Private Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Charter in St Maarten

The best part of this full-day charter is the freedom to see St Maarten from the water, where beaches, rocky points, and quiet coves are often more appealing than the busy shore. You sail around the island, stop at Creole Rock for snorkeling, then head to Tintamarre Island for turtles, swimming, lunch, and beach time.

I like the generous setup: an open bar and hot barbecue lunch are included, along with snorkeling gear, a paddle board, fishing rods, snacks, and soft drinks. I also like the private format, since your group can shape the day instead of following a fixed boat schedule.

The main consideration is the price, $2,800 for up to 15 people. That can be sensible for a full group, but expensive for only two or three guests. The day also depends on good weather, and eight hours on the water is a long outing if your group would rather keep things short.

Key Points Before You Book

• Tintamarre Island is the day’s big reward: Expect swimming, a beach stop, possible turtle sightings, and a Caribbean barbecue lunch.
• Creole Rock is the main snorkeling stop: It is identified as St Maarten’s number one snorkeling site for fish.
• The boat circles St Maarten and St Martin: You see parts of the island that are accessible only from the sea.
• Food and drinks are covered: The package includes a hot barbecue lunch, salads, snacks, bottled water, coffee, tea, soda, beer, spirits, and rum punch.
• Your group gets a private boat: The listed capacity is up to 15 people, with flexible plans rather than a shared excursion.
• Crew service is a strong part of the appeal: Louise and Tonya are named among the crew members associated with the outing, and the captains are licensed and experienced.

Sailing Around St Maarten From Simpson Bay

Your day begins at 9:00 a.m. at 88 Welfare Road in Simpson Bay and ends at the same meeting point. Simpson Bay is a practical launch point for a full island circuit, since you can get onto the water without spending the morning driving between beaches.

This is a private charter, so only your group takes part. That matters more than it may sound. You do not have to fit into a stranger’s mood, wait for a large boatload to finish swimming, or accept every stop on a preset schedule.

The catamaran is described as extremely stable and is handled by experienced, licensed captains. You can settle in the sun or find shade, which gives you a choice on a long day when the heat builds.

The sailing itself is part of the point. This is not simply a speedboat ride from one swim stop to another. You get time on the water to see the island from a different angle, with the crew handling the sailing while you relax, talk, eat, or watch the coast pass by.

La Samanna and the Water Along the French Side

One of the planned highlights is La Samanna, a well-known coastal area on the French side of the island. From the boat, you get a view that road-based sightseeing cannot provide. The shoreline, beaches, and rocky edges make more sense when seen as part of one connected coast.

The exact length of each stop can be adjusted because the charter is private and the itinerary is flexible. That does not mean every request is guaranteed, since the captain must account for weather, sea conditions, and the time needed to complete the route.

I would treat La Samanna as a scenic part of the circuit rather than the main swimming stop. Tintamarre Island and Creole Rock appear to be the strongest anchors of the day, while La Samanna adds variety and helps you see more of St Maarten and St Martin from the sea.

Snorkeling at Creole Rock

Creole Rock is presented as St Maarten’s number one snorkeling site for fish. You receive the snorkeling equipment on board, so you do not need to bring a mask, fins, or related gear unless you prefer your own.

This stop gives the day some focus. Instead of simply looking at the water from the deck, you can get in and see what is below the surface. The boat also carries paddle boards and fishing rods for trolling, so your group has other ways to spend time in the water.

Snorkeling conditions can change with wind, waves, and visibility. The operator does not promise a particular number of fish or guaranteed conditions, so keep your expectations sensible. Still, having the gear supplied makes it easy to try without arranging a separate snorkeling trip.

If your group has mixed interests, this equipment list is useful. One person can snorkel, another can paddle board, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink. That flexibility is one of the better reasons to choose a private charter instead of a narrow, single-purpose excursion.

Tintamarre Island for Turtles, Swimming, and Beach Time

Tintamarre Island is the most distinctive stop on the route. The plan is to swim with turtles, enjoy a Caribbean barbecue lunch, and spend time on the beach. This is the section of the day that gives the charter its strongest sense of escape.

The island is reached by boat, so it offers access to a place you cannot simply reach by car. You get a change of pace from the open-water sailing and a chance to stretch your legs on shore.

Turtle sightings are part of the planned experience, but wildlife is never fully controlled. You might see turtles, and conditions may affect how much time you spend looking for them. It is best to view this as a strong possibility rather than a guarantee.

The beach stop also helps break up the eight-hour schedule. A full day on a catamaran can feel repetitive if you never leave the boat. Tintamarre gives you a proper pause, while the lunch service keeps the middle of the day simple.

A Hot Barbecue Lunch With an Open Bar

Lunch is not an afterthought here. The included meal is a hot barbecue with salads, served alongside Gouda cheese and fresh baguette during the day. Snacks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are also included.

The drinks list is unusually broad for a private sailing outing. You get beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky, plus soda and other nonalcoholic choices. The open bar is useful for a group with mixed habits, although you should still pace yourself in the sun.

The inclusion of food and drinks changes the value calculation. You are not paying $2,800 and then adding a separate lunch, bar tab, snorkeling rental, and paddle board hire. Much of the day’s spending is already bundled into the charter.

You should still tell the operator about any food or drink concerns before departure, since the supplied details do not specify vegetarian choices, allergies, or a full menu. Do not assume that every dietary request is covered without checking.

Why the $2,800 Group Price Can Make Sense

The price is $2,800 per group, with a listed maximum of 15 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $187 per person before any additional personal spending. For a large family, wedding group, birthday party, or group of friends, that is a more reasonable figure than the headline price suggests.

For four people, the same charter works out to $700 each. For two people, it becomes a very expensive private day. I would book this mainly when your group can share the cost and values privacy, food, drinks, and a full island circuit.

The private format also gives the price practical value. You are paying for the boat, crew, equipment, meals, and time, not just transportation to one beach. The flexibility is especially helpful if your group includes swimmers, sunbathers, children, and people who would rather stay dry.

The published limit is 15 people. A past family outing was described as having 22 participants, but you should not assume that larger groups are accepted under the current arrangement. If your party exceeds 15, contact Adventure Sports Sailing before booking.

Who Will Enjoy This Full-Day Charter

This trip suits people who want a complete day on the water rather than a short sail. You will get the most from it if your group enjoys swimming, snorkeling, beach stops, casual meals, and an open bar.

Families can benefit from the stable catamaran and the range of activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the private setup lets your group manage breaks and swimming time more easily than a shared boat might.

It also works well for a group celebration. The crew can serve lunch on board, the drinks are included, and the route gives the day a clear sense of occasion without requiring you to plan several separate bookings.

This is less suited to someone who dislikes long boat trips, strong sun, or flexible timing. If your main goal is a quick snorkeling session, an eight-hour private charter is more than you need.

The excursion is also dependent on good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund, but bad weather can still disrupt vacation plans.

Crew, Comfort, and Practical Details

Louise and Tonya are among the crew members associated with this outing. The crew is expected to provide guidance, handle the boat, and help organize the water activities. The captains are described as experienced, fun, and licensed.

You can relax in sun or shade. That is important for a long day, especially if your group includes people with different heat tolerances. Bring anything you personally need for comfort, but the supplied information confirms that the boat has both sunny and shaded areas.

Wheelchairs can reach the boat, but cannot be used on board. The operator says this has been managed successfully several times, so you should discuss the details in advance rather than arrive without checking.

Service animals are allowed with prior approval. The meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Children need an accompanying adult.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The mobile ticket is convenient, but I would still keep the meeting address and 9:00 a.m. start time handy on the morning of the trip.

What the Day Feels Like as a Whole

The route has a good rhythm. You start with sailing and views, move into snorkeling at Creole Rock, continue toward Tintamarre Island, then settle into swimming, beach time, lunch, and the return sail to Simpson Bay.

The circumnavigation is the real theme. You are not just visiting one attractive beach. You are seeing how the French and Dutch sides connect, and you are reaching coastal areas that are not part of a normal road tour.

The day also has a social quality. A private catamaran gives your group space to talk and relax without a large crowd. That can be worth as much as the stops themselves, particularly for families or friends who want time together.

The main risk is that the long duration magnifies any mismatch. If someone in your party gets seasick, dislikes sun, or is not interested in swimming, there are fewer easy ways to leave early. Discuss the full eight-hour commitment before you reserve.

Cancellation and Weather Rules

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.

The weather rule is separate and more forgiving. If Adventure Sports Sailing cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

That policy makes early planning sensible. If the forecast looks uncertain, do not wait until the last day to make changes, since the standard cancellation deadline still applies to your booking.

Should You Book This St Maarten Catamaran?

I would book this charter for a group of about eight to 15 people that wants a private, all-day outing with several activities included. Tintamarre Island, Creole Rock, the island circuit, open bar, and barbecue lunch make it more than a simple sailing ride.

I would hesitate if your group is small, budget-conscious, or interested in only one activity. In that case, a shorter shared sail or snorkeling trip may offer better value.

For the right group, the $2,800 price buys privacy, flexibility, equipment, meals, drinks, and a full day on the water. Confirm the group size, food needs, accessibility details, and weather plans before booking, then expect a relaxed but active day built around St Maarten’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter start?

The tour starts at 88 Welfare Road in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and ends back at the Simpson Bay meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, and the listed capacity is up to 15 people.

What food is included?

The package includes a hot barbecue lunch with salads, Gouda cheese, fresh baguette, and snacks.

What drinks are included?

Drinks include bottled water, coffee, tea, soda, beer, rum, rum punch, vodka, gin, and whisky through the open bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddle board, and fishing rods for trolling are supplied.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.