This private cruise turns St. Martin and Anguilla into a choose-your-own-adventure, with your captain adjusting the stops to weather and your interests, plus unlimited drinks and snorkeling gear on board. I like the way the day mixes big sights (Maho’s plane landings) with real water time (pristine beach swimming). One thing to plan for: there are extra fees and taxes listed for Anguilla and possibly Rendezvous Bay, so check what you’ll owe before you go.

You get an 8-hour outing that feels fast in a good way: board in the morning, hop beaches and snorkel spots, and still have time to lounge. And because it’s private (only your group), you’re not stuck with a loud schedule that fits strangers better than you.

Key points you should know before you go

• Private vessel, up to 10 people: Charter your own speedboat so the day can match your pace.
• Captain-led customization: Your itinerary can shift with weather and interests, not a fixed script.
• Snorkeling focus with gear included: Bring your swimsuit; snorkeling equipment and a giant floating mat are part of the deal.
• Open bar and snacks onboard: Unlimited drinks and snacks help the day feel like a vacation, not a chore.
• Beach-hopping plus Maho planes: Short hit at Maho (about 20 minutes) gives you the iconic landing-view moment.

How this private St. Martin to Anguilla cruise actually feels

This is built for people who want control. Instead of picking from a crowded catamaran schedule, you’re on your own speedboat. That matters because the best snorkeling and beach time around St. Martin and Anguilla depends on wind, swell, and light. When conditions change, you don’t just watch the plan fall apart—you work with the captain to swap stops.

The “big picture” is simple: swim, snorkel, and lounge in warm water, with the chance to hit standout areas like Tintamarre, Creole Rock, and Prickly Pear (all mentioned as top snorkeling options). Then you add land-based wow moments too—especially the quick stop at Maho.

Your captain also sets the tone. In the reviews, captains like Elliot (with deck hand William) and Jean-Claude, plus Etienne, are described as engaged and flexible, and several people highlight that drinks/snacks and pacing were handled with care. That combination—water time plus good hosting—is what turns a boat day into a real memory.

Price and value for a group charter (and when it’s worth it)

The price is $1,700 per group for up to 10 people, and it’s often booked about 34 days in advance. That group pricing is the entire value proposition: if you fill the boat with a mixed group of friends or family, the cost per person becomes reasonable compared with many private tours that charge per head.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• If you have a small group (say 2–4), you’re paying a premium for privacy and tailoring.
• If you can get closer to 8–10 people, the per-person math starts to look a lot better.
• Either way, you get included fuel, a guide/driver, snorkeling gear, and unlimited drinks, which are costs you’d otherwise pay on your own.

One more value point: you’re not just buying transport. You’re buying someone to manage timing, crowd-free access, and the constant question of where the water looks best today. That’s the real reason people rate this so highly.

Entering the day: meeting point, start time, and what to bring

The tour starts at 9:00am at Paper Boat Charter Marina Anse-marcel, Saint-martin (97150). It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not doing any end-of-day guesswork.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking. You also need a current valid passport for the day. Service animals are allowed, and it says most travelers can participate—so this is set up for typical health and mobility levels.

What I’d bring (because the water portion is the whole point):

• Swimsuit and a quick-dry cover-up for beach-to-boat moments
• Reef-safe sunscreen (you’ll be in the sun for hours)
• A towel or something you can stand/walk with afterward
• A dry bag for phones and passports in case you get wet
• Water shoes if you’re the type who hates stepping onto rocky edges (especially useful if conditions aren’t perfectly smooth)

And because open bar is included, I’d still pace your drinks. You’re snorkeling and swimming—so make it a fun day, not a slow one.

The itinerary in plain English: stops, timing, and trade-offs

This day runs about 8 hours and is intentionally flexible. The captain can adjust stops with weather and your preferences, so treat the order as the outline rather than a rigid script.

Stop 1: Rendezvous Bay Beach (about 1 hour)

Rendezvous Bay is the kind of beach that makes you stop thinking and just swim. The plan gives you about 1 hour to enjoy white sand and crystal-clear water.

Two practical notes:

• There’s a conflict in the provided info about beach fees: the itinerary says admission is included, but the costs list also mentions Rendezvous Bay Beach $35 per person not included. So plan to confirm the final fee at booking or right when you check in.
• This is a swim-first stop. If you hate sand time, know the beach is the main event.

Stop 2: Maho (about 20 minutes)

Maho is the quick hit: you get about 20 minutes to watch planes landing. It’s short on purpose. You’re not staying long enough to get bored, but you’re there long enough to see the spectacle.

Safety-wise, it’s a busy area by nature (cars, people, and aircraft), so keep your eyes up and follow the captain’s guidance on where to stand and how to move around.

This stop is also a good “break” from longer snorkeling segments. If you’re with people who don’t snorkel, Maho gives them an activity that still feels like a big deal.

Stop 3: Pinel Island (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

Pinel Island brings a lunch option and more beach time. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes, and lunch is in one of the island’s two restaurants (lunch itself is not included).

This is a nice balance stop: you’ve snorkeled and swum already, and now you can sit down, eat, and regroup before the later part of the day. If you want a chill vibe, Pinel fits. If you want constant action, you might wish you had more than 90 minutes, but most people consider this the right length in an 8-hour boat day.

Stop 4: Paper Boat Charter / marina time (about 10 minutes)

There’s a short 10-minute block tied to Paper Boat Charter. In practice, this kind of slot usually works like a quick marina moment in the flow—boarding, orientation, and/or a brief reset before the next movement. Your day starts and ends at the meeting point, so you’re essentially building the whole experience around the marina as your anchor.

Snorkeling quality: gear, floating mat, and where the captain helps

The snorkeling focus is one of the strongest reasons to book this. You’re not doing a “hope you see something” swim. The company includes snorkeling equipment, and there’s also a giant floating mat to help you relax on the water.

That floating mat detail matters more than it sounds. It gives you a stable place to rest, catch your breath, and adjust if the snorkeling pace isn’t perfect for everyone in your group. In the reviews, people mention that even non-snorkelers still had a great time, which lines up with the idea that you can swim around without pressure to go deep or stay underwater long.

The best spots are referenced in the tour description—Tintamarre, Creole Rock, and Prickly Pear—so your captain can steer you toward what fits today’s conditions. That captain flexibility is the big advantage over fixed-route tours.

What you can expect from the water time:

• Short moves between swimming spots, which keeps the day from feeling like “travel all day”
• Lots of chances to be in the water, not just once
• Fish and turtles are specifically called out in reviews, so you should go with the mindset that you’ll likely see marine life

Open bar and snacks onboard: fun factor and smart pacing

The included perks are generous: unlimited drinks (open bar) plus snacks onboard. If you’re planning this as a birthday day, family day, or just a “we deserve this” vacation moment, this is a big piece of why people rate it so highly.

A practical tip: treat the open bar like part of the experience, not the whole experience. I’d sip and stay alert, especially when you’re snorkeling. The best boat days keep you mobile and comfortable, not sleepy.

Also, plan your timing. With stops like Maho and Pinel Island, you’ll switch between sun, water, and shade a lot. Having drinks nearby makes that transition easier.

Weather and flexibility: why a smart captain changes your whole day

Weather is the hidden boss on any island day. The tour is designed around that reality: your itinerary can be customized to weather conditions. In reviews, there are examples of captains adjusting timing for a better experience and being flexible about the route.

This is not just customer service talk. It affects what you actually get—calm water for snorkeling, visibility for swimming, and fewer rushed moments. If you want a smoother day (especially if you’re traveling with kids or mixed abilities), this flexibility is a real advantage.

Service style: the host matters more than you’d think

One pattern shows up repeatedly in feedback: the captains and crew act like they’re running a real outing, not just getting you to pre-planned coordinates.

Names that come up include:

• Captain Elliot, with William on deck
• Captain William
• Jean-Claude, described as attentive and knowledgeable about the islands
• Etienne, mentioned as a fantastic captain who also handled guide and onboard hosting roles

Even when the reviews praise the boat or the beaches, they often connect the good time to how the captain guided the day: customizing stops, sharing ideas, and keeping the group comfortable.

That’s why I’d choose this even if I could find a cheaper group cruise. Privacy is great, but hosting is the difference between a day that’s merely pretty and a day that feels well-run.

Who this private cruise is best for

This works well if:

• You want a private day with your own pace
• You like snorkeling but also want beach time and sightseeing moments
• You’re traveling with a group that includes non-snorkelers (Maho and beach stops help)
• You care about flexibility, because weather can make or break water plans
• You’d rather pay for included perks (snorkeling gear, open bar, fuel) than piece together your own day

It might not be ideal if:

• Your group wants a strictly fixed, guaranteed schedule with no changes
• You’re on a tight budget and don’t have enough people to spread the charter cost
• You prefer longer stays at fewer sites instead of a “mix-and-match” day

A note on fees and documents you must handle

You’ll need a passport. That’s non-negotiable in the provided details.

On the money side, the data lists:

• Anguilla tax as not included
• Rendezvous Bay Beach $35 per person as not included

At the same time, the itinerary text indicates admission is included for Rendezvous Bay. Because those notes don’t perfectly align, the best move is to confirm what you’ll actually pay before you arrive.

This isn’t a deal-breaker. It just avoids an awkward moment mid-day.

Should you book this St. Martin and Anguilla private cruise?

If you’re looking at the islands and thinking, I want the best water time without crowds, I’d book. The combination of private speedboat, a captain who can adjust to weather, included snorkeling gear, and an open bar makes it feel like a true charter day rather than a standard excursion.

I’d also book if your group values variety: swim beaches, a quick iconic stop at Maho, and a lunch-and-lounge break at Pinel Island. That mix is hard to beat in one outing.

The one reason to hesitate is planning for additional taxes/fees and confirming the Rendezvous Bay fee situation. If you’re good with that small bit of homework, you’ll likely find this is the kind of day that turns into your trip highlight.

FAQ

What is the price for the private cruise?

It’s $1,700 per group, up to 10 people.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Paper Boat Charter Marina Anse-marcel, Saint-martin (97150), St Martin.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear and drinks?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there are unlimited drinks on an open bar, along with snacks.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though there are restaurants on Pinel Island.

Are there any extra taxes or fees not included?

Yes. Anguilla tax is not included, and there is a Rendezvous Bay Beach $35 per person fee listed as not included in the details provided.

Do I need a passport?

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

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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