Seven hours, and you still want more. This private charter is built for a relaxed day with a captain steering the plan, plus snorkeling gear included so you can spend time in the water instead of hunting rentals. I like how the route mixes popular scenery with slower, calmer stretches, and I like the included drinks and float gear that make it feel complete. The one downside to plan for: the most famous moment, Maho Beach and its plane landings, is only about 30 minutes, so you’ll want to be ready the moment you arrive.

You’re going out from Marigot, and you come back to the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics simple. Your group stays together the whole time, with a cap of 12 passengers, so it doesn’t turn into a crowded sightseeing bus on waves. Also worth knowing: the activity is weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t good, you’ll either get a different date or a full refund.

The itinerary is a neat loop of St Maarten highlights. You’ll pass Happy Bay Beach, snorkel near Grand Case in the Creole Rock nature reserve area, have time at Tintamarre Island for sea turtles, stop at Pinel Island with an option to eat there, and finish with Maho Beach plane-spotting plus passes along Long Bay, Plum Bay, and Red Bay.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel On This Charter

• A true private group experience (up to 12), so your captain can set the pace.
• Grand Case snorkeling (mask and snorkel included) for a proper swim window.
• Tintamarre Island time focused on sea turtles, with about two hours on site.
• Pinel Island with a flexible lunch plan, since meals aren’t included but there’s an island restaurant option.
• Maho Beach plane landings above your head, timed for quick, memorable viewing.
• Comfort and convenience onboard, including life vests, waterproof bag, floating mat, paddles, and music.

Marigot Start Point and a Private Charter That Keeps Things Easy

Your day begins at J.M Beer, Marina Royale Résidence la Frégate (lot 19), 2 Rue du Président Kennedy, Marigot 97150, St Martin. You’ll also return here at the end, which is one of the underrated perks of a boat day like this. No second meeting point, no puzzling handoffs at the finish line.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, which is handy if you’re hopping between town and the water on a busy trip. The meeting spot is described as being near public transportation, which can matter if you’re not driving or if you’re mixing this with other St Maarten plans.

Because it’s private (your group only), you’re not squeezing into someone else’s schedule. With a max of 12, it still feels like a social day at sea, but not like a party boat.

Happy Bay Beach Pass: The “Look First” Stop That Sets the Mood

The day opens with a 30-minute passage in front of Happy Bay Beach. You’re not docking for a long beach hang. Instead, this kind of pass is useful: it helps you orient fast, get photos early, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

What I like about this approach is how it avoids wasting time on logistics that don’t need to exist. You’re already on the water, so a short look from the boat gets you that coastal feel without the friction of extra transfers.

If you’re the type who loves beach colors and coastline angles, Happy Bay is a strong start. If you’re hoping for a full-on swim right away, you might want to time your energy for later stops where the itinerary actually gives you longer water time.

Grand Case Snorkeling in the Creole Rock Nature Reserve Area

Next up is Grand Case, with about 1 hour on the plan for snorkeling. The key detail for your day: mask and snorkel are provided, and this stop is listed with entry free for the activity.

Grand Case is also tied to the Creole Rock nature reserve setting, so it’s not just a random swim break. In practical terms, it means this is one of the stops where the boat is set up to let you do something active, not only watch the scenery from the deck.

Here’s how to think about the hour: it can be plenty if you’re comfortable in the water and if you’re ready when your captain says it’s go time. If you’re newer to snorkeling, keep your expectations simple: focus on calm breathing, clear water, and time spent observing what’s around you rather than chasing depth or distance.

A possible drawback to consider: snorkeling is gear-based and water-based, so it depends on conditions. The overall tour is weather-dependent anyway, so if visibility or swell gets worse, you may need to be flexible.

Anse Marcel Passage: Scenic Sea Time Without the Pressure

Between the main stops, you get a passage in the bay of Anse Marcel. There aren’t extra tickets or time listed for this segment, so treat it like what it is: a scenic connector, a chance to slow down, and another moment for those coastline shots.

This kind of pass matters more than it sounds. On a charter day, the “in-between” parts are often where the vibe becomes relaxed. When you’re not constantly switching gears—boat to beach to boat—your day feels smoother.

If you like reading the water (wind, waves, and how the captain positions the boat), you’ll probably enjoy this portion because it’s calm and unhurried.

Tintamarre Island and Sea Turtles: Two Hours That Feel Like a Little Trip

Tintamarre Island is the standout “on-site” nature stop. You get about 2 hours there, with the itinerary specifically aimed at seeing sea turtles. This is listed as included.

Now, a realistic note: animal sightings aren’t factory production. The plan targets turtles, but you’re still going to want the right mindset. Go in expecting the chance to see them, not a guarantee of a close encounter.

Why two hours is a sweet spot: it gives time to settle, swim or snorkel if conditions allow, and still keep the day moving. If you only get 20 or 30 minutes, turtle spotting becomes mostly luck. With a longer window, you have a better chance to catch one passing through.

This is also one of the reasons the charter format is worth paying for. In a private setting, the captain can manage the boat positioning around the activity level at the island, keeping the experience practical rather than rushed.

Pinel Island: Your Lunch Option and a Real Beach Break

After Tintamarre, you shift to Pinel Island with about 2 hours. This is a “do something on your own” stop, because the itinerary notes an option to have lunch at the island restaurant.

Meals are not included, so you have three sensible choices:

• Bring your own meal and eat on your schedule.
• Plan to buy lunch at the island restaurant (since that option is specifically mentioned).
• Skip a formal meal and snack when you feel hungry.

What makes Pinel Island work on a charter day is the freedom. You’re not locked into a rigid sequence of shore activities. You can focus on a beach break, a swim, photos, or just hanging out and resetting your legs.

Possible consideration: because your time is capped at about two hours, don’t show up planning a long sit-down meal that takes forever. If you want lunch, pick a pace that fits the charter timeline.

Maho Beach Plane Landings Plus Long Bay, Plum Bay, and Red Bay Passes

You’ll then get to Maho for about 30 minutes to see the planes land overhead. This is one of those St Maarten moments people talk about because it feels so close.

The value of a short stop like this is that it keeps the day from turning into a waiting game. The downside, again, is time: if you’re hoping for a long viewing session, you’ll likely feel the clock. So be ready to arrive, get your best angle, and enjoy it quickly.

After Maho, you get passage by the beaches of Long Bay, Plum Bay, and Red Bay, with the itinerary emphasizing time to enjoy the turquoise water. Even if you don’t get a long swim at each beach pass, the route is designed so you’re still seeing a lot of coastline without the overhead of landing and relocating.

This part of the day is perfect for photo lovers and for anyone who just wants to be out there under open sky, listening to music on board and watching the shoreline change as the boat moves.

What’s Included: Snorkel Gear, Float Gear, Drinks, and Music

This is where the charter starts to feel like good value instead of a luxury add-on. You get:

• Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel are specifically tied to Grand Case)
• Life vests
• Waterproof bag for your personal belongings
• Floating mat and flotation gear
• Paddles
• Bottled water
• Soda/pop
• Alcoholic beverages (rum punch and beers) for adults only
• Music on board

That mix matters. Life vests and float gear make the day feel safer and easier for different comfort levels in the water. The waterproof bag is one of those small details that saves headaches—especially if you’re bringing a phone for photos.

The drink list is also practical. Soda/pop and water keep things easy. Rum punch and beers for adults only is a friendly touch, but it also means the day stays family-friendly in vibe.

What’s not included is your meal. You can bring your meal or choose a restaurant, which gives you control and helps manage costs.

The Price Feel: $1,201.35 for Up to 12 People

The price is listed as $1,201.35 per group (up to 12). That’s a big range depending on how many people you book with.

Here’s the simple math:

• If you fill all 12 seats: about $100 per person
• If you’re 6 people: about $200 per person

Because it’s private, you’re not only paying for the boat. You’re paying for the captain-led route, the stop timing, and the included snorkeling setup and onboard drinks. If you’d otherwise spend money on multiple boat rentals, snorkeling rentals, and separate tours, this format can start to look smart—especially with a group.

Best use of this pricing: book with friends, family, or a small group where everyone actually wants to be in the same place at the same time. This is less ideal for one or two people unless you’re committed to the private experience anyway.

Weather and Timing: How to Keep the Day From Getting Stressed

This charter is weather dependent, and the experience notes that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There’s also a note about a minimum number of travelers.

So when you plan your St Maarten trip, give yourself breathing room. If you’re scheduling around other tours and tight reservations, treat this like a flexible centerpiece rather than a fixed appointment.

Duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours (approx.), and “remaining time includes travel time.” Translation: even though you’re out on the water for the fun parts, your day still has a real start-to-finish rhythm. Plan your other activities around it, not on top of it.

Who This St Maarten Private Charter Is For

This tour fits best if you want:

• A private route with a captain handling the timing
• A mix of snorkeling and beach time, not just sightseeing
• A group-size limit that stays comfortable (12 passengers max)
• A day that includes onboard snacks/drinks basics and practical gear

It’s also a good match for people who don’t want the hassle of coordinating multiple stops on their own. With the meeting and return at the same location, your day stays clean.

If you’re traveling with kids or mixed ages, the life vests and float gear can help you feel more confident. Alcohol is adult-only, so the experience should keep a calm family-friendly tone.

Should You Book This Saint Martin Private Boat Charter?

I’d book this if your ideal St Maarten day looks like a boat-led itinerary with real water time: snorkeling at Grand Case, nature-focused time at Tintamarre Island, beach break potential at Pinel Island, and the Maho plane views as a quick, high-impact stop. It also makes sense if you can gather enough people to get closer to the group-filled pricing.

Skip it or be cautious if you need a long beach session at Maho or you’re tightly scheduling meals. The charter is built around stops with set time windows, and meals aren’t included, so you’ll plan your lunch either from what you bring or from the Pinel Island restaurant option.

If you’re the type who likes simple planning, a friendly crew, and a day that feels like it stays on schedule while still being relaxed, this private charter is one of the most straightforward ways to see St Maarten from the water.

FAQ

How much is the private boat charter in St Maarten?

The price is $1,201.35 per group, up to 12 passengers.

How long is the boat charter?

It runs for about 7 to 8 hours, including travel time.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

You’ll pass Happy Bay Beach, visit Grand Case for snorkeling, pass in the bay of Anse Marcel, go to Tintamarre Island, stop at Pinel Island, visit Maho for plane landings, and also pass by Long Bay, Plum Bay, and Red Bay.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling is scheduled at Grand Case with mask and snorkel.

Are sea turtles part of the plan at Tintamarre Island?

Yes. The itinerary at Tintamarre Island is aimed at seeing sea turtles, with about 2 hours on site.

What about meals and lunch?

Meals are not included. You can bring your meal or choose to go to a restaurant, including an option to have lunch at the Pinel Island restaurant.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. The tour includes soda/pop, alcoholic beverages (rum punch and beers) for adults only, and bottled water.

Where do we meet, and does the tour end nearby?

You meet at J.M Beer, Marina Royale Résidence la Frégate (lot 19), 2 Rue du Président Kennedy, Marigot 97150. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate, with a maximum of 12 passengers.

What’s the cancellation policy if the weather is bad?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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