REVIEW · ST MAARTEN
Boat rental To go by yourself CAP CAMARAT
Book on Viator →Operated by TROPICAL BOAT · Bookable on Viator
A private boat day in Marigot Bay changes the whole rhythm. You get your own Cap Camarat for up to 7 people, so you control the pace instead of herding with strangers, and you also have snorkels, pool noodles, and a dry bag ready to make stops on your terms. The one thing to plan around: gasoline is not included, and you’ll need a boat license to drive.
I like that this rental is simple and self-guided. You can choose a half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours), drop into calm coves and named spots around Saint Martin, and return right back to Marina Royale/Port Royal in Marigot. The main drawback is practical, not scenic: this is a do-it-yourself outing, so time and fuel planning matter.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- What you’re really renting: Cap Camarat 6.5 WA in St Martin
- Half-day (4 hours) vs full-day (8 hours): how to choose
- Marigot Bay and the named stops: how the day actually flows
- Friar’s Bay
- Happy Bay
- Grand Case
- Creole Rock
- Tintamarre
- Pinel Island
- Snorkeling gear and dry-bag basics you’ll actually use
- Price and value: $398.45 per boat for up to 7 people
- Boat driving reality check: license and control
- Marina Port Royal meeting point: how to avoid a rough first 10 minutes
- Who this boat rental is best for
- Quick FAQ on this Cap Camarat rental
- FAQ
- Do I need a boat license to drive?
- How many people can be on the boat?
- Is gasoline included in the price?
- How long is the rental?
- Where do we meet the boat rental?
- What snorkeling gear is included?
- Is this a private tour?
- Can I change or cancel the booking?
- Should you book this boat rental in St Martin?
Key highlights to know before you go

- Private Cap Camarat 6.5 WA with a Yamaha 150CV: room for up to 7, plus a cabin for basic shelter.
- Set your own pace in Marigot Bay: no waiting on other groups.
- Snorkeling kit + pool noodles + dry bag included: you’re ready for swim-and-snickel-style stops.
- Fuel not included: the rental price covers the boat, not the gas.
- Boat license required: make sure whoever drives has it.
What you’re really renting: Cap Camarat 6.5 WA in St Martin

This boat rental is about control. You’re not paying for a guided lecture or a fixed schedule where you’re rushed from stop to stop. Instead, you’re renting a Cap Camarat 6.5 WA (with a cabin) for up to 7 people, powered by a Yamaha 150CV. That matters because it gives you a comfortable base while you float, swim, and snorkel around the Marigot area.
For a self-driven day, the practical setup is what you notice first. You’ll have life jackets, snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), pool noodles for easier swimming, and a dry bag so your small items stay safer when you’re not on the boat. The cabin is also handy as basic shade or shelter if the sun gets too intense.
One more detail that affects the vibe: this is a per-boat price for your group, not per person. So it can be a good value if you’re splitting the boat cost with friends or family and you actually have enough people to fill it without stretching.
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Half-day (4 hours) vs full-day (8 hours): how to choose

You have two clear options: 4 hours or 8 hours. Both work, but they serve different kinds of days.
A half-day is best when you want to keep it light:
- You can focus on Marigot Bay and a couple of nearby stops.
- You’ll still have time for swimming and snorkeling without turning it into a long project.
A full-day gives you more flexibility:
- You can spread out your swims, snorkel breaks, and lounging time.
- You’re less likely to feel rushed if you decide to stay somewhere longer than you planned.
My practical advice: if you’re the type who wants to stop often, go full-day. If you’re the type who just wants one or two swims and a relaxed return, half-day is usually enough. Either way, you’re building the day around water time, not waiting.
Marigot Bay and the named stops: how the day actually flows
The rental is built around exploring Saint Martin beaches and inlets, with stops you can choose among places like Friar’s Bay, Happy Bay, Grand Case, Creole Rock, Tintamarre, and Pinel Island. Because you’re going by yourself, the real itinerary is your decision—where you anchor or park, where you hop in, and how long you stay.
That said, it helps to think of each stop as a different kind of break:
Friar’s Bay
This is a classic “park the boat, cool off, and swim” kind of name. With snorkeling gear included, you can treat Friar’s Bay as your first water break, especially if you want to get comfortable with the boat setup and rhythm early in the day.
Watch for the simple stuff: keep an eye on where you place your gear so you’re not scrambling on a hot deck when you’re ready to snorkel.
Happy Bay
Happy Bay sounds like a mood, and in practice it’s the kind of stop where you can settle in. If your group wants a more leisurely pace—swim, noodle around, regroup—this is the sort of named bay you’ll likely enjoy for that.
Since pool noodles are included, it’s easier for everyone to float and take short breaks without committing to a long swim.
- For hotel guests: Guided ATV Tour Dutch/French St. Maarten – Highlights & Beach
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Grand Case
Grand Case is another stop on the list where you can shape your time. If you want a change from pure swimming—more time hovering, relaxing, or planning your next swim—this is the kind of place you can slow down at.
If your group likes to snack or re-pack between water activities, the dry bag helps. Keep smaller items in it so you’re not juggling phones and wallets near splashes.
Creole Rock
Creole Rock is one of those “short stop, photo-and-swim energy” names. You’ll likely use it for a quick refresh: get in, look around with your snorkel, then decide if you want to linger.
The big benefit here is that you can keep it flexible. If the water time is great, stay longer. If not, you can move on without waiting on anyone else.
Tintamarre
Tintamarre is on the list for a reason: it’s part of the broader set of places people choose when they want a change of scenery. Treat it as a longer pause point if you’re doing a full-day rental.
With your own boat, you’re not stuck with one activity. You can switch from swim to snorkel to just floating and watching the water.
Pinel Island
Pinel Island is a strong choice when you want to feel like the day has a destination, not just a series of short stops. In a full-day rental, it’s the sort of place that can anchor your plan.
Because you return to the starting area at the end, build in enough buffer to get back on time—especially if you add more swimming than you expected.
Snorkeling gear and dry-bag basics you’ll actually use

The included gear is not just a checkbox. It changes what you’ll realistically do.
- Snorkeling equipment means you don’t have to scramble to rent masks or hunt for gear once you’re on the water.
- Pool noodles turn “swimming” into a low-stress activity for a mixed group. It helps if some people want to float longer rather than swim continuously.
- Dry bag keeps small essentials protected. This is the difference between enjoying the day and constantly worrying about what’s safe.
Here’s the practical rhythm I suggest: do one organized gear check at the start (snorkel fit, life jacket feel, where the dry bag sits), then repeat only when you switch locations. It keeps your time on the water feeling smooth.
And remember: gasoline isn’t included, so don’t leave refueling decisions to the last minute. If you’re late or stressed, it shows up fast when you’re trying to enjoy your last swim.
Price and value: $398.45 per boat for up to 7 people

The price is $398.45 per group, for a boat that holds up to 7 people. That’s per boat, not per person, which is where the value can really kick in.
If you have a full group (near 7), the cost per person drops sharply compared with many guided options. Even with fewer people, this can still be worthwhile if you’re prioritizing privacy and control. You’re paying to remove the friction of sharing a schedule—no waiting on other groups, no forced timing.
Two value notes that matter:
- Gasoline is not included. So your real budget depends on your fuel needs.
- Lunch isn’t included. Plan snacks and drinks like a normal day on the water, because you’ll be out for 4 to 8 hours.
Booking is typically made about 18 days in advance on average. If your dates are flexible, you might find easier availability. If you’re traveling during busier periods or on a tight itinerary, booking earlier usually helps.
Boat driving reality check: license and control

This is a self-driven rental, and that’s great—until you hit one rule you didn’t plan for.
You need a boat license to drive. So before you book, decide who in your group is actually eligible and comfortable handling the boat. If nobody in your party has the license, you’ll need to make other arrangements before day-of.
Also, the rental is private: only your group goes out. That’s a plus for comfort and control, but it also means the responsibility for timing is yours. Build in a little breathing room for the kind of delays that are normal on vacation—slow boarding, packing delays, or the time it takes to find the right dock entrance.
Marina Port Royal meeting point: how to avoid a rough first 10 minutes

Your starting point is Marina Port Royal (Rue Low Town, Marigot). The location is listed as 3W77+R6Q. You’ll return back to the meeting point at the end.
Here’s the main logistics tip to take seriously: give yourself extra time if you’re coming from a cruise dock. It can take about 30–45 minutes to get here, and the entrance is a little hard to find. Look for the orange Tropicana awning to get your bearings fast.
If you’re relying on public transportation, you’re in luck: the meeting area is near public transportation. That said, timing is still on you, so don’t schedule a tight connection after your rental.
Who this boat rental is best for

This outing fits best with groups who want freedom and who don’t mind planning the basics.
You’ll probably like it if:
- You’re traveling with friends or family and want a private day out on the water.
- You want to set your own pace around Marigot Bay instead of following a rigid schedule.
- You want snorkeling time without the hassle of bringing gear.
It may be less ideal if:
- Nobody in your group has a boat license.
- Your idea of vacation includes zero planning. Here, small planning choices (fuel, timing, meeting point arrival) make a big difference.
Quick FAQ on this Cap Camarat rental
FAQ
Do I need a boat license to drive?
Yes. A boat license is required to drive the rental boat.
How many people can be on the boat?
The maximum is 7 people per boat.
Is gasoline included in the price?
No. Boat fuel is not included, so you’ll need to budget for gasoline separately.
How long is the rental?
You can choose a half-day (4 hours) or a full-day (8 hours).
Where do we meet the boat rental?
The meeting point is Marina Port Royal in Marigot (97150, St Martin), starting at Rue Low Town. The end is back at the meeting point.
What snorkeling gear is included?
You get snorkels and masks, plus a dry bag for storage and pool noodles for swimming.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
Can I change or cancel the booking?
No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.
Should you book this boat rental in St Martin?
If you want a water day where your group sets the tempo, this is a strong choice. The included snorkeling setup (plus noodles and a dry bag) means you can jump into the fun quickly, and the per-boat pricing can feel very reasonable once you split it across up to 7 people.
Just make your decision with three realities in mind: gas isn’t included, you need a boat license to drive, and the meeting point can take a little hunting—so arrive early and look for that orange Tropicana awning. If those boxes are checked, you’ll likely enjoy a day that feels like yours from start to finish.
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