St Maarten: Private Speed Boat Charter & Nature Reserve

Summary

Private charter to Tintamarre Pinel Maho Beach with snorkeling and lunch

You’ll zip across turquoise waters around St Maarten on your own private speed boat charter, with a local captain who knows every hidden spot. Snorkel at Tintamarre Island alongside sea turtles, then relax over lunch at Pinel Island with your toes in the sand. Expect laughter, salty air, and those small moments that sneak up on you and stay long after you’ve left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private speed boat charter highlights

• Board premium speed boat
• Cruise Simpson Bay lagoon
• Spot billionaires yachts
• Learn island history and culture
• Snorkel at Creole Rock
• Snorkel with sea turtles at Tintamarre Island
• Lunch and relax at Pinel Island
• Visit Baie Longue beach
• Watch planes at Maho Beach

Top questions

How long is the private speed boat charter in St Maarten?

You can choose between a half day (3.5 hours) or full day (7 hours) charter.

What places do you visit during the St Maarten private boat tour?

The itinerary can include Simpson Bay, Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island, Pinel Island, Baie Longue, and Maho & Mullet Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this St Maarten speed boat tour?

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

Are drinks provided during the private speed boat charter?

Water, soft drinks, beers, rosé wine and rum punch are available onboard.

Can I customize my itinerary for this St Maarten boat trip?

Yes, your day is fully customizable with your captain depending on weather and interests.

Is lunch included during the private charter?

You can have lunch at one of two beach restaurants on Pinel Island; food cost is not included.

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included?

No explicit pickup is mentioned; cruise ship passengers should provide ship details when booking.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is needed.

What’s included

Your day comes with a professional captain-guide at the helm of your private speed boat around St Maarten’s best spots; all snorkeling gear provided; water, soft drinks, beer, rosé wine and rum punch are stocked onboard; you can opt for either a half-day or full-day adventure—and yes, there’s time built in for lunch stops if you want them.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that yacht? Owner only visits once a year," Captain Jean said, grinning as we drifted past these ridiculous floating palaces in Simpson Bay. I laughed, thinking how I’d be happy just living on this boat for a week. The water was glassy early on, sunlight bouncing off the hull and the smell of salt mixing with sunscreen—someone always forgets to rub it in properly. We hadn’t even left the lagoon yet and already I felt lighter, like the city noise had been washed off my skin.

We sped up after that, wind whipping my hair into knots I’d regret later. Jean knew every cove by heart—he pointed out Creole Rock and told us how local kids learned to swim there before they could ride bikes. Snorkeling near Tintamarre Island was wild—I kept losing track of time watching these little blue fish darting around my mask, then suddenly a sea turtle glided right under me. I tried not to squeal through my snorkel but probably failed. There’s something about being underwater here—quiet except for your own bubbles, sun flickering above you—that just sticks with you.

Lunch on Pinel Island was way more relaxed than I expected. We sat with our toes buried in warm sand, picking at grilled fish while iguanas eyed our plates (they’re bolder than you’d think). Someone handed me a cold rum punch—honestly, it tasted better than any fancy cocktail back home. Later we cruised past Maho Beach just as a plane roared overhead; everyone on shore cheered like it was some wild ritual. I didn’t expect to find myself grinning at strangers but it’s hard not to get swept up in it all.