A boat charter can make St. Martin feel twice as big, and this one is built for a full day on the water. You’ll cruise on a 2023 Axopar 37 sun top with 7 rotating seats around a table, plus a full-length roof and an enclosed toilet—so comfort isn’t an afterthought.

What I like most is how the day is structured for real water time, not just scenic cruising. You get multiple beach-and-reef stops like Pinel Island and Creole Rock where you can swim and use the included scuba equipment, and you’re also looked after with snacks and an open bar. One thing to consider: lunch isn’t included, and the day depends on good weather, so your captain may adjust plans if the sea gets rough.

Key highlights worth clocking

• Axopar 37 sun top comfort: sun beds, full roof coverage, and an enclosed toilet for a calmer ride
• A real open bar plus champagne: includes champagne, rum, vodka, rosé wine, beers (for +18), and plenty of non-alcoholic options
• Multiple island stops that cut down travel time: places you can’t reach easily on land
• Snorkel-friendly locations and included scuba equipment: Pinel, Tintamarre, Creole Rock, Baie Rouge
• A captain who can adapt: rerouting is part of the deal when conditions change

Your Axopar 37 sun top setup: comfort that actually helps

This charter is all about the boat you step onto. The Axopar 37 sun top model (brand new for 2023) is the kind of craft where you notice the layout right away. There are two sun beds, and the seating arrangement is practical: seven rotating seats built around a table, so you’re not stuck facing one direction.

The full-length roof matters more than you’d think. It gives you shade when the sun is high and a bit of shelter if you catch passing weather. And with an enclosed toilet on board, you won’t be doing a whole logistical dance every time nature calls.

Also, this is a private charter, so you can actually use the space your way. Want to lounge, talk, and still keep an eye on the shoreline? The layout supports it.

Price check: $1,700 for up to 10, and what you get for it

At $1,700 per group (up to 10 people), you’re paying for privacy, a dedicated boat, and a loaded day package—not just “transport.” If you’re splitting it among a small group, the per-person cost can feel surprisingly fair for what’s included.

Here’s where the value shows up:

• Open bar with a bottle of champagne, rum, vodka, rosé wine, and beers for travelers 18+, plus soda, juices, and water
• Snacks all day: fruit platter in the morning, croissant and chocolatine, and a cheese-and-charcuterie platter before lunch
• Included scuba equipment for use at the water stops

The only clear “extra” is lunch, which isn’t included. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s how the charter keeps the boat schedule flexible: your captain can stop at a beach restaurant when it makes sense.

Starting at 9:00 am from Anse-Marcel: the sweet spot for a full day

You start at Paper Boat Charter Marina Anse-marcel, with a 9:00 am launch and about 7 hours 30 minutes on the water. That timing is nice because you’re out before the day gets too hot and before the easiest spots become crowded.

A full-day format is perfect for St. Martin because the best moments are spread out. One island feels different from the next, and this route is built to give you multiple “set pieces,” not just one long beach stop.

Pinel Island: calm water, iguanas, and easy lunch options

Pinel Island is the kind of stop that works whether you’re in swim mode or snack mode. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is enough time to settle in without feeling rushed.

What makes Pinel special is the water feel. It’s known for being calm, so it’s friendly if you want a relaxed swim or a smooth snorkeling session. There are also two iconic restaurants on the island, so lunch has a natural “pick one and go” option.

Then there’s the island vibe: iguanas on the beach. It’s one of those small details that makes the place feel alive, even if you’re just stretching out and watching the shoreline.

If you like snorkeling, spend your first chunk of time in the water while you still have energy. Then come back for a slow swim-lunch transition.

Tintamarre Island: sea turtles, dolphins season, and wide-open beach time

Tintamarre Island is another stop designed for easy water access and a dose of wildlife. You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and the plan is built around snorkeling and downtime.

You can snorkel with sea turtles, and the timing matters. Tintamarre is also known for dolphins between January and April. If you’re traveling in those months, that’s a reason to be extra attentive on the water and not just focused on one location.

If you’re more of a “sit and enjoy the view” person, that works too. The island is a strong option for relaxing on a beautiful beach after you’ve done your time in the water.

Happy Bay Beach: secluded, and only a little bit of effort away

Happy Bay Beach is a quiet stop—and quiet means it’s not convenient by foot. It’s accessible by boat, or if you’re up for it, you can reach it after a 30-minute hike.

From the water time perspective, you get the best of both worlds:

• Snorkel along the coast
• Or relax under a coconut tree and let the day slow down

Because it’s secluded, it’s the kind of beach that rewards good pacing. Arrive, get oriented quickly, and choose whether you’re doing your water time first or you’re starting with a beach break.

Grand Case and Creole Rock: fish time plus a food-town cruise

Grand Case is where the trip turns from “beach hopping” into “island culture and scenery.” You’ll stop here for about 1 hour 30 minutes, and there are two parts to enjoy.

First is Creole Rock, described as the most famous snorkeling spot on the island. Expect a serious concentration of fish on the reef. Even if you’re not an elite snorkeler, this is exactly the kind of place where you can see plenty without needing special gear beyond what’s provided.

Second is a cruise along the bay of Grand Case—often called the gastronomic street area. So while you’re on the boat, you’re also getting that sense of where people actually go for food.

If you want the most out of the stop, do your water time at Creole Rock early, then enjoy the bay cruise with a slower pace.

Baie Rouge: orange sand photos and a rock-hole swim moment

Baie Rouge is a strong photo stop and a fun swim stop, especially if you like beaches that feel tucked away. You’ll be there for about 1 hour 30 minutes right next to the beach, with time to snorkel and swim.

The sand is described as orange, which makes the whole scene pop in pictures. On top of that, there’s a rock feature: a hole in the rock where you can swim through. It’s the kind of small adventure moment that breaks up the day and gives you something memorable besides scenery.

Go in with a simple plan: quick snorkel first, then use the rock-hole swim moment if conditions feel right.

Captain style and keeping the day on track when weather turns

A private charter lives or dies by the captain’s decisions. This is where the experience gets real-world helpful.

On days when the morning weather looks uncertain, the captain can coordinate with the owner and keep you informed. There’s even an example of a plan that could have turned back but ended up continuing, showing they’re watching conditions rather than forcing a script.

And when seas get too rough for longer hops, the captain may steer the day back to what’s safe and enjoyable. One family charter noted that St. Barts became unrealistic, but the captain suggested a St. Martin plan instead—and it worked out well.

This matters if you’re traveling with kids. One charter specifically called out a captain handling 7-year-old twins smoothly, with the day still feeling fun for everyone. If your group includes younger swimmers, that kind of calm, flexible leadership makes a noticeable difference.

What’s included on board: open bar, snacks, and scuba equipment

This charter is generous with what’s brought onto the boat. You’ll find:

• Full open bar: champagne (bottle), rum, vodka, rosé wine, beers for 18+
• Non-alcoholic options: juices, soda, and water
• Morning snacks: fruit platter, plus croissant and chocolatine
• Before lunch snacks: cheese and charcuterie platter
• Scuba equipment: included for use

This setup is perfect for a day where you don’t want to spend time hunting down food or paying for drinks in pieces. It also helps if you’re the type who likes to stay out longer and keep momentum—snacks arrive right when your energy dips.

Just plan around alcohol if you’re swimming a lot. Keep it fun, not sloppy.

Lunch on your terms: not included, but not stressful either

Lunch isn’t included, but the good news is you’re not stuck on sandwiches the whole time. There’s an option to stop at a beach restaurant for lunch.

The tradeoff: you’ll need to budget for that meal separately. The benefit: it keeps the day flexible, and the captain can choose the stop that matches conditions and timing.

If you want a smooth day, decide ahead of time what kind of lunch you want—something casual near the water, or a sit-down meal—and then go with whatever the captain recommends when you’re in the right place.

Practical tips to make the day feel easy

This is a boat day with multiple water stops, so a few small habits matter.

• Bring sunscreen and reapply; you’ll be out for hours with sun bouncing off the water.
• Pack a light cover-up for the boat ride between stops, even if there’s a roof.
• Use a dry bag for your phone and wallet, especially with waves and spray.
• If you plan to swim often, bring a towel you don’t mind getting sandy.
• For lunch, have some cash or card ready since it’s not part of the included package.

And if you’re traveling with kids, ask the crew how they handle equipment and safety around the water stops. A captain who’s good with families can make the day feel much less chaotic.

Who should book this private Axopar charter?

This tour fits best if you want a private day with real water time and minimal planning stress. It’s especially good for:

• Groups of friends or families (up to 10) who want to hang out together
• People who care about comfort on the boat: roof shade, rotating seating, enclosed toilet
• Snorkel lovers who want multiple reef and beach stops across St. Martin
• Special occasions, where having a dedicated boat and open bar makes the day feel like a milestone

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the price can feel steep unless you’re comparing it to the cost of doing many separate tours. But if your idea of the perfect day is control—your own schedule, your own space—this charter delivers.

Should you book the Private Charter on Noali Axopar 37?

If you’re aiming for a high-comfort private boat day with multiple island stops and an on-board setup that includes open bar, snacks, and scuba equipment, this is a strong pick. The big reason to lean in is the combination of boat comfort and captain flexibility when weather shifts.

Book it if:

• You’ll split the cost across a group
• You want stops like Pinel, Tintamarre, Creole Rock, and Baie Rouge in one outing
• You value having food and drinks handled so you can stay focused on swimming and scenery

Skip it if you only want one short beach and hate the idea of an all-day schedule on the water. Otherwise, this is the kind of charter where you stop thinking about logistics and start enjoying the day.

FAQ

How many people is this private charter for?

It’s priced per group for up to 10 people, so your group size stays private.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Paper Boat Charter Marina Anse-marcel, Saint-martin 97150, St Martin.

How long is the charter?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What boat will you be on?

You’ll be aboard a 2023 Axopar 37 sun top model.

What’s included with the price?

Included are a full open bar (champagne, rum, vodka, rosé wine, beers for 18+), soda/pop (juices, sodas, water), snacks (fruit platter, croissant and chocolatine, cheese and charcuterie), and use of scuba equipment.

Is lunch included?

Lunch isn’t included. You can stop at a beach restaurant to have lunch.

What are some of the key stops on the water?

Stops include Pinel Island, Tintamarre Island, Happy Bay Beach, Grand Case (including Creole Rock), and Baie Rouge.

Does the tour run in any weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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