Crystal water, zero crowds, and serious pampering. This private St Maarten catamaran charter lets you sail past bays like Long Bay La Samana and roll into snorkel time, while the crew keeps the day moving with breakfast and a proper 4-course lunch. Onboard, Captain Ben and hosts like Georgia help set a relaxed, attentive tone. The open bar keeps the pace easy, and the boat’s shade gives you real downtime between swims.

I especially like the two itinerary choices: a longer 9-hour run that includes Tintamarre Island, or the 7-hour loop around Mulet Bay and Divi Little Bay. Snorkeling gear and two paddle boards are included, so you’re not waiting around for gear or taking turns. One heads-up: the captain may shift stops for sea and wind, and there’s a small minority report of a late start, so build in a little flexibility.

Key things I’d bookmark before you book

• Private charter = your group sets the vibe: only your party on the boat, so your schedule feels yours.
• Two routes, two start times: 9 hours with Tintamarre Island, or 7 hours focused on St Maarten beaches.
• Snorkel + paddle time is built in: gear is included and paddleboards come along for the ride.
• Food and drinks are part of the package: breakfast, appetizers, 4-course gourmet lunch, plus unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks.
• Bring your passport: you need a current passport to check in on the day.

Private Sailing in Philipsburg: what you’re paying for

At $770 per person, this is a splurge. But it’s also a pretty straightforward one: you’re not just renting a seat on a shared boat. You’re buying privacy, time on the water, and the extras that make a day feel cared for instead of rushed.

The big value is that the day is packaged end-to-end. You get breakfast French pastries plus fresh fruit, appetizers, a 4-course gourmet lunch, and an open bar that’s described as unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks. On top of that, you’re not asked to figure out logistics for snorkel spots, towels, or water toys. The catamaran comes with fishing and snorkeling gear and two paddle boards.

And because it’s a catamaran, you get smooth sailing through crystal-clear water along the St Maarten and Saint-Martin coasts. You’re also reaching parts of the shoreline you simply can’t reach on foot—so your photos look like you went farther than you actually had to.

Two routes on one boat: 7 hours vs 9 hours

You choose between two private full-day style options. Both include lunch, snacks/appetizers, open bar drinks, snorkel gear, and paddle boards.

The 7-hour Sint Maarten route

This starts at 9:30am and ends back around 4:30pm. It’s built around St Maarten shore stops: Mulet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay.

If you want a shorter day with a simple rhythm—sail, stop, swim/snorkel, repeat—this is the one. It’s also the easier choice if you’re trying to protect the rest of your day for beach time, dinner, or a quick stroll in Philipsburg.

The 9-hour Tintamarre route

This starts at 8:30am and returns at 5:30pm. It adds more water time and includes Long Bay La Samana, Happy Bay, and Tintamarre Island.

Tintamarre Island is the headliner here. The itinerary notes you might have a chance to swim with turtles and stingrays, and at least one review highlights a turtle and stingray spotting. You’re paying extra for that extra distance and extra opportunity—plus more time for snorkel and paddling.

One practical note for both

The itinerary can change depending on sea and wind. That’s normal in the Caribbean. The upside: the captain isn’t stubborn. If conditions shift, the day still happens.

Tintamarre Island day: Long Bay, Happy Bay, and the chance of sea life

On the 9-hour route, your day is structured like a classic sailing afternoon, just stretched into full-day comfort. You start early at 8:30am, which helps because light on the water looks great and the water can feel calmer before afternoon winds build.

Stop by stop, here’s what matters:

Long Bay La Samana

This shows up on both routes, and that’s a clue that it’s a consistent crowd-pleaser for swimming and snorkel. The water is described as crystal clear, and this kind of stop usually means you can spend real time in the water rather than doing a quick splash.

Happy Bay

Happy Bay is included as a mid-day stop on the Tintamarre itinerary. Expect it to be another stretch of coastline that’s made for cooling off and hanging out between snorkel rounds. If your group likes variety, this stop helps break up the day so you’re not bouncing between the same two environments.

Tintamarre Island

Tintamarre Island is where the “wow, we saw something” stories tend to live. The itinerary mentions a chance to swim with turtles and stingrays. You shouldn’t count on any specific animal sighting—ocean life does what it does—but this is exactly the kind of stop where snorkel time feels like it’s holding a surprise.

What you do with your time

Fishing and snorkeling gear are included, and you’ll also have two paddle boards. That means even if not everyone snorkels for the same amount of time, you can keep moving and still feel like you’re doing something.

The 7-hour St Maarten loop: Mulet Bay, Long Bay, and Divi Little Bay

The 7-hour route (9:30am to 4:30pm) is for people who want the catamaran experience without a full long day at sea.

Mulet Bay

This is the first stop, and it sets the tone. If you want to get into the water early, this itinerary does that. It’s also a good fit if your group has a mix of snorkelers and non-snorkelers.

Long Bay La Samana

Like the longer route, you hit Long Bay La Samana. That repetition is helpful: it suggests it’s a reliable swimming/snorkel stop with clear water and good underwater visibility.

Divi Little Bay

This is your final swim window. Ending with a bay-style stop makes the day feel balanced—you’re not only racing to the next point. You get an end-of-day water break before sailing back.

Who this route suits best

If you’re short on time, this one is easier. It’s also a solid choice for adult families and couples who want a memorable day at sea but still like the option to plan dinner afterward.

Onboard comfort: shade, bathrooms, and a boat built for real life

Catamarans can be either “nice idea, crowded reality” or genuinely comfortable. This one leans toward the comfortable side.

From reviews, the Flagship II is described as clean and practical, with storage areas for items like sunglasses and sunscreen. People also mention bathrooms and enough room to spread out. That matters on a private charter because you want space when you’re moving between sun time and shade time.

There’s also a point I’d take seriously: the boat offers lots of shade, but you still need to plan for sun exposure once you’re in the water. They specifically mention bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach towels.

One small but telling detail from reviews: people played music through the boat’s Bluetooth system and had a dance-party kind of vibe. That won’t be everyone’s style, but it shows the crew is set up for a normal day on a charter, not a stiff performance.

Food and drinks: breakfast to 4-course lunch, plus unlimited bar

This is where the experience turns from sailing into full-on “vacation day.” The day is built around food at multiple moments:

• Light breakfast: French pastries plus fresh fruit, plus tea and coffee
• Appetizers: served along the way
• Lunch: a 4-course gourmet lunch
• Snacks: included, so you’re not getting hangry between swims
• Open bar: unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks

In plain terms: you can spend your energy on swimming and snorkeling instead of hunting for food. And because drinks are included, you’re not calculating costs every time someone asks for another round.

A couple of reviews add useful texture: people say the lunch is restaurant quality (better than what they expected from ship food). One review mentions dessert included. Another notes the salad dressing made by the captain and chef, which tells you at least part of the kitchen attention is hands-on, not just warmed-up meals.

Vegan or vegetarian?

Vegan/vegetarian meals are available on request, so if your group has dietary preferences, make sure you request it ahead of time.

Snorkeling, paddleboards, and how to get more out of your water time

This is not a “snorkel for 12 minutes and leave” kind of day. Snorkeling and fishing gear are included, and there are two paddle boards. That means you can choose your own pace.

If you’re new to snorkeling, keep it simple: go in with clear expectations, keep your breathing steady, and use the gear that’s provided instead of worrying you brought the wrong thing.

If you’re experienced, treat this like a buffet: snorkel, surface pause, then paddle for a different viewpoint. The paddle boards also give you a slower way to look at the water without constantly swimming.

One review even mentions feeding fish bread for photos. That’s not guaranteed for every day, but it matches the kind of playful, hands-on guidance you want from the crew.

The crew: Captain Ben, Alois, Georgia, and the chef-cook factor

On a private charter, the crew is the product. This one has a strong track record, and the names come up again and again: Captain Ben, Captain Alois, Benjamin (often referenced in crew roles), Georgia (host/hostess energy), and the chefs/cooks on board.

People mention a few consistent strengths:

• Attention to service: hosts keeping people hydrated and fed
• Safety briefings before you go
• Friendly, talkative guidance during the day
• Snorkel help: spotting animals and helping people feel comfortable in the water
• Creative touches: music options via Bluetooth, and personal care during meals

There’s one cautionary review that complains about a late start and less concern from the captain about guest happiness. It’s a minority note, but it’s still worth acknowledging. If your day is timed tightly, you’ll want a buffer.

Practical stuff that keeps the day smooth

This trip runs from Bobby’s Marina (22H), Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg and returns there.

A few practical reminders that come straight from the tour details:

• Bring a current passport. You need it for information checking on the day of the boat.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach towels, even if shade is available.
• Expect the sea and wind to matter. Stops can shift for weather.
• Plan for a full day of water time. This is not “mostly on land.”

One more practical angle: this is near public transportation. So if you’re staying somewhere walkable/short-ride to Philipsburg, you can plan your day with less stress.

Value check: is $770 per person actually worth it?

Here’s how I’d think about it.

You’re paying a premium over shared boat tours because you’re buying:

• privacy (your group only),
• a proper meal experience (4-course lunch plus snacks and breakfast),
• and included water gear (snorkel/fishing gear and paddle boards),
• plus unlimited drinks.

So the value swings based on how you’ll use those inclusions. If you’re going to snorkel a lot, swim multiple times, want a paddle board session, and you’ll genuinely drink soda/juice or cocktails, then this can feel like a fair package. If your group only wants a quick look at the water and won’t use snorkel time, you might feel the price more.

Also think about who’s in your group. Couples and adult families often like private charters because everyone can move at their own pace without negotiating with strangers.

Who should book this private St Maarten charter?

This charter fits best if you want these things:

• You care about water time more than museum time
• You want a private vibe instead of shared chaos
• You’ll use the snorkel gear and paddle boards
• You like good food and included drinks as part of the day

It’s also a good match for groups celebrating something. Multiple reviews reference birthdays and special moments, and the onboard hosting style suggests they take the day seriously without making it stiff.

If you’re very sensitive to schedule changes, remember the stops may shift for sea and wind. Build margin into your trip plan.

Should you book this private catamaran in St Maarten?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels like a full-service beach club, only on a moving boat. The combination of private sailing, included snorkel and paddle gear, and a 4-course gourmet lunch with an open bar is exactly the kind of package that turns a “nice idea” into a real highlight.

I’d pause and read conditions carefully if your schedule is razor-tight, because weather can change the route. And I’d still take note of that one late-start complaint—rare, but it’s the only dent in an otherwise strong record.

If you’re visiting St Maarten/Saint-Martin and you want to spend the day where the beaches and snorkeling actually are, not just looking at them from shore, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran charter?

There are two options: a 7-hour tour (9:30am to about 4:30pm) and a 9-hour tour (8:30am to about 5:30pm).

What are the main stops on the 9-hour Tintamarre Island itinerary?

The 9-hour route includes Long Bay La Samana, Happy Bay, and Tintamarre Island.

What are the main stops on the 7-hour St Maarten itinerary?

The 7-hour route includes Mulet Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Divi Little Bay.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Fishing and snorkeling gears are included, and there are two paddle boards included as well.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Both itineraries include a 4-course gourmet lunch, plus breakfast and appetizers/snacks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. There is an open bar with unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of the boat for information checking.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The itinerary could change depending on sea and wind (weather conditions).

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and weather-related cancellations may offer a different date or a full refund.

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