Snorkeling in Sint Maarten: Private Luxury Catamaran Charter

The captain cooks lunch on a charcoal grill while you're still in the water.

A private luxury sailing catamaran charter in Sint Maarten takes you snorkeling at two reefs — Long Bay and Little Bay, where a shipwreck and submarine sit on the seabed — with a captain who has 25+ years at the helm and knows the sea life and the stories. The boat holds either up to 8 or up to 15 travelers depending on which option you book, and the day runs six hours with breakfast, a full Caribbean lunch cooked aboard, snacks and an open bar included; you bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen.

The Experience

The morning starts with a safety briefing and instructions on the boat, life jackets and snorkel gear, then coffee and croissants while you cruise the coastline. The captain shares historical details and tips about what you'll see — including sea turtles — as you head toward Long Bay. Once there, you get a quick rundown on the snorkel equipment, then the water is yours: swim, snorkel, paddle board or stay on the beach while the crew prepares lunch on a real charcoal BBQ. The menu rotates between marinated chicken breast in sweet soy sauce, yellow fin tuna steak, or a fish pasta salad with garlic dip and gluten-free options for those who need them, plus French bread, mixed salad and beyond burgers for vegetarians.

After lunch back on board, fresh melon and snacks come out, along with the open bar — mimosas, rum punch, beers, sodas, juices and mixed drinks. The captain keeps the stories coming as you sail to the second stop, Little Bay, where a submarine, shipwreck and helicopter wreck sit underwater and the sea life is denser. You snorkel again, then head back as the afternoon winds down. The boat is easy to board and exit, and the whole operation is family-owned and kid-friendly, which shows in how the crew handles the day.

Weather can shift the exact destinations, so the captain picks the best reefs on the day you go. A service charge of 20% is added at checkout, separate from the charter price. You'll need to bring your own towel and use only reef-safe sunscreen — no spray products.

What’s included

• Safety briefing and snorkel equipment.
• breakfast with coffee and croissants.
• Caribbean lunch cooked aboard with marinated chicken, tuna steak or fish pasta, salad, garlic dip and French bread.
• vegetarian and gluten-free options.
• fresh melon and snacks in the afternoon.
• open bar with mimosas, rum punch, beers, sodas, juices and mixed drinks all day.
• two snorkeling stops at Long Bay and Little Bay.
• paddleboards available.
• captain's historical and marine commentary throughout.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Red Baron Charters

Is this one for you?Book the small group option if you want a quieter deck and easier conversation with the captain and crew; the large group works better if you're traveling with friends and want to share the cost across more people. Either way, the fixed itinerary and included meals mean the day holds together without anyone planning the stops, timing or food — you show up and the captain handles the rest.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the small group and large group options for this snorkeling charter?

The small group option holds up to 8 travelers; the large group holds up to 15. Both run the same six-hour route with the same captain, lunch, drinks and snorkeling stops — the choice is how many other people you want on deck.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this charter in Sint Maarten?

No. The crew gives a quick briefing on the snorkel equipment before you enter the water at Long Bay, and the activity suits all fitness levels. You can also paddle board or stay on the beach if you'd rather not snorkel.

What sea life will I see when snorkeling at Long Bay and Little Bay?

Long Bay is home to sea turtles and reef fish. Little Bay has a denser marine ecosystem around the shipwreck, submarine and helicopter wreck on the seabed, so you'll encounter more species there — the captain briefs you on what to expect before each stop.

Is the lunch included in the charter price, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes, a full Caribbean lunch is included and cooked aboard on a charcoal grill. The menu includes marinated chicken breast, yellow fin tuna steak, fish pasta salad, and vegetarian options like beyond burgers and gluten-free pasta salad, plus sides like mixed salad, garlic dip and French bread.

What's included in the open bar during the six-hour charter?

The open bar covers mimosas, rum punch, beers, sodas, juices and mixed drinks throughout the day. Coffee and croissants are served in the morning, and fresh melon and snacks come out in the afternoon.

What do I need to bring, and what should I avoid wearing?

Bring a towel. Use only reef-safe sunscreen — no spray products allowed. The boat has easy access from the dock and from the water, and life jackets are provided.