Tarzan swing on a catamaran in St Maarten. This 5-hour day sail cruises the ultramarine waters off Simpson Bay and gives you action at stops like Mullet Bay, plus the famous trapeze-style swing. You’ll also cruise past scenery on both the French and Dutch sides of the island.

I really like how the vibe stays small and easy, with a maximum of 30 travelers and lots of room on a clean, comfortable boat. I also love that the best parts are included: a grilled lunch, snacks, and an open bar with top-shelf drinks plus non-drink options.

One thing to plan for: this is a water-and-sun day. If you’re not excited about snorkeling gear, paddleboarding, or stepping up for the swing, you’ll want to rethink it or at least bring extra sun protection and a towel so you can enjoy the ride comfortably.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Tarzan Swing at sea: a trapeze-style swing that’s designed to be safe and fun for a wide age range (between 2 and 89).
• Two water-time stops: you’ll spend about 2 hours at each stop, with Mullet Bay packed with activities.
• Included snorkeling + paddleboarding: snorkel equipment, life jackets, and a stand-up paddleboard are part of the experience.
• Food is real lunch, not a snack plate: grilled skewers, salad, baguette, and rice served during the day.
• A crew that keeps things moving: named hosts like Anna and Jackie, with Captain Scotty, focus on safety and keeping drinks and gear sorted.
• Comfort-first sailing route: the day stays out on the Caribbean side, and it’s set up to be friendly if you’re sensitive to rough water.

Entering the day: how this St Maarten sail actually feels

This is one of those St Maarten tours where the rhythm is simple. You board, you get set up, the coastline slides by, then you spend your time where the water is the star. The boat leaves from Simpson Bay, and the crew keeps a steady flow of gear, drinks, and activities so you’re not stuck waiting around.

The best part is that the day doesn’t feel like a long, stiff excursion. It’s family-friendly, but it still has real thrills: snorkeling, paddleboarding, and that swing everyone talks about. You can hang in the shade, pop up for the water time when you want it, and still feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.

And yes, you’ll notice the details that make it feel cared for. People mention the boat stays clean and spacious, and the hosts (Anna and Jackie) run a tight, friendly operation with Captain Scotty in command.

The boat, the crew, and the “you’re taken care of” factor

On a sail like this, the difference between a good day and a great day is the crew energy. Here, that crew is a named team: Anna and Jackie as hosts, plus Captain Scotty. You’ll see them working the guest experience from the moment you step aboard, with constant checks that you have snorkel gear, a place to sit, and a drink if you want one.

The day also has a lighter touch that makes it feel personal. One review highlights the canine first mate, Queenie, which adds a memorable local charm. If you’re traveling with kids, that kind of small character detail matters because it turns a “tour” into something they’ll actually remember.

If you’re planning to snorkel, paddle, or try the swing, you’ll appreciate how the crew keeps instructions clear and safety-minded. The swing is described as easy and safe, and it’s exactly the kind of structured, supervised activity that helps most people relax and just enjoy it.

Price and value: what $139 buys you (and why it’s more than a ride)

At $139 per person for about 5 hours, this can be a strong value when you break down what’s included. This isn’t just transportation to a beach.

You get:

• lunch and snacks
• unlimited drinks with a top-shelf open bar
• stand-up paddleboarding equipment
• Tarzan Swing
• snorkel equipment and life jackets

In real life, that adds up fast. On many islands, even “simple” water activities can cost extra once you add rental gear and boat time. Here, the day is built around giving you multiple ways to be in the water, then feeding you on-board so you don’t lose hours to searching for food.

Also, the lunch gets described as something grilled onboard and served with proper sides: marinated chicken skewers, green salad, baguette, and Caribbean rice. That matters because it keeps the day from feeling like a trade-off between fun and food.

Meeting in Simpson Bay and settling into the sail

You start at 10:00 am, and the experience ends back at the meeting point. Many people find the pickup spot easy to reach, with the added comfort of being within walking distance of a ship and having parking available. You’ll also use a mobile ticket.

One practical tip from the important fine print: ignore what your ticket says about the meeting place and watch for the email with the confirmed location. Then check your junk mail too. This is the kind of small step that prevents stress on vacation.

Once you’re aboard, choose your spot based on your style. If you want the photos, go where you can see the coastline and feel the breeze. If you’re more about comfort, you’ll find shaded seating so you can watch the island fade into the distance without frying in the sun.

The route: French and Dutch sides without the long offshore slog

A lot of St Maarten sailing options feel similar until you look at how they pace the day. This one travels along the coastline to beaches on both the Dutch and French sides of the island. That gives you variety in scenery without forcing you into a long, rocky offshore trip.

There’s also an important comfort detail: the day stays in the Caribbean Sea and doesn’t head out into the Atlantic Ocean. People mention seasickness isn’t an issue here, and the sailing route is set up to avoid that “too far out” feeling.

You might also catch occasional wow-moments from the route. One review calls out seeing planes land while sailing near the airport area (Maho comes up in many St Maarten travel plans). Even if you don’t get a plane sighting, you’ll still get classic island coastline views and water that looks postcard-clean.

Stop One at Mullet Bay: snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a real lunch

Mullet Bay is where the day gets active. You’ll typically spend about 2 hours there, and it’s set up as the main water-play stop.

What you can expect:

• snorkel time
• stand-up paddleboarding
• kayak time
• swimming and beach time

The tour also includes noodle-style flotation gear, which is a fun extra if you’re floating around rather than chasing the best snorkeling visibility. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the kind of detail that keeps them smiling without having to be “perfect swimmers.”

While you’re out enjoying the water, lunch happens onboard. The meal is described as grilled chicken skewers with salad, baguette, and Caribbean rice. Drinks are part of the rhythm too, so you’re not stuck waiting until everyone eats. One small extra that stands out: people talk about rum punch being available, but if you don’t drink alcohol, you’ll still find soda and other options flowing.

Mullet Bay downside to consider

This is a sun-and-water stop. If you burn easily, you’ll want sunscreen and a towel ready to go. Also, if your goal is calm beach time only, there’s more “activity energy” here than you might expect.

The Tarzan Swing in action: safe, supervised, and surprisingly easy

The Tarzan Swing is the headline. The swing happens at the other stop (either Little Bay or Mullet Bay depending on the day and sea conditions), so you should expect it as part of the second water block.

The swing is described as trapeze-type and designed to be easy and safe, with participation possible for ages 2 through 89. That wide range is a clue that the crew isn’t running this as a risky stunt. It’s more like a structured, repeatable thrill, where you can feel confident you’re in good hands.

This is also the part of the day where the vibe turns loud in the best way. People laugh, queue up, and cheer each other on. If you’re traveling with friends or a mixed group (adults + teens + kids), it’s one activity that works across age and confidence levels.

My advice for first-timers

If you’re thinking about the swing, bring a towel and plan to get wet. Wear swimwear you’re comfortable staying in, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty or hungry. The crew runs drinks and snacks so you can stay energized between turns.

Stop Two at Little Bay: swing time plus more water play

Little Bay is the second stop, and it’s set up as another about-2-hours block. The order of stops can change depending on conditions, so don’t be shocked if your day starts at Mullet Bay first some days and flips on others.

At this stop, the Tarzan Swing takes center stage. There’s also a mention that the bar stays open and included, and snacks are available after the swing if you worked up an appetite from laughing and climbing around the boat.

Little Bay’s value is simple: it gives you a second “active window” without stretching the day into something exhausting. You get more time to swim, more time to enjoy the water, and you’re done with a bit more energy than you’d have after a single beach stop.

How the food and open bar shape your comfort level

A lot of boat days rise and fall on food and drink. Here, the included lunch is a major part of the quality score, not just an add-on. The grilled meal is served during the day, and that means you’re not trying to navigate island restaurants while you’re sun-tired.

The open bar is described as unlimited and top-shelf. That’s great if you want to relax, but it’s also about hydration and convenience. People who don’t drink still note having non-alcohol options (like soda water), and that’s key because it means the day doesn’t center only on alcohol.

Snacks are also included, which is a small detail that can save your mood. When you’re swapping between sun and water, hunger hits fast. With snacks available onboard, you’re less likely to feel drained mid-sail.

Group size, atmosphere, and who this sail fits best

This tour caps at 30 travelers, which keeps it from turning into a cattle-car boat day. Reviews repeatedly praise how not-overcrowded it feels, and that’s exactly what you want if you’re paying for comfort, water time, and crew attention.

It’s also family-friendly. You can do snorkeling and paddleboarding at your pace, and kids have plenty of ways to participate, including the noodle flotation and the swing. Adults tend to love the mix: a little sailing, a lot of water, and food/drinks that don’t require a separate plan.

If you’re an older traveler or anyone who doesn’t want to be in the water constantly, you can still enjoy the day from the boat. The sail is paced so you can stay comfortable and let others take the lead on the trickier activities.

Before you go: pack like a smart beach person

This is one of those days where the checklist saves you. Pack:

• bathing suit (you’ll be in the water)
• towel
• sunscreen
• comfortable footwear for boarding and moving around the deck

If you want to bring something extra, consider tips and small souvenirs. One review suggests bringing money to tip and even buying bracelets that benefit stray dogs on the island, which sounds like a local charity tie-in you might be offered onboard.

And if you’re concerned about motion, remember the day is set up to avoid the Atlantic and stay in the Caribbean Sea. Still, bring your personal comfort items just in case.

Should you book this St Maarten catamaran day sail?

Book it if you want a value-packed day that combines real food, serious water time, and one big thrill without turning the day into chaos. The Tarzan Swing, the snorkeling gear, the stand-up paddleboard, and the onboard grilled lunch make it feel like you’re getting multiple excursions rolled into one.

I’d skip it only if your idea of a perfect day is a quiet shore with minimal time in the water, or if the sun-and-activity schedule feels like too much. Otherwise, this is the kind of St Maarten experience that’s easy to recommend: comfortable boat, strong crew energy, and a day plan that moves you through the best parts of the coastline.

FAQ

How long is the St Maarten catamaran day sail?

It runs for about 5 hours, starting at 10:00 am.

Where does the tour start and end?

It departs from Simpson Bay and ends back at the meeting point.

What stops are included?

The day includes stops at Mullet Bay and Little Bay, with the swing happening at the second stop depending on conditions.

What’s included for water activities?

You’ll have stand-up paddleboarding, Tarzan Swing, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and the chance to do activities like kayaking and swimming time at the stops.

Are drinks included, and is there an age limit for alcohol?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included with a top-shelf open bar, and the minimum age to consume alcohol is 18.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

You Might Also Enjoy

Sunset Champagne Cruise in St. MaartenPrivate Island Tour in St. MaartenBoomerang’s Best of St. Martin/Maarten: Swim with TurtlesAdventure Island Tour