St Maarten Luxury Catamaran Full-Day Group Charter

The best part of this St. Maarten sailing day is the mix of open-water cruising and long, unhurried stops. You can watch for planes near Maho Beach, snorkel around Tintamarre, swim, fish, or simply stretch out under the catamaran’s shade while the crew handles the food and drinks.

I especially like the small 15-person limit and the fact that breakfast, snacks, a four-course lunch, and a full open bar are included. I also like the flexible plan, since the captain can adjust the route when rough water makes a planned stop unsafe. The main consideration is that this is a shared charter, not automatically a private boat, and the weather can change the itinerary.

Key points to know before booking

• A full nine-hour day on the water: Depart Bobby’s Marina at 8:30 a.m. and return around 5:30 p.m.
• Tintamarre is the main wildlife stop: You may snorkel and swim near sea turtles, conditions permitting.
• Food is a major part of the experience: Expect pastries and fruit at breakfast, snacks and appetizers, then a four-course lunch.
• The boat is roomy but shared: Flagship II is a 48-foot catamaran with a maximum of 15 people.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and two stand-up paddleboards are provided.
• The route is weather dependent: Happy Bay, Long Bay La Samana, Tintamarre, Maho Beach, and other stops are possible rather than guaranteed.

Starting at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg

Your day begins at Bobby’s Marina on Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg. The catamaran, Flagship II, is in front of the Greenhouse restaurant, across the little bridge. The listed departure time is 8:30 a.m., with a return around 5:30 p.m., so plan on giving this the best part of your day.

That early start pays off. The tour is not a quick harbor ride with a single swim stop. You have time to sail around the St. Maarten and Saint-Martin coastline, stop more than once, eat several times, and still enjoy a few quiet stretches under sail or at anchor.

The boat has plenty of shaded space, which matters on a nine-hour outing. You should still bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a beach towel. The catamaran is designed for comfort, but the Caribbean sun does not take the day off just because you have shade.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is a useful middle ground: you get the social feel of a shared charter without being packed onto a large excursion boat. Keep in mind that shared means shared. One booking party had expected a private charter and was surprised to find another couple aboard, so read the wording carefully before assuming you will have the entire boat.

Breakfast begins the day in a relaxed way

Once aboard, you are served French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee. A welcome mimosa or Bloody Mary may also be offered, adding a holiday feel without requiring you to wait until lunch for a drink.

This opening meal is more useful than it might sound. A full day at sea is easier when you start with something substantial, especially if you plan to swim and snorkel. It also gives everyone time to settle in, meet the crew, and learn how the day will work.

Crew names vary by departure, but Benjamin and Alois are frequently involved, with Georgia, Paula, Pavla, or Soelle helping with hosting and food service. The crew’s role is more than steering the boat. They prepare meals, keep drinks moving, explain the route, help with equipment, and watch the conditions.

That hands-on service is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter over a cheaper basic sail. You are not expected to bring your own lunch or figure out the snorkeling setup on your own.

Sailing past St. Maarten’s famous coastline

The boat may cruise around both the Dutch and French sides of the island, depending on the conditions and the captain’s plan. The route can include Long Bay La Samana, Happy Bay, Tintamarre Island, and other coastal spots. Maho Beach may also be part of the day, giving you a chance to watch aircraft pass over the famous beach.

Maho is entertaining, but it is not the only reason to book this trip. The real value comes from seeing several parts of the island from the water. Beaches that look close together on a map feel very different when you approach them by catamaran, especially when the water opens up and the shoreline becomes your view instead of a road or resort.

The exact route is not fixed. Wind, waves, and safety take priority. On one rough-water outing, the captain changed the plan, skipped some intended snorkeling locations, and found calmer anchorages for swimming and lunch. That flexibility is a good sign, but it also means you should not book this expecting every advertised stop in perfect conditions.

Happy Bay offers a quieter first stop

Happy Bay is one of the possible early stops. Its appeal is simple: a scenic beach setting, clear water, and a chance to step away from the more developed parts of the island.

At anchor, you can swim, relax on the boat, or use the available equipment. The stop is not only for strong swimmers. If you prefer to stay aboard, the catamaran provides shade and room to sit while others head into the water.

The pace is one of the pleasant features here. This is not a shore excursion that rushes you off the boat, gives you a short photo stop, and calls everyone back five minutes later. The crew can give you time to swim and enjoy the setting, though the length of each stop depends on the full route and weather.

Long Bay La Samana adds a scenic change of pace

Long Bay La Samana is another possible stop along the French side of the island. Like Happy Bay, it is a place to swim, snorkel, use the paddleboards, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The two stand-up paddleboards are included, which gives you another option beyond snorkeling. That matters for families and mixed groups, since not everyone wants to put on a mask and fins. Fishing equipment is also provided, though the main focus of the day is cruising, swimming, and snorkeling rather than a dedicated fishing charter.

You should treat the water activities as extras that make the day more flexible, not as separate guided programs. The available equipment lets you choose how active you want to be at each stop.

Tintamarre Island is the signature stop

Tintamarre Island is uninhabited and is likely to be the highlight for many people. The main attraction is snorkeling and the chance to swim near sea turtles. Two hours is listed for this stop, giving you enough time to get into the water, look around, and return to the boat without feeling hurried.

The turtle encounter is wildlife viewing, not a guarantee of a scheduled animal performance. Sea conditions and animal behavior always matter. Still, the stop gives you one of the clearest reasons to choose this particular route over a simple beach cruise.

Snorkeling gear is included, and the crew can assist with getting set up. One captain was especially helpful with hand-feeding fish during a snorkeling session, but you should follow the crew’s instructions and avoid touching marine life, ropes, or underwater structures. One person reported a painful skin reaction after brushing against a rope near underwater statues at Little Bay. That is a useful reminder to keep your hands off mooring lines and anything underwater that you cannot identify.

If you are traveling with children, the water portion will depend on their comfort and swimming ability. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and several families have found the boat suitable for young children. You should still supervise children closely around the railings, swim stops, and equipment.

A four-course lunch makes the price easier to understand

Lunch is served onboard as a four-course gourmet meal. The exact menu can change, but meals described from this charter have included fresh guacamole and chips, cheese and crackers, vegetables and dips, chicken with vegetables and rice, curry, and dessert such as chocolate torte.

Food is prepared on the boat, not simply pulled from a cooler. That is a meaningful difference on a full-day outing. You are not losing time looking for a restaurant, and you can eat while staying close to the water and the group.

Breakfast, appetizers, snacks, lunch, nonalcoholic drinks, and a full open bar are included. The bar can include beer, wine, local rum, soda, and mixed drinks. If you need a vegetarian meal, request it when booking. The information provided specifically confirms a vegetarian option, but it does not list other dietary accommodations, so ask before paying if you have allergies or strict requirements.

The open bar adds value, but it also calls for common sense. You are on a moving boat for most of the day, often in sun and wind. Drink water, eat regularly, and do not feel pressured to keep pace with the bar.

What the $245 price really includes

At $245 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see St. Maarten from the water. The cost makes more sense when you add up what is included: roughly nine hours aboard a well-kept 48-foot catamaran, breakfast, snacks, a four-course lunch, a full open bar, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, two paddleboards, crew service, and several possible coastal stops.

A cheaper boat trip may offer a shorter sail, fewer food options, a larger group, or a less comfortable vessel. This charter is aimed at people who want one polished day rather than several separate bookings.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full package. If you do not drink, do not swim, and mainly want a short scenic cruise, the price may feel high. If you will snorkel, eat onboard, use the paddleboards, and spend most of the day on the water, the all-in cost is easier to justify.

The shared format keeps the price below a private charter while preserving a relatively small group. Just remember that the maximum is 15, not two or four. If privacy is your priority, ask specifically about booking the entire catamaran.

Crew service can shape the whole day

The crew receives especially strong praise for hospitality, cooking, safety, and adapting to the conditions. Benjamin, Alois, Georgia, Paula, Pavla, and Soelle are among the crew names associated with different outings, though your team may be different.

Expect the crew to prepare food, serve drinks, manage the boat, offer local context, and check on you during the day. The job is demanding, particularly when the water turns rough or the boat is short-staffed, and the crew has still been able to keep the day organized.

One practical note: a captain was reported smoking during a rough crossing, which bothered one person seated at the back. This is a small but fair consideration if you are sensitive to smoke. Seating can also matter when the water is choppy, so speak up if you need a more comfortable position.

The strongest safety point is that the captain may change the itinerary when conditions require it. You might lose a planned snorkeling location, but a calm swim and a safe lunch are better than forcing a rough-water stop.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would choose this for couples, families, small groups, and anyone who wants a full day rather than a quick sail. It works especially well for groups with mixed interests because you can alternate between snorkeling, swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, and relaxing.

Families should appreciate the shaded areas, food onboard, and limited group size. Young children have joined previous outings, but adults remain responsible for supervision. The boat is not a drop-off program, and the sea conditions may affect how comfortable children feel.

This is also a good choice for a birthday, anniversary, or family celebration. The crew has marked special occasions with small touches such as a birthday candle on dessert.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or want a guaranteed list of exact stops. The outing requires good weather, and rough water can make snorkeling difficult or change the route.

Booking details worth checking

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel, even though the trip begins and ends at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg.

The activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour requires a minimum number of participants, so a departure can be changed or canceled if that minimum is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Should you book Flagship II?

Book it if you want one substantial day on the water with good food, a full bar, several activities, and a small shared group. The chance to snorkel near Tintamarre, see turtles, use paddleboards, and eat a cooked four-course lunch without returning to shore gives this outing real value.

Skip it if your priority is a private charter, a guaranteed Maho Beach plane stop, or a tightly fixed itinerary. The route can change, the boat is shared, and the sea decides more than the brochure does.

For most visitors who want a comfortable and active St. Maarten day, I would put this near the top of the list. Bring a towel, protect yourself from the sun, ask about the exact group size, and let the captain make the final call on the route.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

The tour departs from Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Flagship II is located in front of the Greenhouse restaurant, across the little bridge.

What time does the tour start and end?

Departure is at 8:30 a.m. The full outing lasts approximately nine hours and is scheduled to return around 5:30 p.m.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 15 people aboard the 48-foot catamaran.

Is this a private charter?

No. This is a shared charter unless you arrange a separate private booking. The group can include other parties.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes French pastries, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee. Snacks and appetizers are also provided, along with a four-course gourmet lunch.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soda and a full open bar are included, including alcoholic beverages.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included. Fishing equipment and two stand-up paddleboards are also provided.

Can I swim with sea turtles?

The Tintamarre Island stop offers snorkeling and the chance to swim near sea turtles. The stop and wildlife sightings depend on weather and sea conditions.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you should request it when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.