St Maarten: Sunset Sail on Trimaran with Drinks & Maho Bay

Summary

Sail past Maho Bay at sunset with cocktails and sea breeze

You’ll step onto a trimaran in Simpson Bay for a sunset sail along St Maarten’s coast with just 16 guests max — drinks in hand, snacks nearby, and local Captain Pieter sharing stories as you glide past Maho & Mullet Bay. Watch planes land at sunset, feel the salt air, and return relaxed (and maybe wishing you’d booked twice).

What’s the experience like?

“You’re going to love this part,” Pieter grinned as we climbed from the little dinghy onto the trimaran in Simpson Bay. I’d never actually boarded a boat like that before — there’s this moment where your foot hovers over the water and you just have to trust you won’t slip. The sun was still high but already softening, and someone behind me laughed when I tried to pronounce ‘Simpson’ with a local accent. Anyway, we all shuffled around barefoot on deck, drinks in hand (the rum punch is stronger than it looks), while Pieter started explaining how he’s been sailing for over forty years. He said it so casually I almost missed it.

The sails went up with this satisfying snap and suddenly we were moving — not fast, just smooth, almost like gliding. You could hear the hull slicing through the water, plus a bit of reggae from someone’s phone. We passed close enough to Maho Bay that I could see people waving from the beach, and then — right on cue — a plane roared overhead coming into Princess Juliana Airport. It was loud enough that everyone stopped talking for a second. The air smelled salty and warm, with this weird hint of sunscreen from my neighbor’s shoulder. Snacks came around (cheese cubes taste better at sea for some reason), and Pieter pointed out Mullet Bay too. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed so quickly.

I kept thinking how different the light looked out there — gold on the waves, shadows stretching back toward St Maarten’s coast. There were only maybe a dozen of us onboard, so it felt more like being invited along by friends than anything official. Someone asked about sailing lessons; Pieter just smiled and said “maybe next time.” When we finally drifted back toward Simpson Bay after an hour and a half of actual sailing (I lost track), I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once. Still haven’t figured out why cheese tastes better out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset sailing along St Maarten coast

• Meet at dock in Simpson Bay
• Take dinghy to trimaran
• Settle in with cocktail and snacks
• Hoist sails and start sailing
• Sail past airport landing area
• Pass by Maho and Mullet Bay beaches
• Enjoy 1.5 hours sailing experience
• Return to dock and disembark

Top questions

How long does the St Maarten sunset sail last?

The full experience is about 2 hours with 1.5 hours of actual sailing time.

Where does the sunset sail depart from?

The tour departs from Simpson Bay; guests are taken to the trimaran by dinghy.

Are drinks included on the No1Sxm Sunset Sail?

Yes, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, bottled water, and snacks are included.

How many people can join each trip?

A maximum of 16 passengers can join each sunset sail for an intimate experience.

Will we see planes landing at Maho Beach?

Yes, you’ll pass by Maho Bay where you can watch planes land at Princess Juliana Airport.

Is pickup included for this sunset sailing tour?

You’ll be picked up by dinghy/tender from the dock to board the trimaran in Simpson Bay.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; boarding is via dinghy but manageable.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking so they can be accommodated.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup by dinghy from Simpson Bay dock to board the trimaran, complimentary alcoholic drinks or soft beverages throughout the cruise, light snacks served onboard as you sail past Maho & Mullet Bays with Captain Pieter guiding you along St Maarten’s coastline before returning back after sunset.