One nude catamaran, lots of real luxury. I love the gourmet lunch and open bar being part of the day, not an extra cost. I also like that it’s capped small (so the vibe stays relaxed). One drawback to plan for: the clothing-optional rules depend on where you are and where you land, so you may have to keep your outfit on at some stops.

This is a full 9-hour catamaran cruise around St Maarten, starting at 8:30am and returning to the same meeting point. You’ll sail to several well-known spots for swimming and time in the water, including Tintamarre Island, and you can look for sea turtles and lots of fish while snorkeling.

Onboard feels like a real day on a sailboat, not a crowded party bus. You’ll likely hear familiar crew names like Captain Alouis and Chef Patty, and the boat (often called FLAGSHIP II) stays focused on comfort and good service. Bring sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a camera, because you’ll want to document all that bright water and beach time.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Small-group cap of 15 so you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers
• Food and drinks included (breakfast items on board, gourmet lunch, and an open bar)
• Real snorkeling time with gear provided plus chances to spot sea turtles
• Clothing-optional rules tied to location so you need to follow crew guidance at each stop
• Paddleboarding and fishing are listed as included, but I’d still ask early so your day matches your expectations

Getting on board at 8:30am from Bobby’s Marina

Your day starts at Bobby’s Marina 22H in Philipsburg, with departure at 8:30am. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to deal with taxi timing right at the start of the cruise.

When you board, the day has a calm, get-set-fast rhythm. One of the most-loved touches is that you’re welcomed with fresh fruit, coffee, and French pastries, then you get a short briefing before heading out. Since the cruise is around 9 hours, that early start matters: it gives you daylight for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

The crew is also a big part of the comfort. You’ll hear names like Captain Alouis and Chef Patty (also spelled Patti in some accounts), and the owner Benjamin has shown up to greet people. Even when there are fewer crew members on board, the tone stays friendly and attentive.

Sailing the St Maarten circuit: Long Bay, Happy Bay, Tintamarre

This cruise is built around a classic island rhythm: cruise the coast, stop for swimming, then cruise again. The key stops are Long Bay Samana Beach, Happy Bay, and Tintamarre Island, with the boat returning to the meeting point after about 9 hours.

Long Bay Samana Beach: swim time with serious beach energy

Long Bay Samana Beach is one of the most recognizable swimming areas on the island, and it’s a good place to stretch out. This stop is about getting in the water, cooling off, and spending time where the shoreline makes it easy to swim and hang out.

What to watch for: since this is a clothing-optional cruise, your ability to be nude on land can depend on the specific beach rules in play. The safest move is to follow what the crew says and watch what others are doing on that particular stretch.

Happy Bay: another change of scenery, more water time

Happy Bay keeps the day from feeling repetitive. Like Long Bay, it’s meant for swimming and enjoying the water with a little more variation in scenery.

If you’re hoping for paddleboarding, this is the kind of stop where you’re likely to get time for it. Fishing is listed as included on the tour info, but it’s smart to treat the day as something you actively coordinate—ask what’s available at the first suitable stop so you’re not waiting around later.

Tintamarre Island: nature-focused water with sea turtle chances

Tintamarre Island is where the day leans more into nature watching. The cruise description includes the chance to swim surrounded by life, including sea turtles and a variety of fish. This stop also gets a lot of praise for sheer beauty and for giving people time to relax in the water rather than just rushing through a schedule.

One practical note: snorkeling quality can vary by day and conditions. If you’re picky about fish color or clarity, you may still be happy with what you see, but don’t expect every day to look exactly like the best-case pictures.

The au naturel rules: when nude is allowed and when it isn’t

This is the part that can make or break your expectations. The cruise is described as nude naturist, but there are boundaries.

From the info and customer feedback patterns, here’s what to know:

• You’re not allowed to get naked until you reach French territory.
• You can only go on land at certain beaches in a clothing-optional way.
• Not every stop may be clothing optional, even on an 8.5-to-9-hour day.

So if your dream is to be nude the entire time you’re on land, treat this as a location-based experience, not a free-for-all. The best way to keep the day easy is to bring a simple cover-up or wrap and be ready to dress again quickly at any stop where the rules don’t allow nudity ashore.

This is also where a crew’s vibe matters. A good crew keeps things smooth and respectful, and you’ll want to follow their cues without arguing. It’s a small adjustment that helps you avoid awkward moments and keeps the whole boat comfortable.

What’s actually included: lunch, open bar, and onboard extras

If you care about value, this is one of the strongest reasons to book. The day includes an onboard gourmet-style lunch plus an open bar, and you’re also covered for key snack moments and activities.

Here’s how the food and drinks tend to land:

• Board-time welcome often includes fruit, coffee, and pastries.
• Lunch is a big deal. One detailed account praised a 4-course lunch prepared by Chef Patty, with multiple fresh courses and dessert.
• Drinks often include wine, beer, rum punch, and soft drinks, with the general theme being drinks flowing throughout the day.

There are also some small but important service details in the feedback. For example, when someone requested a vegetarian meal, Chef Patty adjusted after learning dietary needs. That’s the kind of care that turns a good cruise into a memorable one.

A balanced warning about food expectations

Food gets high marks overall, but not every meal lands as amazing for everyone. One review called the French food average and noted less enthusiasm around music or activities. Translation for your planning: expect solid, included meals, but don’t expect every aspect to match the best day possible for every palate.

Snorkeling, sea turtles, and the gear you get

This is not just a sail-and-look cruise. The day is built around getting in the water. The tour description highlights swimming surrounded by nature and includes the chance to see sea turtles and many fish.

You’ll also have gear available for water time. Many accounts mention snorkeling equipment, plus extras like floats and noodles to make it easier if you’re not a super-confident swimmer. The snorkeling part tends to be a highlight because it mixes scenery with actual time in the water, not just a quick stop and back.

Two practical tips that match the way these cruises run:

• Eat something early, especially if you plan to spend lots of time in the water. The cruise is long, and hunger changes your mood fast.
• Bring sunscreen even if you’re staying out of the strongest sun. Water reflections and boat glare can sneak up.

And one fair note: not every day has colorful fish. If you’re chasing reef-blasting colors, your experience may depend on conditions and the stop timing that day.

Paddleboarding and fishing: included, but ask early

The tour highlights list paddleboarding and fishing as included. That’s great because it means you’re not just paying for the ride.

Still, one review complained that fishing didn’t happen during their trip. That doesn’t mean it’s never offered, but it’s a sign to treat these activities like add-ons that need a quick check-in from the crew.

When you’re on board, do this:

• Ask early in the morning what gear is available for paddleboarding.
• Ask at the first stop where it makes sense about fishing setups.

That simple step helps you protect your time and avoids the frustration of assuming something will appear later.

Crew energy: Captain Alouis, Chef Patty, and a friendly vibe

The crew is a clear strength. Many of the best comments focus on friendliness, attentiveness, and a laid-back atmosphere where you feel taken care of without feeling managed.

Names that pop up in the feedback include:

• Captain Alouis (sometimes written as Alouis or Al)
• Chef Patty (also spelled Patti)
• Owner Benjamin greeting passengers
• Other crew members referenced like Cami, Coco, Paula, Vanessa, Alois, and Aielle

Across those accounts, the consistent theme is that people felt comfortable fast. That matters a lot on a naturist cruise, where the day already has a bit of vulnerability built in. A calm crew helps you relax instead of second-guessing rules or awkward moments.

There’s also praise for keeping things fun even if weather shifts. One account described dodging rainstorms while still finding sunny moments, and the captain helped turn it into a good day rather than a letdown.

Price and value: why $245 can feel reasonable here

At $245 per person, you’re paying for more than a catamaran ride. You’re buying a full day with:

• a small group (max 15),
• multiple swim stops,
• onboard food (including a gourmet-style lunch),
• and an open bar,
• plus onboard activities and water gear.

Most island sail days charge you extra for food and drinks, or they pack you in with more people than you want. Here, the value is that your day stays simple: you know the big stuff is included, so you can focus on the water, the beach time, and the social vibe.

Also, price feels easier to justify when you’re with a smaller crowd. If you’ve ever been on a tour where you spend half your day waiting your turn, this setup is designed to reduce that.

Weather and comfort: the practical stuff that saves your day

This experience requires good weather. That doesn’t mean you’ll always get perfect skies, but it does mean the operator expects conditions that allow cruising and water stops.

So pack for real sun and real sea:

• sunscreen
• a towel
• sunglasses
• a camera
• a cover-up for times when nudity on land isn’t allowed

If you’re the type who hates being cold on boats, consider a light layer. The cruise is sunny most of the day, but sea breeze can change how you feel after swimming.

Should you book this nude naturist catamaran in St Maarten?

Book it if you want a small-group day on the water where food, drinks, and swimming are part of the deal. I’d also book it if sea turtles, snorkeling time, and relaxed social vibes matter more than racing through a checklist.

I’d think twice if you’re very strict about being nude everywhere on land. This cruise follows location-based rules tied to territory and specific beaches, and not every stop is guaranteed clothing optional in the same way.

One last decision helper: if you’re drawn to it for the freedom, read the rules like you’re packing for a trip. Bring the right items for shifting between nude-swim mode and clothed-land moments, and you’ll enjoy the day a lot more.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran cruise start in St Maarten?

The meeting point is at Bobby’s Marina 22H in Philipsburg, and the cruise departs at 8:30am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 9 hours.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at Bobby’s Marina 22H, Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can be on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is lunch and an open bar included?

Yes. A gourmet lunch and an open bar are included, along with onboard activities.

Can you be nude at every stop and on shore the whole time?

You’re not allowed to get naked until you are in French territory, and you can only go on land at certain beaches. This means the clothing-optional experience may not be the same at every stop.

Is paddleboarding and fishing included?

Paddleboarding and fishing are listed as included features. If fishing is important to you, ask the crew early so you know what will be available during your day.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

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

You Might Also Enjoy

Caribbean Sip’n’Cook Cooking Class in Sint MaartenHalf-day Tour to St.Maarten Best IslandSt.Martin – St.Maarten: Small Group, Birding Tour / Bird Watching TourNo1Sxm Sunset Sail Experience in St Maarten