Saint-Barthélemy Private Boat Charter: Snorkel & Paddle

Eight hours on your own boat, three beaches, snorkeling and paddleboards, nothing fixed but the captain

A full-day private boat charter in Saint-Barthélemy lets you and your group set the route with captain Pierre, who speaks English and French. Snorkel at Ile Fourchue and Shell Beach with provided gear and paddleboards, anchor off Gustavia for an hour if you want to walk the town, or skip it and spend the afternoon drifting. Lunch at one of the Saint Jean Beach restaurants is your call.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour in Saint Barthélemy

• Meet captain Pierre and discuss preferences
• Explore Saint Barthélemy by private boat
• Enjoy snorkeling and paddleboarding
• Lunch at St Jean's beach restaurant
• Optional surfing activity
• Stop in Gustavia to explore city

The experience

What makes this different is that you're not following a fixed itinerary. You're steering it. Captain Pierre knows Saint-Barthélemy's best stops: Ile Fourchue for the coral and fish, Shell Beach for the calm water and sand, Gustavia's harbor and colonial streets, Saint Jean Beach where restaurants line the shore. But the order, the time at each place, whether you snorkel or just float, whether you eat lunch or skip it. That's yours to decide when you board. The boat carries snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a floating mat, so you have options at every stop without hunting for rentals or paying extra.

The day runs eight hours, which means you're not rushed through a checklist. If the water at one beach is perfect and you want to stay longer, you stay. If Gustavia doesn't appeal, you don't go. The rear canopy gives shade when you want it, and the open bar keeps soft drinks and beers flowing. Lunch is optional: the restaurants at Saint Jean Beach are there if you're hungry, and you can also arrange a surf lesson as an add-on if that's on your list. The only things you can't change are the captain and the boat. Everything else bends to what you actually want to do that day.

Dock fees run 40 euros per boat plus 5 euros per guest, and those are separate from the charter price. Captain Pierre will brief you on the weather, the conditions at each stop, and what's possible that day, then you tell him where to go first.

What’s included

• Fuel and use of snorkeling equipment.
• paddleboards and floating mat.
• open bar with soft drinks and beers.
• eight hours aboard the private boat with captain Pierre.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to6h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 216

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Love Boat Sxm

Is this one for you?The captain speaks English and French, so language is not a barrier. You can brief him on what you want and adjust the plan anytime during the day. This works best if you have a sense of what appeals to you (snorkeling, beaches, exploring Gustavia) but you're flexible about the order and timing. If you need a structured itinerary with set times at each stop, a group tour would fit better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel at every stop, or are some beaches just for swimming?

Ile Fourchue and Shell Beach are the main snorkeling stops, and the boat carries full gear for both. Other stops like Gustavia are for exploring the town or just anchoring and relaxing. You choose which ones to visit and what to do at each.

What if I want to eat lunch? Do I have to go to Saint Jean Beach?

Saint Jean Beach has restaurants right on the shore where you can eat, but it's not mandatory. You can pack your own food, eat aboard, or skip lunch entirely and spend the afternoon on the water instead.

How much of the day is actually spent in the water versus traveling between stops?

The eight-hour charter covers the full day, but the exact split between travel time and time in the water depends on which stops you choose and how long you want to stay at each one. Captain Pierre will help you plan the day so you get the balance you want.

What's included in the open bar, and is there a limit?

Soft drinks and beers are included throughout the day with no limit. If you want wine or spirits, those are not part of the package.