Speedboats make St Maarten feel tiny. This private speedboat charter gives you the steering wheel for your day, with stops picked by you and your captain based on weather and what you want to see most. You’ll cruise the coastline, swim in clear water, and bounce between beaches and snorkeling zones without being stuck on a big-group schedule.

I love the flexible itinerary because your captain can adjust the plan in real time, instead of you fitting into someone else’s timeline. I also like the practical setup: snorkeling gear and drinks are included onboard, so you can spend more time in the water and less time organizing stuff.

One consideration: you’ll meet at the marina in Cole Bay (no hotel pickup listed), and you’ll be on one boat with your exact seating/layout. If you’re very sensitive about comfort, it’s worth thinking about that before you book.

Key takeaways for your St Maarten speedboat day

• Private charter means only your group in the boat, which makes it easier to move at the speed you want
• Captain-led routing lets you swap priorities like sea turtles vs. beach time depending on conditions
• Creole Rock, Tintamarre, and Pinel Island pack multiple snorkeling beaches into one outing
• Onboard drinks are included (water, soft drinks, beers, rose wine, rum punch) so you’re not paying for refreshments mid-cruise
• Maho Beach is time-boxed for plane watching, not a long hangout
• A $5 Marine Park fee per person is not included, so budget a little extra

Private captain, your pace: how the day really works

This is a private speedboat charter, which changes the vibe fast. Instead of lining up with tour groups and hoping your timing matches the water, you and your captain shape the day. You tell them what you care about—snorkeling, quiet beaches, turtles, lagoon views, a specific beach meal—and then the captain plans the most realistic route based on weather and the time you’ve booked (half day or full day).

That flexibility matters in St Maarten because conditions can shift. Wind and current can make one snorkeling area great and another less comfortable. A captain-led itinerary lets you chase the better window rather than sticking to a fixed checklist.

You’ll also notice the charter approach in the way the day is structured: short cruising legs, then concentrated blocks for swimming, snorkeling, or photos. It’s the type of plan that works well if you want momentum—no waiting around for everyone to finish.

Cole Bay and Simpson Bay lagoon: starting with the views

Your meeting point is at Powerboat Adventures, 57 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The charter returns you to the same place at the end, so you’re not dealing with a complicated pickup-and-drop route.

A typical early stop is cruising along Simpson Bay lagoon with a guided look at points of interest and stories tied to the island. This is one of those “get your bearings” moments. Even if snorkeling is the main goal, the lagoon cruise sets context—where the big activity sits, how the coastline breaks up, and what areas you’ll be approaching next.

This part is also practical: it gets you moving right away, before you settle into the water time. And because it’s relatively short, it doesn’t steal hours from your best swimming stops.

Creole Rock snorkeling: where the water does the talking

One of the standout snorkeling stops is Creole Rock, located in the St Martin nature reserve. The key pitch here is fish variety. You’re going for an underwater scene where visibility and reef life can combine into a more interesting swim than a generic beach splash.

Plan for about an hour at Creole Rock. In real terms, that hour is often split across:

• getting suited up with the provided snorkeling gear
• a first pass to see what’s around
• optional repeat swimming if you’re having a good time

If you’re bringing kids or someone newer to snorkeling, this stop is a strong anchor because you can spend time floating and watching fish without feeling forced into a long swim.

Possible drawback: snorkeling success is always weather-dependent. You’ll get the best experience with the conditions you’re given that day.

Tintamarre Island: uninhabited shoreline and sea turtle potential

Next up is Tintamarre Island, another nature-reserve style stop. It’s uninhabited, which usually means fewer distractions and a more natural feel. The big reason people pick it is the chance to snorkel in an area where sea turtles can show up.

You’ll have around an hour here, which is enough time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed. For many people, the “turtle possibility” changes everything: you slow down, keep your eyes up, and spend more time calmly scanning the water instead of powering through.

Tip from how this itinerary is set up: if sea turtles are on your wish list, treat this stop like the priority. If the day feels busy, ask your captain to keep the schedule tight so you don’t lose prime turtle hours.

Pinel Island and the iguana factor: beach time with wildlife

Pinel Island brings a different flavor: uninhabited shoreline, very shallow waters, and the chance to spot iguanas. This is one of those stops that can work for mixed groups—strong swimmers, casual swimmers, and people who want to relax with their feet in the water.

You’ll usually get about an hour. One of the useful perks here is that Pinel Island also has two beach restaurants where you may be able to have lunch. Lunch is not included in the charter price, so you’d pay there if you choose it. Still, the fact that you’re near food while you’re on an island makes the half-or-full day plan feel more complete.

Possible drawback: shallow water is great for easy entry, but it can also mean you’ll be paying more attention to footing and where you’re walking. It’s not a problem, just something to keep in mind if you’re wearing water shoes (a smart idea for most island shorelines).

La Samanna and Baie Longue: a shaded, resort-adjacent beach moment

There’s also a stop tied to La Samanna (a Belmond hotel area), aimed at Baie Longue, described as a beautiful and hidden beach with shade from the resort area.

This is an itinerary win for anyone who wants some “post-snorkel” decompression time. After reef time, you often want a calmer spot to sit, cool down, and let the day stretch out. A shaded beach stop helps with that, especially under Caribbean sun.

In practical terms, expect about an hour. That’s enough for a relaxed swim and a good chunk of lounging, but not enough to treat it like a whole-day beach getaway. If your ideal day is mostly beach, a full day charter gives you more breathing room.

Maho Beach for plane spotting: short, loud, and memorable

Finally, the plan often includes Maho Beach, famous for plane landings and takeoffs that feel extremely close. In the itinerary structure, this is a shorter stop (around 15 minutes), with the goal being the show, not a long beach hangout.

This works because Maho is intense—loud, fast-moving, and focused on a single spectacle. A short stop prevents it from swallowing your entire day.

If planes are a “must see,” treat Maho as a quick photo-and-watch moment. If you’re sensitive to noise or prefer quiet, you might spend the rest of your time on the boat or in other quieter beach stops instead.

Drinks onboard, snorkel gear, and what to bring

What’s included onboard is refreshingly clear:

• water
• soft drinks
• beers
• rose wine
• rum punch
• snorkeling equipment

The age rule is straightforward: the minimum drinking age is 18. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the charter is set up as a private group activity, so you’re not juggling strangers’ needs while trying to snorkel.

One practical note from the vibe of the onboard experience: the drinks are included, but the onboard alcohol selection may not hit the mark for every palate—especially if someone in your group is mainly watching from the boat instead of swimming. If you’re picky about wine or want specific premium options, plan for that by adjusting expectations or adding your own preferences where allowed by your group plan.

What you should bring (since it’s not listed as included):

• swimwear and a light cover-up
• sunscreen (use what you trust; reef-safe is a good idea when possible)
• a towel or small quick-dry layer (boats don’t always come with one for your personal use)
• water shoes for shallow rocky areas
• a dry bag for phone and essentials

Also, have a moderate physical fitness level. A speedboat day includes getting on/off, swimming, and moving around on the boat and at stops, even when the itinerary stays relaxed.

Price and value: is $398.56 per person worth it?

At $398.56 per person, this charter is not a bargain-basement option. But it’s also not paying for a long list of strangers and a rushed schedule.

Here’s what you’re getting for the money:

• a private speedboat (only your group)
• a professional captain/guide
• snorkeling gear
• water and a full spread of soft drinks plus alcoholic options onboard
• a route that can include multiple swimming and snorkeling stops over several hours

Compare that to the hidden costs of “cheap” tours:

• many group excursions charge extra for snorkeling access or gear
• refreshments often cost extra
• you may spend time waiting for a schedule that doesn’t match what you want

This is why the charter tends to feel like good value when you’re traveling as a small group and you want quality time in the water. It’s especially appealing if you don’t want to spend your day chasing logistics while others decide your stops.

Two small extras can affect your total:

• Marine Park fee: $5 per person (listed as not included)
• lunch (not included), even if you pass locations where beach restaurants are available

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to pick the beach and snorkel spots directly, the price starts to make sense fast. If you just want a quick boat ride and don’t care about snorkeling, you may be happier with a simpler outing.

Who this charter is best for (and who should think twice)

This charter shines if you match these priorities:

• you want a flexible plan rather than a rigid checklist
• snorkeling is a top interest (gear is handled, and the route includes dedicated snorkeling areas)
• you like the idea of hopping between beaches and coves without wasting time
• you’re traveling with family or friends and want a private setting

The reviews and typical group setups suggest it’s a great fit for couples and families because the day is structured around swim time and downtime. You can also tailor it to mixed comfort levels by choosing which stops get longer snorkeling attention and which ones become swim-then-lounge moments.

Think twice if:

• your group is very noise-averse or plane-spotting is a hard no (Maho is included but time-boxed)
• you have limited comfort with boat movement or you prefer fully guided, slow-paced shore activities (this charter is active by nature)
• you expect hotel pickup and door-to-door service (meeting point is Cole Bay)

Weather, cruise timing, and how to avoid stress

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you’re cruising, you’ll need to provide ship name and your docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times so the captain can plan around your window.

That cruise-ship timing piece is worth taking seriously. The whole day works best when your departure and return are realistic. Give accurate times at booking and keep a little buffer in mind, especially if you’re switching from ship to meeting point transport on your own.

Also remember: there’s no hotel pickup listed. So for non-cruisers, your biggest “timing risk” is just getting to Powerboat Adventures on Cole Bay on time.

Should you book this private speedboat charter in St Maarten?

Book it if you want control over your day: choose snorkeling priorities, hit a couple of standout stops, and relax with included drinks while you cruise. The itinerary style fits travelers who want a lot of time in the water without the hassle of group schedules.

Skip it if your trip goal is mostly lounging on one beach or you want heavy structure and guaranteed long shore time at every stop. With a speedboat charter, you trade some stationary beach time for movement, swimming options, and the chance to match the route to the day’s conditions.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: decide what matters most (sea turtles, snorkeling variety, or just beach and drinks), then tell your captain clearly. That’s where the private part turns into a better day, not just a pricier one.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat charter in St Maarten?

You can book a half-day option of about 3.5 hours or a full-day option of about 7 hours.

What is included in the price?

The charter includes a private tour with a professional captain/guide, onboard water and drinks (soft drinks, beers, rose wine, and rum punch), and use of snorkeling equipment.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Powerboat Adventures, 57 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour private or shared?

This is private. Only your group participates.

Are there extra fees for Marine Parks?

Yes. A $5 per person Marine Park fee is not included in the price.

What are the age rules for the included drinks?

The minimum drinking age is 18. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather is poor?

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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