reason—celebrations, a special day together, or a “we only have one perfect sea day” plan.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Bobby’s Marina, 22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

What beaches and water spots are included?

The stops are Long Beach, Plum Bay, Grand Case Beach, and Little Bay.

What’s included in the price?

Included items list snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, a floating mat/lilypad, paddleboard/SUP, noodles, alcoholic beverages, snacks, and soft drinks/water/juices.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Do I get to snorkel?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment use is included, and one of the stops (Little Bay) is specifically described as a snorkeling paradise.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellation cutoff is based on local time.

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