Billy Bones Exclusive Private Charter Around St.Maarten

The best part of this charter is its freedom. Instead of following a packed boat’s fixed schedule, you have a private crew and roughly seven hours on the water to shape the day around swimming, snorkeling, beaches, and island views. The route can include Pinel Island, Tintamare, Creole Rock, La Samanna, and even Anguilla if conditions and timing allow.

I like the personal attention and the fact that drinks, water, and snacks are included. I also like the family appeal: Miguel connected well with two 12-year-old granddaughters, while Damian handled a group with children and three snorkeling stops. The main drawback is cost clarity. The $975 group price is attractive for up to 10 people, but lunch, transportation, and required per-person fees come extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 10: Your group gets the boat and crew to itself, with no strangers joining the day.
• Four named stops, plus more by request: The route can include Pinel Island, Tintamare, Creole Rock, and La Samanna, with other beaches or Anguilla possible.
• Snorkeling is a major part of the day: You may visit several snorkel spots, with turtles and fish reported on past outings.
• Open bar included: Unlimited drinks, water, and snacks are provided, but lunch is not.
• Budget for added fees: Expect a $10-per-person boat docking fee and a $6-per-person St. Maarten admission fee, plus any required reserve fee.
• Weather controls the schedule: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, but ordinary cancellations are non-refundable.

A private boat changes the whole St. Maarten day

A private charter makes sense if you want your day on the water to feel flexible rather than packaged. You can spend longer at a favorite beach, add another swim, or ask the captain to change the order of stops.

That flexibility is especially useful for families and mixed-age groups. One person can snorkel while another prefers a quiet beach stop. A group of friends can give more time to swimming and drinks. Couples can keep the pace relaxed without waiting for a large boat to gather everyone.

You should still keep your expectations sensible. A private charter does not mean every possible island stop fits into seven hours. The advertised route names several places, and the actual order or number of stops can change with weather, sea conditions, and your group’s interests.

The crew may include Sammy and Natalie, Miguel, Damian, or Nicholas, though your assigned team can differ. The important point is the private format: the guide can focus on your group, help with the day’s pacing, and adjust the route more easily than a shared excursion can.

Pinel Island brings iguanas, beaches, and an easy first stop

Pinel Island is one of the most appealing stops for a first look at St. Maarten’s coastal life. The plan specifically includes time to see iguanas, giving the stop an extra bit of character beyond the usual swim and beach break.

I like Pinel as part of a family itinerary because it offers more than one way to enjoy the stop. You can look for iguanas, walk around, swim, or simply take in the views from the boat. It gives non-snorkelers something to do while stronger swimmers spend time in the water.

The tradeoff is that Pinel Island is not a remote, untouched setting. Its appeal comes from the mix of wildlife, beach time, and easy access, not from complete solitude. Your captain may shorten or lengthen the visit depending on the group’s preferences and the rest of the route.

Bring a dry bag or another way to protect phones and cameras. You will spend much of the day moving between boat, beach, and water, and the best memories may come from quick moments rather than a formal sightseeing stop.

Tintamare is for clear water and a longer swim

Tintamare is included among the planned stops and is likely to be one of the day’s strongest choices for swimming and snorkeling. Past outings included turtles and fish, so you may find the water here more rewarding than a simple boat ride along the coast.

The snorkeling stops are a real strength of this trip. One group had three snorkeling stops in a single outing, while another spent time swimming with turtles and fish. That variety matters because sea life and water conditions can differ from one spot to the next.

I would not treat wildlife as guaranteed. Turtles and fish have been seen on previous trips, but the crew cannot control where animals appear or how clear the water will be that day. The right attitude is to enjoy the swimming and scenery first, with marine life as a welcome bonus.

If you have children in the group, tell the crew what they can manage before the day begins. The trip has worked well for families, but snorkeling comfort varies widely. A private boat gives the crew more room to adjust the pace, though it does not remove the need for adult supervision in the water.

Creole Rock adds another useful snorkeling stop

Creole Rock is another named stop in the route, and its main value is variety. After Pinel Island and Tintamare, a stop here can give you another chance to snorkel, swim, and see the coast from the water.

I like having multiple possible water stops because conditions change. If visibility is less appealing in one place, another location may offer better swimming. This is one reason a private charter can be more satisfying than booking a single beach transfer.

You should ask the crew early in the day how they expect to arrange the stops. The description refers to five stops, but it names Pinel Island, Tintamare, Creole Rock, and La Samanna. That suggests the route may include an additional beach or viewpoint, but the exact fifth stop is not specified.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction. You get open Caribbean views between stops, and the private setting lets your group enjoy the ride without sharing space with a large crowd. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask about the route and sea conditions before setting out.

La Samanna and the wider St. Maarten coast

La Samanna is included as another planned stop, adding a different coastal setting to the day. The schedule also invites you to see the must-see spots around the island, and some outings have gone as far as Yellow Beach and Anguilla.

That sounds appealing, but distance matters. A long run toward Anguilla or Yellow Beach can reduce the time available for snorkeling and beach stops closer to St. Maarten. I would tell the captain your top priority at the start: wildlife, snorkeling, beach time, sightseeing, or covering as much coastline as possible.

One group used Yellow Beach as a starting point, then made its way back toward port while stopping at several beaches. That kind of route shows what the private setup can offer when the group wants a broad coastal tour rather than a short list of fixed stops.

You should not assume Anguilla is always part of the standard day. It is mentioned as an area the tour can explore, but the actual route depends on timing, conditions, and the captain’s judgment. If Anguilla is important to you, ask about it before booking and again when you meet the crew.

Snorkeling, swimming, and family comfort

The strongest praise for this charter centers on the water. Families have enjoyed swimming with turtles and fish, and children responded well to captains who took time to connect with them. That makes this more than a sightseeing cruise for groups that want active stops.

Damian was singled out for working well with children, while Miguel made the outing especially engaging for two 12-year-olds. Nicholas was also praised for taking his group to beautiful places to swim and snorkel. Crew assignments are not guaranteed, but these examples show the sort of personal service the private format is meant to provide.

I would book this for a family that wants several chances to get wet, not for a group hoping to stay dry on a scenic boat ride. You should be comfortable with a full day around the water and prepared for the possibility that the best parts require swimming or snorkeling.

Scuba activity has also been included in past plans, but you should confirm what is available for your group before booking. The provided details specifically promise a private tour and snorkeling opportunities, not a particular scuba package or equipment arrangement.

The open bar is useful, but lunch is your responsibility

Unlimited drinks are included, along with water and snacks. That is a practical benefit on a seven-hour charter, especially in Caribbean heat when you need regular fluids.

The open bar also helps make the boat ride feel like part of the day rather than dead time between stops. You can settle in after snorkeling, enjoy the views, and keep the pace relaxed. The exact drink selection is not specified, so ask the crew if your group has particular preferences.

Lunch is not included. This is the most important food detail to plan around. You may be able to arrange food during the route, but no meal is promised in the tour details, and you should not assume lunch will appear onboard.

I would ask about lunch before departure, especially with children or anyone who needs regular meals. Snacks can bridge the gap, but they are not a substitute for a full midday meal.

What $975 means for a group of 10

The price is $975 per group, with up to 10 people included. At full capacity, that works out to $97.50 per person before added charges. For a large family or group of friends, that can be good value compared with buying separate seats on several boat trips.

The value comes from the private use of the boat, the seven-hour duration, an open bar, snacks, water, a professional guide, and the ability to shape the route. A smaller group of two or three will pay much more per person, so the financial case is strongest when you fill most of the available spaces.

Add the $10-per-person docking fee at Bobby’s Marina and the $6-per-person St. Maarten admission fee. There is also a required reserve fee mentioned in the booking terms, though the exact amount is not provided here. These charges can add up quickly for 10 people, so include them in your real budget.

Private transportation is listed as not included. The general description refers to hotel and port transfer, but the inclusion list does not include private transportation. I would confirm pickup arrangements before paying, particularly if you are staying at a hotel or arriving by cruise ship.

Cruise ship timing needs careful planning

Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. That information allows the operator to judge whether the seven-hour schedule fits your port call.

I would not book this as a tight, last-minute port excursion without leaving a generous return margin. Boats, traffic, weather, and port procedures can all affect the day. The tour is private, but the ship’s departure time remains fixed.

You should also confirm where the boat meets you and which transportation costs apply. The docking fee is separate, and private transportation is not included in the stated inclusions.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I think this tour is best for groups that value privacy and flexibility over the lowest possible price. Families, groups of friends, and cruise passengers who can comfortably fill much of the boat are the strongest candidates.

It also suits groups with different priorities. One person can focus on snorkeling, another can watch for iguanas, and others can enjoy the drinks and coastal views. The crew can help build a day that does not force everyone into the same activity at every stop.

You may want another option if your main goal is a guaranteed lunch, a fully fixed schedule, or the least expensive seat on the water. You should also think twice if your group dislikes changing plans, since weather and sea conditions can affect the route.

Confirmation is provided at booking. The activity may use a multilingual guide, service animals are allowed, and it is near public transportation. Most people can participate, though you should share any mobility or water-related concerns in advance.

Cancellation and weather rules

This booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason once purchased. That is a serious condition, especially for a $975 private reservation, so make sure your group is settled before booking.

Weather is the exception. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A change of personal plans is not covered, so check your cruise schedule, transport needs, and group availability first.

Should you book the Billy Bones private charter?

I would book it if you have a group of at least six people, want a full day on the water, and care more about personal service than a fixed checklist. The combination of snorkeling, Pinel Island, Tintamare, Creole Rock, La Samanna, open drinks, and route flexibility gives you a strong St. Maarten day.

Before paying, confirm three things: the exact pickup plan, the added per-person fees, and whether your preferred route includes Anguilla or Yellow Beach. If lunch matters, settle that question too.

For families, this charter has a particularly good case. The private crew format, repeated snorkeling opportunities, and child-friendly captains such as Miguel and Damian can make a long day easier. For a small group, the cost per person is harder to justify. For a nearly full boat, it becomes a practical way to turn one expensive booking into a flexible shared day.

FAQ

How long is the Billy Bones private charter?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to 10 people.

Which places can the tour visit?

The planned route includes Pinel Island, Tintamare, Creole Rock, and La Samanna. The tour may also include other St. Maarten highlights, Yellow Beach, or Anguilla depending on the day.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is part of the planned experience, and past outings have included several snorkeling stops. Specific equipment details are not provided.

Are drinks and food included?

Unlimited drinks, water, and snacks are included. Lunch is not included.

Is transportation included?

Private transportation is listed as not included. Confirm hotel or port pickup arrangements before booking.

What extra fees should I expect?

The listed additional charges include a $10-per-person docking fee at Bobby’s Marina and a $6-per-person St. Maarten admission fee. A required reserve fee is also mentioned, but its amount is not specified.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

Yes. Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Ordinary cancellations or amendments are non-refundable.