Turtles and turquoise water, all day long. This full-day St Maarten luxury catamaran charter pairs scenic sailing with real time in the water, plus food and drinks onboard, on a 48-foot boat that keeps the group capped at 15. You’ll cruise the coast, hit standout swim spots, and (weather permitting) work in a famous turtle stop on Tintamarre Island.

What I like most is the small-group feel and the practical pace. You’re not rushing from place to place—you get shade on board, multiple chances to swim, and gear time that actually matches a full 8:30-to-5:30 schedule.

One thing to keep in mind: stops are weather dependent, and when conditions turn rough, snorkeling or specific anchor plans can change. If you’re the type who plans their vacation around one exact beach stop, you’ll want to stay flexible.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 15 passengers on a 48-foot catamaran keeps the day relaxed and spacious
• Tintamarre Island turtle swim is a standout part of the route
• Four-course lunch plus snacks and a full open bar means you can eat well without leaving the boat
• Snorkeling, fishing gear, and 2 paddleboards give you options beyond swimming
• Weather can shift stops, so bring a flexible mindset for the sea conditions

A 15-person luxury charter that actually feels calm

This is a full-day charter built around comfort and breathing room. The boat is a 48-foot (about 15-meter) catamaran, and the group cap is 15 travelers, which is exactly the kind of limit that helps everything feel smoother—boarding, lunch, and getting ready for water time.

I also like that it’s a shared charter that still aims for a premium feel. You get to enjoy the onboard setup and service level without paying for a fully private boat.

The key location is Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg. The meeting point is in front of the Greenhouse restaurant (over the little bridge), and you depart at 8:30am. You’ll be back at the marina around 5:30pm.

Your day at sea: 8:30am to 5:30pm with real breaks

The schedule runs like a proper day, not a rushed half-day. You’ll start with breakfast onboard, then cruise and anchor for swimming, gear time, and a full lunch experience. Two stand-up paddleboards are onboard, and snorkeling and fishing gear are included for the stops.

A common pattern is sailing around St. Maarten/St. Martin and visiting places like Happy Bay and Long Bay La Samana, plus the uninhabited Tintamarre Island. Exact stops can shift with conditions, but the overall flow stays the same: morning swim stop, turtle time, then more relaxing coast cruising.

Bring a simple mindset: this is a day to enjoy motion, salt air, and downtime between water moments. If you’re hoping for nonstop action, a calm catamaran day might feel slow—in the best way, or in the annoying way. The difference is personal.

Happy Bay and Long Bay La Samana: where the water time starts

Happy Bay Beach is the first listed swim stop, with an 8:30am departure and a return to the marina at 5:30pm. This is the point where the day stops being “sitting on a boat” and becomes “getting in the ocean.”

Happy Bay is also one of those areas where the coastline looks great from the water, which matters because you’ll still be sailing around St. Maarten between anchors. Even when the plan changes due to weather, you’re usually still looking at classic Caribbean coast views and finding time to swim.

Long Bay La Samana is another listed stop option, and it fits the charter’s style: you get time at water level rather than just a quick stop. If you love snorkeling, paddle time, or just floating with nothing to do, these anchor points are doing the heavy lifting.

If you’re into the famous Maho Beach plane-spotting, keep an eye out for chances to see that famous airport spectacle from the water. The route is built for coastal sightseeing, and plane-watch is specifically mentioned as part of the experience.

Tintamarre Island turtle swim: the moment everyone remembers

Tintamarre Island is the anchor stop tied to the sea turtle swim. The schedule lists about two hours at this part of the day, and this is where the trip earns its hype.

What you should expect in practice: you’ll likely spend part of that time in the water with snorkeling gear. You also get the broader catamaran rhythm—sun/shade balance onboard, then a more focused water window when you arrive.

Safety matters here. I’d treat it like real snorkeling, not a grab-and-go swim. Stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t rush toward anything moving underwater.

One helpful caution pulled from real moments on the water: avoid touching ropes or mooring lines in the water. There was at least one case of skin irritation after contact with underwater lines near a mooring/anchor area, and you can avoid the hassle by staying hands-off and focusing on swimming and watching.

Snorkel, fish, or paddle: your day, your mix

The package is flexible by design. You get snorkeling gear, fishing gear, and two stand-up paddleboards included, so you can switch activities based on mood and sea conditions.

Here’s how I’d think about the mix:

• If you want time underwater, prioritize snorkeling windows at each anchor stop.
• If you’d rather be active but not snorkel, paddleboarding is a great middle option.
• If you’re more into relaxing with something to do, fishing gear can fill the in-between moments.

You don’t need to choose once and commit all day. The value of a charter like this is that you can change plans without feeling like you’re missing something essential.

Also, the catamaran setup includes lots of shade, which matters when you’re out on the water for hours. It’s not just “cool to have” shade—it’s what makes it easier to enjoy long stops without feeling fried.

Four-course lunch and an open bar that keeps the day easy

Food on a boat can be hit or miss. This one is built around meals that take the whole day seriously.

You’ll start with breakfast: French pastries, fresh fruits, and tea/coffee. Then you’ll have appetizers/snacks before the main lunch. The lunch is listed as a four-course gourmet meal served onboard.

What that means for you is simple: you don’t have to scramble for food when you’re tired from sun and swimming. You also don’t have to pay extra for lunch every time you want to eat.

The open bar is full and included, along with alcoholic beverages. You’ll also have a welcome drink listed—either a mimosa or a Bloody Mary—so the day feels like it starts with a little celebration, not a checklist.

There’s a vegetarian option available, and you can advise at booking. If you’re traveling with picky eaters, this is one of those “small detail, big stress saver” inclusions.

A nice touch: there are specific mentions of desserts that felt special enough to celebrate moments, like birthday-style treatment onboard. That’s not the kind of thing you should expect every time, but it matches the overall tone—food is treated as part of the experience, not as a concession.

Crew names you might meet, and what they do well

A big part of why this charter scores so high is the staff energy and the way service stays steady all day. Captains and crew handle the sailing, prepping, cooking, and cleanup while keeping the vibe friendly.

From the names connected with past trips, you might meet captains like Benjamin or Alois, with crew members such as Georgia, Pavla, Soelle, or Eloise (names can vary by sailing). The recurring theme is attentiveness: checking in, making sure people have what they need, and keeping guests comfortable through moving water and multiple stops.

Safety also comes up repeatedly. Even when the sea gets choppy, the crew is described as safety-focused and skilled at navigation. That’s important because your comfort isn’t only about weather—it’s about how the boat is handled.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $245

At $245 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see St. Maarten from the water. The reason I think it still makes sense for many people is the bundle you’re getting.

You’re paying for:

• a full-day itinerary (about 9 hours)
• breakfast and snacks
• a four-course lunch
• a full open bar
• snorkeling gear and fishing gear
• two paddleboards
• a turtle-focused stop at Tintamarre Island (weather dependent)

If you price out those pieces separately—especially lunch, drinks, and guided time around the coast—you start to see why a shared charter can feel like better value than it first sounds.

The max 15-person cap also matters. You’re not trading away comfort for cost in a way that makes the day unpleasant.

What to bring (so you can enjoy it, not manage it)

This is where you can make the day easier with almost no effort:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Beach towels
• A current valid passport required on travel day

Because it’s weather dependent, pack like someone who expects sun and water and plans to be in the ocean if conditions allow.

Also, remember children must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling with kids, this charter is set up for families, and the boat size plus included activities can make the day feel manageable.

Who this catamaran charter is best for

I think this fits best when you want a high-comfort day on the water with activities included. It’s great for:

• couples who want a “no-planning” day with food and drinks
• families with kids who can handle a full day and want snorkeling and water time
• friend groups who want a relaxed shared day without the chaos of a large boat

It’s also a strong choice when you’re trying to escape the bigger-tour crowd vibe. The small-group limit and the onboard setup are the whole point.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a full-day St Maarten coast experience with real inclusions: meals, drinks, snorkeling/fishing gear, paddleboards, and a shot at that turtle swim stop. At $245, you’re paying for comfort and convenience more than for a single activity.

Skip it only if you’re the type who gets upset when weather changes plans. Since the route and specific stops are weather dependent, the best version of this day happens when conditions cooperate.

If you can handle a “sea day” mindset—swim when it’s calm, snack and lounge when it’s not—this charter is the kind of vacation memory you’ll still talk about later.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?

It departs at 8:30am and returns to the meeting point around 5:30pm.

Where do I meet the catamaran?

You’ll meet at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg. The boat is located in front of the Greenhouse restaurant (over the little bridge).

What’s included in the price?

The price includes breakfast, snacks/appetizers, a four-course gourmet lunch, and a full open bar with alcoholic beverages. Snorkeling and fishing gear are included, along with 2 stand-up paddleboards.

Are there specific stops during the day?

Stops are weather dependent, but the itinerary can include Happy Bay, Long Bay La Samana, and Tintamarre Island for the sea turtle swim. You’ll also be sailing around St Maarten/St Martin.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

Do you need a passport?

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

You Might Also Enjoy

Sun & Fun Combo Jetski/ATVSint Maarten Island Private ToursSky Explorer and Sentry Hill Zip Line Adventure St MaartinBilly Bones Exclusive Private Charter Around St.Maarten