Private boats make St. Maarten feel effortless. You get a crew that works your day around your pace, with stops like Pinel Island and Tintamare planned for an easy, no-map-needed water day. I especially like how captains such as Miguel keep things friendly for families and make the whole trip feel personal from the first handoff.

I also like the built-in mix of snorkeling time plus an open bar, so you can spend less time deciding and more time enjoying the Caribbean from the deck. The one thing to factor in is that the headline price may grow once you add docking fees and St. Maarten admission charges at the marina.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 10 means you’re not squeezed into someone else’s schedule
• Open bar, snacks, and water keep the day flowing without constant stops
• Pinel Island brings real highlights first, including snorkeling and iguanas
• Multiple swim breaks are part of the experience, and kids often have the best time
• Bring weather into your plans since the day needs good conditions to run smoothly

A private boat day around St. Maarten, built around your pace

If you’ve ever tried to “do St. Maarten” while also herding kids (or wrangling your own limited vacation energy), you’ll get why a private charter is such a smart move. The main value here is simple: you’re on the water with a crew whose full job is to pay attention to your group, not to the stopwatch for a bigger crowd.

I love that the day feels flexible in a way group tours rarely do. The guide and captain can adjust the order and timing based on what you actually care about, whether that’s more time for swimming, more viewpoints, or a slower day with drinks and photos.

And yes, you’re out far enough to feel like you escaped the usual cruise-town routine. You’ll spend the day surrounded by water, with coastline views that look different the second you’re on a boat instead of standing on shore.

What you’re really paying for: $975 per group (up to 10)

Let’s talk value, not just cost. The price is $975 per group for up to 10 people, so the “per person” math gets reasonable fast if you’re traveling with family or a small set of friends. It’s also a big deal that the day includes round-trip hotel and port transfer, which can save you time, nerves, and extra taxi math.

What makes this a stronger deal than many excursions is what’s included on the water:

• Professional guide
• Private boat charter
• Unlimited drinks (open bar)
• Snacks and water

What’s not included matters too. You’ll want to budget for:

• Docking fee for Bobbys Marina: $10 per person
• St. Maarten admission fee: $6 per person
• Lunch (not included)

There’s also a reserve fee required by St. Martin Government that’s payable at tour check-in. The exact amount isn’t provided here, but the key point is that you should expect an additional government charge.

If you’re trying to keep the day simple and all-in, I’d treat the listed price as the base and the docking/admission charges as the predictable add-ons.

How the day runs: 7 hours of water time with transfers handled

This is designed to feel smooth. The total duration is about 7 hours, and the experience includes round-trip hotel and port transfer so you don’t need to plan a mini logistics project.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which is handy if you’re already juggling cruise timings, phone battery levels, and sunscreen messes.

If you’re arriving as a cruise passenger, you’ll be asked to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time. That’s a good sign: it usually means they’re paying attention to the timing pressure that comes with cruise departures.

A quick practical note: this experience operates best when the weather cooperates. Since it requires good weather, you should be ready for a change if conditions aren’t right.

Pinel Island first: snorkeling, iguanas, and big views

Pinel Island is where the day gets memorable fast. You’ll start with snorkeling right away, and then you’ll head to see the iguanas. That combination is great because it gives you two kinds of payoff: underwater views early, and then a land highlight that kids usually think is hilarious.

From the experience with families, I’d expect the snorkeling stops to be kid-friendly and fun. Captains like Damian are praised for doing a great job with kids during multiple snorkeling stops, which tells me the crew doesn’t just drop you in the water and hope for the best.

Also, Pinel Island is a place where you can get those moments that make people retell the trip later. One review mentioned seeing an airplane land right over their heads, which is the kind of unexpected “wow” that a boat day can deliver when you’re close to the action.

If you’re hoping for wildlife sightings, you might get lucky. Reviews mention swimming with turtles and seeing fish, so there’s a real chance of that kind of magic—just keep expectations flexible and remember snorkeling is always a nature lottery.

Tintamare: more coastline, more chances to swim

After Pinel, the boat moves on to Tintamare. This stop is all about getting more time out on the water and enjoying the coast from a different angle than you’d ever get from shore.

In practice, the way these charter days work is that the captain times swim opportunities around conditions and the group’s comfort. Since reviews highlight multiple snorkeling stops, you can expect that the crew sets up additional water time after the first snorkeling session.

Tintamare also makes sense for people who want a day that feels like a tour of the region rather than a single beach-and-done pattern. You’re building a full day out of several locations, so you’re not repeating the same view every time you look up.

Creole Rock: another “see it from the water” highlight

Next up is Creole Rock. Even without getting too technical about what you’ll see, a place like Creole Rock is exactly where a private boat makes sense. Rocks and coastline features look different at sea level, and you tend to get better perspective from the deck.

What I like about having a stop like this in the middle of the day is that it adds variety. One segment feels more like snorkeling and swimming, and another segment gives your body a chance to cool off and reset while you take in the scenery.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is the part of the day where you’ll probably want to pause the phone for a second and actually look. The ocean perspective can turn an ordinary-looking coastline into something you keep thinking about after you’re back on land.

La Samanna and the beach-time stretch

Then you reach La Samanna, which is a great area for beach-time energy and relaxing between swim sessions. With a private charter, this kind of stop can be as laid-back as you want. You can spend more time on deck if you want to watch the water and take in views, or you can focus on the swim window if that’s what your group wants.

One review mentioned a stretch near Yellow Beach as part of their experience, starting the day before moving toward other areas. That’s a good reminder that the captain’s approach can shape your exact pacing and where the day’s best conditions lead you.

If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this part of the day can be a sweet spot. Kids often get their excitement early with snorkeling and wildlife, and adults often appreciate the open bar and slower moments later on.

Open bar and snacks: why they matter on a 7-hour day

On paper, unlimited drinks and snacks look like a nice bonus. In real life, they change how the day feels. When you don’t have to plan meals around your schedule, your group stays happier. Fewer breaks on land also means more time out on the water.

The open bar is especially helpful if you’re traveling with a group where people want different things. Some folks want to snorkel more; others want to relax on the boat with a cold drink and keep it casual.

I also like that water and snacks are included. When you’re out for about 7 hours, that basic support keeps everyone from turning grumpy at the exact wrong time.

Just remember: lunch isn’t included. If you know your group gets hungry fast, plan for it so the day doesn’t end with everyone negotiating a snack stop instead of enjoying the finish.

Snorkeling you can actually enjoy: kids, turtles, and multiple swim breaks

Let’s talk snorkeling in plain terms. This charter is set up for people who want to get into the water without the hassle of equipment shopping and route planning. Reviews mention three snorkeling stops, and kids specifically had standout fun, including swimming with turtles and fish.

Captains such as Sammy and Natalie are praised for taking people to snorkeling-friendly spots and even for scuba diving during their time. That’s useful context if you’re deciding whether you want a true “water day” versus a more sightseeing-focused outing.

The best part for families is that the crew works well with kids. One set of granddaughters loved the experience, with a boat driver named Miguel who related well to them and helped make it feel like an adventure rather than a chore.

So if you’re bringing children, this is the kind of charter that feels built for them. If you’re an adult who wants calm water time with a guide who handles the details, this also fits.

Crew and guide energy: names that show up for a reason

This is a private charter, which means the crew matters a lot. When the captain and guide are strong, you feel it immediately: smoother pacing, better explanations, and fewer awkward moments while everyone figures out what to do next.

Names that come up in feedback include Damian, Miguel, Nicholas, and guide/captain pair Sammy and Natalie. That matters because it suggests consistent service quality across different roles on the boat, not just one great day with one perfect person.

From a practical standpoint, I’d look for a crew that:

• knows where to take groups for good water time
• keeps snorkeling breaks comfortable and paced
• makes sure kids feel safe and included

This experience is often praised for doing exactly that.

Who this charter is best for (and who might skip it)

This is a strong match if you want:

• a private day for up to 10 people
• snorkeling plus scenic coastline stops
• an open bar and snacks so the day stays easy
• a captain who can customize the feel of the trip

It also fits cruise vacationers who want one big highlight they don’t have to plan. Just know it depends on good weather.

Where it may not fit as well:

• If you’re looking for a super budget outing, the base price plus docking and admission fees will add up.
• If your group isn’t interested in spending hours on the water, you might prefer a shorter shore excursion.

Price and logistics: the real checklist before you book

Before you commit, I’d do a quick “math + timing” check:

• Confirm your group size (it’s up to 10) so the price makes sense.
• Budget for $10 per person docking at Bobbys Marina and $6 per person St. Maarten admission.
• Expect an extra reserve fee at check-in required by St. Martin Government.
• Plan around weather, since the trip needs good conditions.

Also, keep in mind this is a true private tour, meaning only your group participates. That’s part of the value. You’re paying for attention, flexibility, and not sharing your day with random strangers.

Should you book Billy Bones Exclusive Private Charter?

Yes, if you want a full-day St. Maarten highlight that feels stress-free. The combination of private crew attention, multiple water moments, and the comfort of an open bar with snacks and water makes this one of those experiences that’s more than sightseeing. It’s a whole day built for fun.

I’d book it especially if you’re traveling with kids or a mixed-age group, because reviews consistently point to captains who handle snorkeling well and keep the tone playful. Pinel Island’s iguanas and snorkeling start gives you a strong “first win,” and the later stops keep the day from feeling repetitive.

I’d hold back only if weather instability would wreck your schedule or if your group prefers a cheaper, shorter excursion. Otherwise, this charter is a solid use of vacation time: you’ll come back with sea-level views, real water time, and the kind of day that feels like it was made for your group.

FAQ

How long is the Billy Bones private charter around St. Maarten?

The experience runs about 7 hours (approx.).

What’s the price and group size?

It costs $975.00 per group, for up to 10 people.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes unlimited drinks (open bar), a professional guide, and a private tour. It also includes snacks and water, plus round-trip hotel and port transfer.

What’s not included in the price?

Lunch is not included. You’ll also pay a docking fee for Bobbys Marina ($10.00 per person) and a St. Maarten admission fee ($6.00 per person). There may also be a reserve fee at check-in required by St. Martin Government.

Will I get snorkeling time?

Yes. The day includes snorkeling, starting with snorkeling first and continuing with additional stops where you’ll have time in the water.

Do I need a printed ticket?

No. It uses a mobile ticket.

What if my cruise ship time is involved?

Cruise ship passengers must provide details at booking, including ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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