A St. Maarten boat day can feel too scheduled. This 3-hour private charter lets your captain steer the fun, with snorkel gear, food, an open bar, and stops that can include Maho Beach and calm swimming coves. The best part is the flexibility: you talk it out first, then you adjust based on weather and what your group actually wants.

Two things I really like are the private group setup (your party gets attention right away) and the onboard comfort touches like the swimming platform, easy ladder, and freshwater shower. If you snorkel, you get gear and a plan; if you don’t, you still have inflatable vests/noodles and a shaded, relaxing cruise.

One drawback to consider: the day depends on sea conditions. The water can be a bit rocky at times, and snorkeling spots and comfort will shift with what the captain sees that morning.

Key things worth knowing before you sail

• Private charter format: your group has the boat time, not a mix-and-match tour schedule.
• Flexible routing with captain input: you set the vibe, and the captain adjusts for weather.
• Snorkel support for non-swimmers: inflatable vests and noodles are included.
• Open bar plus real snacks/lunch: includes set drinks and mini baguette sandwiches after the first swim.
• Maho Beach is short but iconic: a quick plane-landing stop on the way back.
• French Nature Reserve can add a fee: $6 listed if you visit Creole Rock, Pinel Island, or Tintamarre.

A private catamaran that lets you drive the day

This charter is built for people who want St. Maarten to feel personal, not like a checklist. You meet the captain and crew, have a quick planning chat, and then you cruise to the parts of the island that match your mood—more snorkel time, more views, or a classic stop like Maho Beach for the planes.

The timing is also great: about three hours is long enough to swim, snorkel, eat, and still be back in town without eating your whole day. And since it’s private, the crew can usually respond to your group’s pace instead of trying to keep everyone moving at the same speed.

Finally, it’s a catamaran day, not a dock-to-dock tour. You’ll spend plenty of time simply cruising—looking across the lagoon, passing mega-yacht marinas, and getting that sea-level perspective you don’t get on land.

Meeting at Bobby’s Marina: what to bring and how early

You’ll head to Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, and the meeting point is listed as Eagle Tours, Bobby’s Marina. The instruction is to arrive about 15 minutes before departure so you can get settled and meet the crew without rushing.

Here’s what you’ll want ready to go:

• Towel
• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses (and a windbreaker if you run hot/cold easily)
• Snorkel-friendly items if you have them (though you get equipment)

One small logistics note: you’re told to bring your own towel, and the boat has a freshwater shower—so you’re not stuck figuring out how to rinse off.

Start time is listed as 9:00 am, and the described first sailing/stop timing references 10am as the start of the day’s cruising sequence. The practical takeaway: show up for the early time, then expect the first big swim stop to be later in the morning.

The included open bar and onboard comfort that actually matter

A lot of boat days say drinks are included. This one is specific. You get an open bar with listed options like Carib, Coors Light, Happy Rhum Punch, sodas, juices, and water.

Food isn’t just chips-on-a-plate either. After the first snorkeling stop, you’ll get mini baguette sandwiches (ham & cheese and tuna are listed). In other words, you won’t be starving once you’re back in the swing of swimming and sun.

Comfort-wise, I love that the boat is designed for easy “in and out” time:

• Easy ladder for getting back aboard
• Swimming platform
• 60% shade on the power catamaran
• Electric toilets and a freshwater shower

This is the difference between a boat day that feels relaxing and one that turns into constant friction. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who doesn’t want complicated steps, these details help a lot.

How the captain chooses your route (and why flexibility is the point)

Your itinerary is described, but the key feature is that you’re not locked into one exact version of the day. You’ll talk with the captain and crew first and you can steer the plan toward what you care about—French side lagoon views, snorkeling stops, a beach hit, or just cruising.

The captain is also set up to adjust for real conditions. Sea state and weather matter, and that changes what stops feel good and which ones are safest/most enjoyable.

In past similar charters, the best days happen when you use the captain’s local instincts for the big moves—then you keep your own priorities simple: a calm swim spot, one fun snorkeling round, and one “wow” photo moment.

Little Bay and Indigo Bay: early snorkeling options with clear-water potential

The day starts with a slow, easy rhythm. One of the first listed areas is Little Bay, where you may stop for easy snorkeling on the way toward the French side. The tone here is “simple and swim-able,” not complicated diving.

A second option built into the plan is Indigo Bay. It’s described as a newer ecologic development with spacious homes and beautiful, clear water. Translation: it’s a place you’ll likely want if your group loves that calm water look and wants an easy snorkel without a big production.

Practical tip: snorkel time is most fun when you don’t rush the first swim. Get your bearings, try the water at a relaxed pace, then decide if you want a second pass later.

Simpson Bay: mega-yacht marinas and a bridge passage that feels dramatic

As you move through the lagoon areas, you get that special St. Maarten look: marinas packed with mega-yachts. The plan specifically calls out the number of boats and the interest of cruising close to them.

You’ll also go under the Simpson Bay Bridge to enter Simpson Bay Lagoon, which is one of those moments that’s both scenic and a little surprising—suddenly you’re in a tighter waterway with marinas all around.

The route here is part sightseeing, part “set up the rest of the swim day.” If your group likes photos and big scenery without getting out to walk around, this cruising section is a win.

Simpson Bay Lagoon and yacht history vibes

Once you enter the lagoon, the focus stays on the marinas and the scale of the boats. The plan notes that you pass by several marinas and that some have ties to well-known celebrities, each with different histories.

Even if you’re not trying to play yacht-spotting trivia, the visual payoff is real: you’re moving at a comfortable pace through a high-interest water scene.

Because this portion is mostly cruising, it’s a good time to:

• Grab a drink
• Take photos
• Watch how the captain positions the boat for the next swim stop

Baie Longue: the calm swim and maybe a cliff jump

Baie Longue is one of the “must stop” listings. It’s described as a perfect calm last swim on the way back, with a possible cliff-jump moment depending on conditions and how your group feels.

The plan gives about 20 minutes here. That’s enough time to rinse in, try snorkeling if the water is cooperative, and still have the energy to enjoy Maho Beach later.

If your group has a mix of confident swimmers and cautious ones, this kind of stop helps. The “last swim” framing matters because it often means you’ll feel less rushed and more comfortable with the rhythm of the day.

Maho Beach plane spotting: short stop, big photo energy

Maho Beach is the iconic capstone. The plan calls it a MUST stop on the way back to watch the planes landing, catch your own pictures, and try to time it so a plane passes right over you as it lands.

This stop is listed as about 10 minutes. It’s short, but that’s the whole point: you get the moment without turning the day into a long wait in the sun.

Two practical things you can do right away:

• Have your phone/camera ready before you reach the spot
• Decide as a group if you want planes from the beach angle or just a quick watch and photos

Also note: beach chairs and drinks at beach restaurants are not included, so if you want extra refreshments beyond the onboard drinks, plan on paying at the beach.

Back to Philipsburg, plus Guavaberry on your way out

You return toward Philipsburg and head back to Bobby’s Marina. The plan notes that there’s a tender right there if you’re on a ship, but if you’re already in town, it’s an easy moment to wander a bit.

One fun, useful suggestion included: taste Guavaberry rhum. It’s a common local flavor, and this is the kind of quick stop that doesn’t require a full tour plan.

Then there’s one more brief stop listed at Great Bay Beach, with about 10 minutes and easy boarding from the dock. Think of it as a smooth landing back into town life, not a separate attraction.

Price reality: what $1,200 covers for a private 3-hour day

The price is listed as $1,200 per group (up to 8). That means the value is strongest when your group size is near that number and you’re splitting the cost among people who genuinely want a private day.

If you’re only two people, the same charter can feel like a lot unless you strongly prioritize privacy and a custom route. If you’ve got a family or group of friends, it often feels more fair because you’re buying time, attention, and flexibility—not just transportation.

Also keep in mind the included extras that add real value:

• Snorkel equipment
• In-water float support for non-swimmers
• Open bar drinks
• Snacks and mini sandwiches
• Shower and toilet access
• A shaded catamaran setup

And because it’s flexible, you can make it match your energy. If conditions are good for snorkeling, you lean into that. If not, you can adjust toward cruising and beach moments.

Who this charter fits best (and who should think twice)

This works well for:

• Families with kids who need a captain to be flexible. The experience is described as personalized for groups with small kids when the crew called shots in a friendly way.
• Birthday planners and small groups who want a memorable setting without dealing with big crowds. There was a Gemini birthday that turned into a standout day thanks to the captain/crew energy and the smooth pacing.
• People who want snorkel gear without building a plan across multiple tours.

You should think twice if:

• You’re pregnant. It’s listed as not advisable for pregnant women.
• You’re near the weight limits. There’s a weight restriction listed as 125 kg (275 lbs), and there’s also another note listing 250 pounds. If you’re in that range, contact the provider to clarify what applies to your booking.
• You don’t like being on the water when conditions change. The plan notes the captain will advise based on sea conditions, and one birthday story mentioned the water was a bit rocky but the experience still felt worth it.

Should you book this charter in St. Maarten?

If you want a personalized St. Maarten day that mixes snorkeling, open-bar ease, and iconic beach viewing, this is a strong match. It’s especially good when you travel with kids, a mixed group (swimmers and non-swimmers), or friends who want one big shared experience instead of splitting into separate tours.

I’d book it when you can commit to the essentials: sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, and showing up on time. Then let the captain handle the route choices and use the 3-hour window to hit your top priorities—swim time first, then the plane-spotting finale.

FAQ

What is included in the Best 3 Hours Private Charter Adventure?

You get snorkeling equipment, inflatable vests and noodles for non-swimmers, an open bar with drinks listed (Carib, Coors light, Happy Rhum Punch, sodas, juices, water), snacks after the first snorkeling stop (mini baguette sandwiches), and onboard amenities like electric toilets, a freshwater shower, and a swimming platform.

Where do we meet for the charter?

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

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or a towel?

You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment; it’s provided. You do need to bring your own towel, and you should also bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a change of clothes.

Is Maho Beach included, and how long do you stay there?

Maho Beach is listed as a stop on the way back, with a suggested 10 minutes. It’s for plane spotting and photos during the landing period.

Are French Nature Reserve visits included?

French Nature Reserve access is listed as not included, with a fee of $6 for visiting Creole Rock, Pinel Island, and Tintamarre.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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