A full day on a catamaran beats beach hopping. This private sailing day is built around the water-only parts of St Maarten/St Martin—plus snorkeling breaks and beach time. The only real catch: it depends on good weather, and the team will adjust if conditions are poor.

I especially like the mix of real sailing with hands-on ocean activities. You’ll get snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddle board, and fishing rods for trolling, so the day doesn’t feel like a sightseeing cruise with nothing to do. If you like a well-run trip, the crew can be very accommodating—people have highlighted team members like Louise and Tonya by name.

One thing to consider is logistics once you’re on board: a wheelchair can go up to the boat, but it can’t be used onboard. If anyone in your group needs that level of mobility support, plan accordingly and ask questions up front.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 15 people: your group controls the vibe, not a packed tour boat.
• Around-the-island-style route: stops include La Samanna, Creole Rock, and Tintamarre Island.
• Turtles at Tintamarre: this is the stop many people plan the day around.
• All-day beverages: open bar plus tea, coffee, and soda.
• Water activities are included: snorkeling equipment, paddle board, and fishing rods.
• Comfort + stability: experienced, licensed captains run an extremely stable boat.

Private charter value: what you really get for $2,800

This charter costs $2,800 per group for up to 15 people, which is a big deal when you compare it to piecing together separate tours. When the boat, sailing time, snorkeling gear, paddle board access, and an included meal are all rolled into one day, your money shifts from paying for multiple tickets to paying for one long, flexible experience.

What you’re buying here is time on the water with options. You’re not stuck watching others swim while you wait your turn. You’ve got equipment ready to use, and the day includes enough food and drinks that you don’t need to plan around finding a restaurant between activities.

And it’s private. That matters in St Maarten, where popular water stops can feel crowded fast. On a charter like this, you’re taking in the coastline at a pace that fits your group, not the schedule of strangers.

Your 8-hour day in St Maarten: a floating itinerary that stays flexible

The trip runs about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am. That’s a sweet spot: early enough to enjoy calm morning light, long enough to hit multiple water stops, and still gives you a full day experience without feeling like you’re out all night.

The overall flow is designed like a “greatest hits” day on the water: cruise and sightseeing, a proper snorkeling stop, turtle-focused beach time, then sail back. While the day has a classic structure, the operator says the experience can be personalized to match preferences—so you can spend a little more time where your group is most excited.

If you’re the type who likes options—shade or sun, quick snorkel or longer swim—this format fits. Just know it’s an outdoor day. Bring what keeps you comfortable, because once you’re on the water, the schedule is moving.

Boarding at 88 Welfare Rd: start time, atmosphere, and first impressions

You meet at 88 Welfare Rd in Simpson Bay, and the charter starts at 9:00 am. The pickup is simple, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a long, stressful transfer after an ocean day.

One practical win: you get a mobile ticket. That reduces the usual pre-trip friction—no complicated exchange, no waiting in line. You’ll also have time on board to relax in sun or shade, which is more important than it sounds. Midday on the Caribbean can turn “just one more swim” into “where’s the shade?”

Safety and comfort come up for a reason here. The boat is described as extremely stable, and captains are licensed and experienced. In other words, you’re not signing up for a sketchy ride that punishes people who don’t love motion.

La Samanna and Creole Rock: two stops that shape the whole mood

The classic route includes La Samanna, Creole Rock, and then onward to Tintamarre Island. Even if your group isn’t obsessed with snorkeling, these stops help create a well-rounded day because they mix scenery with water time.

La Samanna: coastal views with a resort-like feel from the sea

La Samanna is one of those places that looks different from a boat than it does from shore. You get wide-open sightlines across the water and a chance to appreciate the coastline from the perspective most people never see.

The drawback is simple: if you prefer activities over viewing time, you may want to keep an eye on the timing so you don’t feel like you’re spending too long just looking. Still, it’s a good palate cleanser before the snorkeling portion.

Creole Rock: a snorkeling stop built around fish

Creole Rock is described as St Maarten’s #1 snorkeling site for fish. That’s a big claim, but the bigger point for you is intent: this is the stop where you’ll want your snorkel time to be focused and unhurried.

You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, so you can just gear up and go. The most common mistake on snorkeling stops is trying to do it all in five minutes. Here, you can take your time—swim, pause, look around—then come back when your group is ready.

Tintamarre Island for turtle time: plan your day around this stop

Tintamarre Island is the highlight many people remember. The day’s structure points there for a reason: it’s where you can swim with turtles, plus enjoy Caribbean beach time afterward.

From a value perspective, turtle time changes the whole equation. Instead of a generic coastline cruise, you’re adding a rare wildlife moment. Even if you’re not a hardcore wildlife watcher, it’s the kind of experience that turns a “nice day on the water” into a real memory.

The trade-off is that turtle-focused time can’t be rushed. If your group has people who want constant action, they may need gentle balancing. On the other hand, if you’re happy to slow down and watch the ocean, this stop is the payoff.

Lunch also fits well after the main beach/water moments. The day includes a proper BBQ lunch, with salads, so you’re not stuck snacking through the afternoon.

Sailing back toward Simpson Bay: what you notice when you’re not chasing stops

After Tintamarre Island, the plan includes a sail back to Simpson Bay. This is where the day shifts from “activity mode” to “enjoy the ride” mode.

I like this part because it’s less about the checklist and more about the feeling of moving across water. If your group enjoys the classic catamaran experience—relaxing while the boat glides—you’ll probably feel the difference here.

It’s also a smart time to take photos and just watch the shoreline transform. When you’ve been focused on water time, returning to sailing makes everything feel more like a trip and less like a sequence of tasks.

Snorkeling, paddle boarding, and fishing gear: included means you can try it

This charter includes use of snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddle board, and fishing rods for trolling. That matters because “included” changes the behavior: you’re more likely to try something you might skip if you had to pay extra.

Here’s a practical way to use it without losing time:

• Gear up early when the stop allows it, so you aren’t scrambling.
• Split the group by interest (snorkel first, paddle second) if you have mixed skill levels.
• If you want fishing, set expectations that trolling is slower and more relaxed than cast-and-reel fishing.

Paddle boarding is a great option for people who want ocean time but don’t want to stay submerged. Snorkeling is the main activity, but the board gives you a different way to enjoy shallow-water views.

Fishing rods for trolling are a fun add-on even if you don’t expect to land a big catch. It’s part of the “boat day” vibe—something for everyone to look forward to when you’re cruising.

Drinks and food: an open bar day that actually holds up

This is a full-day charter, so the food and drinks aren’t just an afterthought. You’ll have beverages including an open bar, plus tea, coffee, and soda. Bottled water is also included.

The open bar is listed as unlimited, with beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky. For many people, that’s a key value driver: it removes the mental load of figuring out what you’ll drink while you’re out on the water.

Food-wise, you’re not just getting snacks. The day includes lunch with a Caribbean BBQ format, plus salads. There’s also mention of items like Gouda cheese and fresh baguette along the way, which helps keep the day feeling like a real meal plan rather than a grazing situation.

One practical tip: eat earlier than you think. After a snorkeling session, you want energy. If you wait too long, the rest of the afternoon can feel harder than it needs to.

Comfort, shade, and real safety on an extremely stable boat

Safety is a major theme in the way the charter is described. The boat is noted as extremely stable and safe, and handled by experienced licensed captains. That’s reassuring if you’re bringing someone who gets nervous on boats.

On the comfort side, there’s space to relax in sun or shade. That means you can pace your day. Spend time in the water, then retreat to shade when you need a breather.

Also, this is a private tour/activity, so only your group will participate. That reduces the “who’s next?” pressure and makes it easier to spread out.

Who should book this charter in St Maarten, and who might not

This works best for:

• Small groups and families who want a full-day plan without repeating the same beach stop
• People who want snorkeling and want it to be included, not a paid add-on
• Groups that enjoy sailing and want the coast from the water
• Anyone excited by the idea of Tintamarre Island and turtle time

It might not be ideal if:

• Your group struggles with water-based activities and you’d rather stay fully on land
• You need full wheelchair use onboard, since the note is that a wheelchair can’t be used on board (though it can reach the boat)
• You’re traveling on days when weather reliability is low for you, since the experience requires good weather

If you’re flexible and water-comfy, you’ll likely love it. If you want a fully land-based day, look for something else.

Should you book Adventure Sports Sailing’s private catamaran charter?

Book it if your dream day in St Maarten includes real time on the water, a memorable wildlife-focused stop at Tintamarre, and snorkeling that’s set up for you with included gear. The pricing can feel steep at first glance, but with an open bar, snorkeling equipment, paddle board access, fishing rods, and a full BBQ lunch in one package, it can be strong value for a group.

Skip (or at least ask more questions) if your group needs step-by-step shore access or relies on mobility equipment onboard. And remember: it’s a weather-dependent ocean day. If conditions don’t cooperate, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund, but you’ll still want to plan for flexibility.

If you want a day that feels like St Maarten from the sea—views, wildlife, and sailing—this private charter is a very logical choice.

FAQ

What time does the private catamaran charter start, and how long is it?

It starts at 9:00 am and runs for about 8 hours. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Where is the meeting point in St Maarten?

The meeting point is at 88 Welfare Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten.

What’s included besides sailing?

You’ll have an open bar, lunch, snacks, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, and use of snorkeling equipment. The charter also includes a stand-up paddle board and fishing rods for trolling.

Does the route include La Samanna, Creole Rock, and Tintamarre Island?

Yes. The around-the-island-style day includes stops at La Samanna, Creole Rock, and then Tintamarre Island for swimming with turtles.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included as an open bar with beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky listed. Tea, coffee, and soda are also provided.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

Is wheelchair access possible?

A wheelchair is possible up to the boat, but it cannot be used on board. The operator notes this has been handled successfully several times. Service animals are allowed with prior approval.

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