Sint Maarten: Private Catamaran Charter with BBQ & Snorkeling

Summary

Private sailing day in Sint Maarten with snorkeling stops and fresh BBQ

You’ll sail Sint Maarten’s coastline on a private catamaran with an experienced local captain, stopping to snorkel at Long Bay and Little Bay. Enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, pastries, open bar drinks, and a charcoal BBQ lunch right on deck. With space to relax or try paddle boarding, this day trip feels personal—like being welcomed onto someone’s boat instead of joining a tour.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning sun bounced off the water at the dock in Sint Maarten — all those little shards of light. We met our captain (I think his name was Marc?), who’d been doing this for decades and had that easy confidence you only get from years on the sea. He handed out coffee and croissants while giving us the safety rundown, but honestly I was half-distracted by the smell of fresh bread mixing with salty air. My youngest tried to sneak an extra pastry when he thought no one was looking. Didn’t work.

We set off along the coast, engine humming low, and Marc started sharing bits about Sint Maarten’s history. Not in a lecture-y way — more like he was just chatting with friends. There was something calming about drifting past those green hills while he pointed out old shipwrecks and told us where turtles sometimes pop up (we actually saw one later, which felt like luck). The private catamaran charter felt relaxed — no crowd, just our group sprawled out wherever we wanted. I tried paddle boarding for maybe five minutes before flopping back onto the deck to watch everyone else.

Lunch was grilled chicken on a real charcoal BBQ — smoky and sweet at once — plus salad and some kind of homemade garlic dip that disappeared fast. They had veggie options too (my partner went for the Beyond burger). After eating we stopped again for snorkeling; water so clear you could see right down to where sunlight flickered over sand. Someone handed me a rum punch and I sat there dripping wet, grinning like an idiot. Marc kept telling stories between refilling drinks — he laughed when my son asked if he’d ever seen pirates (“Only after too much rum!”).

I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel anchored near Little Bay, even with everyone chatting or splashing around. There’s a submarine wreck down there, apparently — I couldn’t spot it but someone else did. Heading back toward the dock late afternoon, I caught myself thinking I’d remember that mix of sunburned skin and charcoal smoke for a long time. Sometimes you don’t realize you needed a day like that until it’s already over.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day luxury sailing and snorkeling

• Safety briefing and boat instructions
• Enjoy coffee, croissants, and open bar
• Depart towards first snorkeling stop
• Cruise coastline with Captain's stories
• Arrive at Long Bay and snorkel
• Swim, paddle board, or relax on beach
• Prepare and serve Caribbean style lunch
• Second snorkeling stop with snacks and drinks
• Arrive at Little Bay for snorkeling
• Return to dock with memories

Top questions

How long is the private catamaran charter in Sint Maarten?

The full-day charter typically lasts around 7 hours.

Is lunch included on the sailing trip?

Yes, lunch is included—grilled chicken or vegetarian options cooked on a charcoal BBQ plus salads and snacks.

Are drinks provided during the catamaran tour?

Yes, there’s an open bar all day with beers, sodas, mimosas, rum punch, spirits, juices and water.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Is this private catamaran suitable for kids?

Yes—it’s kid-friendly and even infants or small children can join safely.

Where does the tour depart from in Sint Maarten?

The charter departs from an easily accessible dock in Sint Maarten.

What are some stops on this day trip?

You’ll visit places like Long Bay for snorkeling and Little Bay where there’s a shipwreck and submarine to spot underwater.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?

Yes—vegetarian Beyond burgers and gluten-free pasta salad are available by request.

What’s included

Your day includes easy dock access to your private catamaran charter in Sint Maarten with all-day open bar (mimosas, rum punch, beers), fresh-brewed coffee and pastries in the morning, use of snorkeling gear at two stops including Long Bay and Little Bay, paddle boards if you’re feeling adventurous, plus a charcoal BBQ lunch with chicken or vegetarian options before returning to shore in the late afternoon.