St Maarten: Private Catamaran Sailing & Snorkel Charter

Summary

Private sailing day in St Maarten with snorkeling, BBQ lunch and island views

You’ll sail St Maarten’s turquoise coast on a private catamaran with a local crew, stopping for snorkeling at Creole Rock and swimming at Tintamarre Island. Enjoy fresh Gouda and baguette early on, then a hot BBQ lunch cooked right onboard as you drift between hidden beaches and open sea. Expect laughter, salt air, and that feeling you only get when time slows down out on the water.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the quiet — just that soft slap of water against the hull as we left Simpson Bay behind. The captain (I think his name was Marc?) grinned and told us to help ourselves to coffee. I remember the air smelled a little salty-sweet, like sunscreen and bread. Someone passed around slices of fresh Gouda and baguette before we even hit our first snorkeling spot. Kind of set the mood for the whole day — nothing rushed, just easy.

We stopped at Creole Rock first. Our guide handed me a mask and said “Don’t worry, you’ll see fish right away.” He wasn’t kidding — neon blue ones everywhere, darting between rocks. The water was cooler than I expected but it felt good after sitting in the sun. I tried saying “merci” to one of the crew (Li? Lee?), but she laughed at my accent. No judgment though, just good vibes all around.

Tintamarre Island came next — white sand, turtles if you’re lucky (we saw two). The BBQ lunch started sizzling while we swam; honestly, that smell of grilled chicken mixing with sea air is still stuck in my head. Everyone piled plates high with ribs and salad, then found their own shady spot or just ate on deck. There was rum punch too — maybe too much for some of us by the end.

The sail back circled most of St Maarten, which means you get those wild views you’d never see from land — cliffs, tiny coves, flashes of color where houses cling to hillsides. It’s not fancy or formal; it’s just real time out on the water with people who know this place inside out. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end, but there it was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day catamaran sailing and snorkeling

• Depart for Around the Island Tour
• Stop at La Samanna
• Snorkel at Creole Rock
• Swim with turtles at Tintamarre Island
• Enjoy Caribbean BBQ lunch on board
• Sail back to Simpson Bay

Top questions

How long is the private catamaran sailing charter in St Maarten?

The charter is a full-day experience that typically lasts several hours as you circumnavigate St Maarten with multiple stops.

What is included in the St Maarten catamaran tour?

The tour includes unlimited drinks (open bar), snacks like Gouda cheese and baguette, a hot BBQ lunch with salads, snorkeling equipment, paddle board use, fishing rods for trolling, bottled water, coffee or tea.

Which snorkeling sites are visited during this sailing trip?

You’ll stop at Creole Rock (the island’s top snorkeling site) and Tintamarre Island for swimming with turtles.

Is lunch provided on board during the sailing tour?

Yes, a freshly prepared buffet-style BBQ lunch with chicken ribs and salads is cooked onboard while you sail.

Are drinks included in this private catamaran charter?

Yes, there’s an open bar with beer, rum punch, vodka, gin, whisky plus bottled water and soft drinks available all day.

Can children join this private sailing trip in St Maarten?

Yes—children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in a pram or stroller up to the boat.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this St Maarten catamaran tour?

Yes—all snorkeling equipment is included for use during your stops at Creole Rock and Tintamarre Island.

Are special dietary requests possible for lunch?

The standard menu is served but other options may be available upon request—just discuss your needs when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Simpson Bay marina aboard a stable private catamaran handled by experienced local captains; all snorkeling gear; stand-up paddle board; fishing rods if you want to try trolling; unlimited drinks from an open bar (beer, rum punch, spirits); morning snacks like Gouda cheese and baguette; plus a hot buffet BBQ lunch cooked fresh onboard before sailing back along St Maarten’s coastline.