A day on the water beats any ferry plan. I like the private speedboat setup for up to eight, and I like that your captain can customize the itinerary around weather and your interests. The main drawback to plan for: this trip depends on good weather, and the ride can feel rough if conditions are choppy.

You meet at Marina Anse-Marcel around 9:00am and head toward St Barth snorkeling favorites like Colombier or Fourchue Island. You get complimentary snacks, an open bar, and snorkeling equipment, plus a giant floating mat for easier hang-out time. Bring a current, valid passport because it is required for travel.

Key things that make this charter worth your attention

• Private for your group (up to 8): no mixing, less waiting, and faster decision-making on where to swim next.
• Captain-led routing: your day shifts based on weather and what you want to do most.
• Unlimited drinks onboard: beer, wine, and soft drinks included.
• Snorkeling gear provided: you are not scrambling for masks and fins at the last minute.
• Floating mat for downtime: it makes the between-swims time calmer and more social.

Why a private speedboat from Anse Marcel is a smart way to do St Barth

If your goal is more water time and less travel hassle, this style of day trip works well. Instead of tying yourself to fixed ferry schedules, you start from Marina Anse-Marcel in St Martin and run the day at the speed of your group and your captain’s judgment.

The private setup matters more than you might think. With only your group onboard, you can say things like we want one more swim stop, or we want a longer beach break, and the plan can actually reflect that. For groups, it also spreads out the cost. At $2,000 per group (up to 8), you’re effectively paying for a whole charter rather than per person on a crowded route.

The trip runs about 8 hours, which is long enough to feel like a real day in St Barth, not just a quick dip. You also get onboard time that is part sightseeing, part vacation. Think sun, wind in your hair, and that feeling of pulling up to a shoreline and deciding on the spot what to do next.

How your captain customizes snorkeling stops and beach time

This is the kind of charter where the route is a conversation. You steer the day with your captain based on interests and conditions, and then the captain works the plan around what’s safe and enjoyable right then.

St Barth snorkeling spots often get talked about for a reason, and this charter aims you at areas like Colombier and Fourchue Island when conditions allow. Those are great targets because they give you a mix: underwater viewing potential plus a shoreline vibe where you can relax right after your swim.

Here’s what you should expect practically:

• You might get a swim stop that is mostly about the water (gear on, jump in, rinse, repeat).
• You might also get a stop that is more about the beach and less about snorkeling.
• Timing can shift. If it’s windy, the captain may adjust where you go or how long you stay in each place.

One of the biggest strengths here is weather-smarts. In a windy scenario, the captain Elliott pointed out that the St Barth ride could turn bumpy and wet, and he suggested switching to Anguilla instead because it is about 20 minutes away. That is the difference between a rigid itinerary and a captain who is watching the sea in real time.

What you get onboard: open bar, snacks, snorkeling gear, and a floating mat

The onboard inclusions are what make this feel like a true charter day, not just transportation.

You’re covered with:

• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Complimentary snacks
• Snorkeling equipment provided
• A giant floating mat

The fuel surcharge is included too, which helps you avoid that annoying last-minute surprise. You also get a professional guide onboard.

If you care about comfort, this matters. Snorkeling gear included means you do not waste time hunting for rentals or dealing with last-minute sizing issues. The floating mat sounds small until you’re on the water and realize you need a comfortable spot between swims, especially if the group includes different experience levels in the water.

Because drinks are included, it also becomes easier to slow down. You can do a swim stop, come back onboard, cool off, and then go again without the usual logistical reset.

The morning flow at Anse Marcel: meeting point and what to expect

Your day starts at Paper Boat Charter, Marina Anse-marcel, Saint-martin 97150, St Martin, with a 9:00am start. The first listed stop is coming to Anse Marcel where the boat is docked. That dock time is short, around 10 minutes, and the ticket is free for that stop.

So what does that mean for you?

• You should plan to arrive with enough slack to get checked in and settled before departure.
• Treat the morning as a quick setup, not a long hang around a marina.

This is also a private charter, so you are not waiting behind a long line of unrelated groups. That can save time and reduce stress, especially with kids or anyone who just wants to get onto the water.

You’ll also need a current valid passport on the day of travel. The charter uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens when you book.

St Barth highlights: where swimming and beach time usually fit

Your captain’s plan will determine exact timing, but the overall “shape” of the day is clear: you ride over, you snorkel in some of the best-known spots, and you relax on St Barth beaches in between.

The big snorkeling goal areas mentioned for this itinerary style are:

• Colombier
• Fourchue Island

Why these are worth planning around: they are known as places you can reach efficiently by boat from St Martin, and they give you that day-trip balance of scenery plus actual swim time. Even if you are not the most serious snorkeler, they tend to deliver a lot of visual payoff.

After snorkeling, your captain should be able to build in beach time. That part is important because St Barth is not just about what’s underwater. The coastlines are part of the experience, and having a stretch of shoreline time makes the day feel complete.

One more practical note from real-world examples: at least some captains have built in restaurant or beach breaks. In one account, Elliott worked in lunch at Eden Rock and then more fun at L Select. That kind of stop is not something you should assume is guaranteed, but it tells you the captain is thinking about more than just the water. If you want a specific vibe—swim, eat, then relax—tell your captain when you start the conversation.

When weather gets windy: switching plans to Anguilla

A big part of doing the Caribbean well is accepting that conditions change. This charter is built for that reality. It specifically requires good weather, and if conditions force cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

But even on days that start out workable, the captain may steer differently once the wind and sea settle in. In the windy case where the original St Barth plan risked a bumpy, wet ride, Elliott suggested switching to Anguilla, which is only 20 minutes away.

That flexibility is a huge value-add, because it can save your day from turning into a miserable boat ride. Instead of pushing through discomfort, you still get sun, water time, and a fun itinerary. If your group is the type that hates “waiting for things to get better,” this kind of weather-adaptive captain approach is a plus.

Price and value: what $2,000 per group really buys

Let’s talk money honestly. The price is $2,000 per group up to 8, and the duration is about 8 hours. That can sound high at first if you are comparing to per-person ferries. But charter math is different.

Here’s what your price includes:

• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Snacks
• Fuel surcharge
• Snorkeling equipment
• A professional guide
• A giant floating mat

Now imagine the alternatives:

• You would likely pay for ferry tickets plus separate tours plus snorkeling rentals plus drinks.
• Even if you managed to DIY some of that, you still wouldn’t get the same ability to change the plan on the water based on wind and interest.

So the real question is: does your group want a day that feels like your own floating vacation, with minimal friction? If yes, the price starts to look reasonable. If your group is only two people and you would rather pay less and accept a less flexible day, a charter can feel like overkill.

The sweet spot is groups that want choice: families, friend groups, or anyone who wants more control over swim spots and timing.

Who this charter fits best (and who should think twice)

This experience fits best if you:

• Want snorkeling time without hunting gear rentals
• Prefer a private group (up to eight)
• Enjoy the idea of a captain who adjusts to real conditions
• Like the convenience of an onboard open bar and snacks

It can also work well for families, because the pace is controlled by your group and the captain can pick stops that match your comfort level in the water. One family-specific scenario involved a great captain, a swim stop, a lunch plan, and beach fun.

Who might think twice? If your group is extremely sensitive to boat motion, you should consider that the trip depends on good weather. You may want to plan for seasickness prevention if you know rough water affects you.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

These are the small things that help you enjoy the charter instead of managing it:

• Bring a valid passport. It’s required.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can use your snorkeling time quickly.
• Plan for sun and wind. Even with drinks onboard, you will still feel the Caribbean sun.
• Tell the captain what your group cares about most. If you want snorkeling first, say it early. If you want beach breaks and photos, say that too.
• Use the gear you are provided. The included snorkeling equipment is there to make your day simple.

And one more mental tip: with a private charter, the best day often comes from being flexible. If conditions shift, the captain’s job is to protect the experience—so go along with the new plan.

Should you book this St Martin to St Barth private charter?

I’d book it if your priority is a private, captain-led day with snorkeling gear, drinks included, and the ability to steer the day around weather and group interests. The value gets especially strong once your group hits four to eight people, because you’re paying for a whole charter rather than piecing together multiple services.

I would not book it if your group needs a fixed itinerary no matter what the sea is doing, because this experience depends on good weather and the captain can change the plan. In practice, that flexibility is a strength, but it can feel less comfortable if you’re the type who hates uncertainty.

If you want a day that feels like your own slice of the islands—complete with swim stops, beach time, and an easy onboard rhythm—this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private charter?

The charter price is $2,000 per group and the boat is for up to 8 people.

What is the duration of the experience?

The ride and activities last about 8 hours (approximately).

Where does the charter depart from?

You start at Paper Boat Charter, Marina Anse-marcel, Saint-martin 97150, St Martin, with a 9:00am start time.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, complimentary snacks, fuel surcharge, a professional guide, snorkeling equipment, and a giant floating mat.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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