Private Full-Day Luxury Sailing Catamaran Charter in Sint Maarten

The best part of this St Maarten outing is the sense of having your own floating base for the day. Captain Mike handles the boat and shares island stories, while Elmira keeps the food and drinks moving. I like the private setting and the way the day mixes snorkeling, beach time, and plain old lounging. I also like the homemade charcoal lunch, which is more substantial than the usual boat-trip snack tray.

The main consideration is weather. Wind can change the route, and Tintamarre or Pinel may not be possible on a particular day. The $1,700 price is per group of up to eight, so it makes the most sense for a full group, and a service charge is extra.

Key points at a glance

• Captain Mike and Elmira host the day: Expect personal service, island commentary, and help with drinks, food, and water activities.
• Long Bay and Little Bay shape the itinerary: Snorkel, swim, paddleboard, or relax on the beach, with stops adjusted for weather.
• Lunch is cooked aboard: The charcoal barbecue includes chicken, salads, garlic dip, French bread, and a vegetarian Beyond Burger option.
• The open bar runs all day: Drinks include water, juices, sodas, beer, rum punch, mimosas, rum, vodka, and mixed drinks.
• You have the catamaran to yourselves: The charter is private for your group, with room for up to eight people.
• Bring two practical items: You need your own towel and non-spray suntan lotion. Transportation to the marina is not included.

A private boat day from Philipsburg

This is a full-day charter rather than a quick scenic cruise. You meet at AzianaBobby’s Marina at 22 Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg, then spend roughly seven hours moving between bays, beaches, and snorkeling spots around St Maarten.

The private format changes the mood. You do not have to fit into a fixed group of strangers or compete for a place on a crowded boat. Your party can settle into its own rhythm: active in the water for a while, then stretched out with a drink when the heat catches up.

That privacy comes at a price. The $1,700 fee works out to $212.50 per person if eight people share it. For a couple, the same boat is a very costly day. For a family or group of friends, especially one that values personal service and an open bar, the figure becomes easier to justify.

You will need to arrange your own transportation to the marina. The meeting point is off a main road and described as easy to find, but private transportation is not part of the package. Plan your arrival with enough time to locate the dock and settle in before departure.

Starting with coffee, safety, and a view of the coast

The day begins with a safety briefing. You receive instructions about the boat, life jackets, and the bathroom before setting off. That is useful, especially for anyone new to catamarans or traveling with children.

Coffee and croissants are served at the start, and the open bar is available throughout the day. The early food is simple but well judged. It gives you something in your stomach before snorkeling, swimming, and the later barbecue.

As you cruise along the coast, Captain Mike provides historical information and practical tips about the places you pass. The commentary is part of what makes this more than a boat rental. You get some context as the shoreline changes, but the tone remains relaxed rather than lecture-like.

Long Bay and the first water stop

The itinerary describes Long Bay as an early snorkeling stop, with information about the area and the sea life you may see, including turtles. Conditions determine exactly where the boat can go, so treat this as a planned type of stop rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Before you enter the water, you receive a quick briefing on the snorkeling equipment. Gear is included, which saves you from packing or renting it separately. You can snorkel, swim, use the paddleboard, or stay on the beach if you prefer dry land.

This flexibility is important for mixed groups. One person can explore the water while another reads, sunbathes, or simply enjoys the quiet. You do not have to turn every stop into a fitness test.

The tradeoff is that snorkeling depends on weather, sea conditions, and visibility. The boat may need to remain along the Dutch coast when wind makes the usual route uncomfortable. If your main goal is a particular island or reef, keep your expectations loose.

A charcoal barbecue with real choices

While you are in the water or on the beach, lunch is prepared aboard. The meal includes charcoal-grilled marinated chicken breast, mixed salad, gluten-free pasta salad, homemade garlic dip, and French bread. Vegetarians have a Beyond Burger option.

That is a strong lunch for a boat day. The menu covers meat eaters, vegetarians, and people avoiding gluten, although you should still clarify any serious dietary needs before departure. The garlic dip and barbecue setup give the meal a more homemade feel than a prepacked sandwich.

Lunch is served after the water stop, once everyone is back aboard. The timing makes sense: you can swim first, then sit down to eat without rushing back into the water.

The food receives some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. Elmira prepares and serves it, and the personal attention continues during the meal. You are not left to find food in a cooler or assemble lunch from separate containers.

Little Bay and the island’s unusual sights

Little Bay is another featured stop. The area is associated with a submarine, a shipwreck, a helicopter, and sea life, giving the snorkeling experience some extra visual interest beyond open water.

The mix of objects and marine life can make Little Bay a good fit for families. Children often need a point of interest, and a submarine or wreck gives them something specific to look for. Adults can enjoy the setting, swim, or stay aboard with a drink.

Again, the exact route is not fixed. The charter may visit Little Bay, Long Bay, Tintamarre, or other suitable areas depending on wind and sea conditions. One day may favor the islands, while another stays closer to St Maarten’s coast.

That flexibility is sensible, but it is also the clearest limitation. You are paying for a private day on the water, not a guaranteed checklist of islands. The captain’s job is to find a safe and pleasant route, even if that means changing the original plan.

Drinks, snacks, and the open bar

The drinks package is generous. Along with water, juices, and sodas, the open bar includes beers, mimosas, rum punch, rum, vodka, and mixed drinks. Fresh melon and snacks are served after one of the snorkeling stops.

This matters because a seven-hour boat trip is long. You have food and drinks available at several points rather than one lunch and nothing else. The service also feels personal. Elmira is described as regularly offering refreshments, which keeps the day moving without making you constantly ask for something.

An open bar can be a real advantage for a group celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply a rare day together. It can also be less important if you do not drink alcohol. In that case, part of the package has little value to you, though water, juices, and soft drinks remain included.

Use ordinary caution in the sun. Alcohol can catch up with you quickly on the water, so alternate drinks with water and eat before snorkeling. The charter includes alcoholic beverages, but it does not include a service charge or gratuity.

What the personal service is like

Captain Mike and Elmira are central to the experience. Captain Mike runs the boat, explains the route, and shares stories about St Maarten. Elmira handles much of the hospitality, including drinks, snacks, and lunch.

The strongest praise centers on how attentive they are. You can expect frequent offers of refreshments, help with the water equipment, and a friendly approach rather than a formal cruise-ship routine.

The personal touch also appears in small moments. One family described a child getting the chance to steer with Captain Mike, which suggests that he may involve children when appropriate. That is not a promised feature, so do not book solely for that possibility, but it shows the informal tone of the charter.

There was also an occasion when the original catamaran needed work and Michael arranged another boat so the day could continue. That indicates a willingness to solve problems, though mechanical issues are still a reminder that boat operations can change.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would put this near the top of the list for a group that wants one special day rather than several smaller excursions. Families, couples traveling with friends, and small celebrations all fit the private format well.

It is particularly suitable for people who want a choice of activity. Strong swimmers can snorkel and paddleboard. Less active members can stay aboard or relax on the beach. Children can enjoy the boat, beach stops, and unusual sights around Little Bay.

You should also like unhurried days. The charter is built around lingering at stops, eating a proper lunch, and enjoying the ride. If you want a packed schedule with many attractions and constant movement, this may feel too loose.

The experience is described as disability-friendly, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Still, boat access and time in the water can vary by individual need, so ask the operator specific questions before booking if you require assistance.

Price, group size, and practical value

At $1,700 for up to eight people, the value improves sharply as your group gets larger. Eight people pay $212.50 each before the service charge. Six people pay about $283.33 each, while four people pay $425 each.

That price includes the boat, captain and host service, lunch, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and a full open bar. It does not include transportation to the marina or the service charge. You also need to bring a towel and non-spray suntan lotion.

For a full group, this can compare well with buying separate boat seats, meals, drinks, and equipment. You also get control over the mood and pacing. For two people, the cost is harder to defend unless privacy is the main reason for booking.

The charter has a five-star rating with 402 reviews and a 100 percent recommendation rate. The most consistently praised elements are Elmira’s attentive hosting, Captain Mike’s friendly approach, the homemade lunch, and the relaxed private setting.

Weather, cancellation, and what to pack

The route may change because of weather. Wind can prevent the boat from reaching Pinel or Tintamarre, so your best day may stay along the Dutch coast or use another sheltered stop.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and changes within that window are not accepted. Cutoff times use local time.

Bring a towel, non-spray suntan lotion, and whatever personal items you need for several hours at sea. The operator provides snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, drinks, and safety equipment for the boat. Keep your packing light and practical.

Should you book the Red Baron catamaran?

Book it if you have a group of up to eight, want a private day, and care as much about food and service as snorkeling. Captain Mike and Elmira make the trip feel personal, while the barbecue lunch and open bar remove much of the usual hassle of a full day on the water.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple and would struggle with the total price. Also reconsider if you need a guaranteed visit to Tintamarre, Pinel, or a specific snorkeling site. Weather can change the plan.

For the right group, this is a polished, easygoing way to see St Maarten from the water. Bring a towel, share the cost with friends or family, and let the captain choose the safest route for the day.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the charter begin?

It begins at AzianaBobby’s Marina, 22 Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

Where does the experience end?

The charter returns to the same meeting point at AzianaBobby’s Marina.

How many people can join the private charter?

The $1,700 rate covers a private group of up to eight people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes charcoal barbecue chicken, mixed salad, gluten-free pasta salad, homemade garlic dip, French bread, and a Beyond Burger for vegetarians.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks include water, juices, sodas, beers, mimosas, rum punch, rum, vodka, and mixed drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with access to a paddleboard during the water stops.

Can the route change?

Yes. Destinations may vary because of weather. The planned area can include Long Bay, Little Bay, Tintamarre, and other locations around St Maarten.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. You should bring your own towel and non-spray suntan lotion.