St Maarten: Catamaran Day Charter with Gourmet Lunch & Snorkeling

Summary

Luxury catamaran sailing St Maarten with gourmet lunch stops

You’ll sail around St Maarten on a luxury catamaran—with breakfast pastries and coffee to start your day right. Swim alongside sea turtles at Tintamarre Island, enjoy a four-course lunch onboard (with vegetarian options), and relax with an open bar as you drift between quiet beaches and turquoise coves. It’s not just about what you see—it’s how easy everything feels out there.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping onto the catamaran at Bobby’s Marina—besides the soft creak of ropes—was the smell of coffee and pastries. Our guide, Jean-Luc, handed me a mimosa (I went for it, even though it was barely 9am) and told us we’d be circling St Maarten all day. The sun wasn’t too harsh yet, just that gentle Caribbean light. Someone laughed at my attempt to pronounce “Tintamarre”—Li grinned and said I’d get it by lunchtime. Maybe.

The water really is that clear blue you see in photos. We drifted past Long Bay La Samana and Happy Bay—at one point, I just sat on the netting up front letting the spray hit my feet. There were paddle boards out if you wanted them, but honestly I was happy just watching pelicans dive near the shore. When we anchored off Tintamarre Island, Jean-Luc pointed out where sea turtles sometimes show up. I didn’t expect to actually see one but suddenly there it was, gliding under me while I fumbled with my snorkel mask. That moment sticks with me.

Lunch came in courses—actual courses!—and somehow tasted better out on the water (maybe it’s the salt air or maybe I was just hungry from swimming). There was plenty for vegetarians too; someone at our table asked and they sorted it without any fuss. Between bites, people swapped stories about other islands they’d visited. The open bar kept things loose but never rowdy—just easy laughter and that low hum of conversation you get when everyone’s relaxed.

I kept thinking how different this felt from other boat tours—less rushed, more like being invited onto someone’s floating living room for the day. By late afternoon as we headed back toward Philipsburg, skin salty and hair a mess, nobody seemed in a hurry to get off. You know that feeling when you don’t want something to end? Yeah.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day luxury catamaran tour

• Depart at 8:30am from Bobby's Marina
• Enjoy breakfast with pastries and fruits
• Sail around St Maarten and St Martin
• Stop at Long Bay La Samana
• Stop at Happy Bay
• Stop at Tintamarre Island
• Swim and snorkel with sea turtles
• Have 4-course gourmet lunch on board
• Use fishing and paddle boards
• Return at 5:30pm to Bobby's Marina

Top questions

What time does the St Maarten luxury catamaran tour start?

The tour departs at 8:30am from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg.

Is lunch included on this catamaran charter?

Yes, a four-course gourmet lunch is served onboard during the tour.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

There is a full open bar available throughout the day.

Can I snorkel or swim with turtles on this trip?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided and you can swim with turtles at Tintamarre Island.

Are paddle boards available during the tour?

Two paddle boards are included for guests to use during stops.

Where does the tour depart from?

The catamaran leaves from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg, St Maarten.

Do I need to bring my passport for this trip?

A valid passport is required as your information will be checked before departure.

Is this group charter suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes breakfast pastries with fresh fruit and coffee or tea when you board at Bobby’s Marina, plus appetizers and snacks along the way. There’s a four-course gourmet lunch served onboard (vegetarian option available if you ask), unlimited drinks from an open bar all day long, snorkeling gear so you can swim with turtles at Tintamarre Island, two paddle boards for exploring calm bays, and return transport back to port in Philipsburg before sunset.