Best Private Catamaran Boat Tours in St. Maarten: Prices & What to Expect

Quick Overview: Private Catamaran Tour in St. Maarten

• Type of Tour: Full-day private catamaran charter
• Destinations: Tintamarre Island, Pinel Island, plus coastal cruising
• Booking Link: Book your private full day catamaran charter in St. Maarten here!
  • Half Day Private Catamaran Charter: If you only have a half day, you can try this tour here but the itinerary is different than is mentioned in this blog post.
  • Sunset Tour: Just want to catch the sunset? This private sunset catamaran tour might be perfect for you.
• Highlights:
  • Snorkeling with sea turtles
  • Remote beaches only accessible by boat
  • Crystal-clear Caribbean waters
  • Beach lunch at Pinel Island
  • Open bar + onboard relaxation
• Departure Point: Phillipsburg on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten
• Duration: Typically 7–8 hours
• Group Size: Private – just your group
• Cost: Starting around $950–$1,200 USD per group (depending on boat size and inclusions)
• Inclusions: Captain, fuel, drinks, snorkeling gear, light snacks
• Perfect For: Families, small groups, couples, or anyone wanting a more personal experience
• Why I Recommend It: After 5+ trips to St. Martin, this was easily one of my top highlights — nothing beats seeing the island from the water with your own crew.
• Related Reads: Best Places to Stay in St. Martin, Pinel Island Travel Guide

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no extra cost to you.

After five trips to St. Martin, I thought I had a pretty good handle on the island. But on my most recent visit, I did something that instantly jumped to the top of my list of all-time highlights — a private catamaran tour around the island. And let me just say… if you’re going to splurge on one thing while you’re here, make it this.

The Caribbean is meant to be seen from the water. There’s just something about being out on the sea, sailing past the coastline, music playing, drink in hand, and that turquoise water stretching out in every direction. It’s peaceful, it’s fun, and honestly, it gives you a completely different perspective of the island.

On this particular tour, we hit two of my absolute favorite spots in St. Martin — Tintamarre Island and Pinel Island. From snorkeling with sea turtles to swimming off remote beaches you can only reach by boat, this was one of those days that felt like a postcard come to life. And because we did it as a private charter, it felt even more personal and relaxing. No crowds, no schedule to follow — just our little group, doing our own thing.

The tour I originally did isn’t operating anymore, but I found another one with the exact same itinerary and experience. I’ll link it throughout this post and I truly recommend it if you’re looking for something special to do while you’re in St. Maarten.

Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or just want a more laid-back alternative to the usual group tours, this is the kind of day that sticks with you. Here’s what you can expect — and why I think it’s worth every penny.

What to Expect on a Private Catamaran Tour in St. Maarten

So what’s it actually like to spend a day on a private catamaran around St. Maarten? In short — pretty incredible.

From the moment you step on board, it’s clear this isn’t your average group tour. It’s laid-back, personalized, and entirely your pace. You’ve got your own boat, your own captain, and your own itinerary (give or take a few weather-based decisions), which means you get to enjoy the day exactly how you want.

Here’s how a typical day goes:

Welcome Aboard

Most tours depart from a marina on the French side of St. Martin, usually in the northeast. The tour linked departs from Philllipsburg on the Dutch side though. After a quick safety intro and getting settled in, you’ll set sail along the coast, often with music playing and drinks already being poured.

This is one of those “take your shoes off and relax” kind of moments. The breeze kicks in, the water starts to sparkle, and just like that — you’re officially on island time.

Stop #1: Tintamarre Island

Your first destination is usually Tintamarre, a small uninhabited island just off the northeast coast. This place is stunning — I’m talking shallow, bright turquoise water that looks straight out of a travel magazine. You can only get here by boat, which makes it feel extra special and untouched.

The real highlight? Snorkeling with sea turtles. The waters around Tintamarre are well-known for turtle sightings, and we were lucky enough to see a few during our swim. Whether you’re snorkeling or just floating in the water with a drink, it’s one of those moments that sticks with you.

After a bit of beach time or a walk on the island, it’s back to the boat for more cruising and more relaxing.

Stop #2: Pinel Island

Next up is Pinel Island, which is one of my personal favorite places in all of St. Martin. You can get here by ferry from the mainland (and I have a full guide on that if you’re interested), but arriving by catamaran just feels different. More exclusive, more chill.

Learn more about Pinel Island with this travel guide!

Pinel has super calm water, perfect for swimming, and a few great spots for lunch or drinks. Most private tours stop here for a casual meal, and honestly — eating fresh seafood with your toes in the sand never gets old.

The Cruise Back

After lunch and some beach time, you’ll hop back on the catamaran for a slow cruise back to the marina. This is usually when everyone just lounges out — sun-soaked, happy, and a little salty from the sea. It’s the perfect way to wind down the day.

Ready to book? Book your Private Full Day Catamaran Boat Trip here!

Private Catamaran St. Maarten Day Trip Highlights

While just being out on a catamaran in the Caribbean is an experience in itself, the real magic happens when you pull up to spots that most people never get to see — or at least not like this.

Here’s a closer look at the two main highlights of most private catamaran tours in St. Maarten:

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Tintamarre Island: Snorkeling + Seclusion

If there’s one place that feels like it belongs on a screensaver, Tintamarre Island is it.

Located just a few miles off the northeast coast of St. Martin, this uninhabited island is only accessible by boat — no roads, no buildings, just nature at its best. It’s part of the Saint Martin Nature Reserve, so it’s protected, pristine, and absolutely stunning.

The water here? Unreal. Think: that perfect shade of Caribbean blue that shifts with the sunlight, surrounded by soft white sand. When we pulled up, I remember thinking, this doesn’t even look real.

Most catamaran tours anchor here for snorkeling, swimming, or just hanging out. Snorkeling with sea turtles is a major highlight — and yep, we saw them! They glide so calmly beneath the surface, and it’s just wild to swim beside them in their natural habitat.

Beyond the turtles, the water around Tintamarre has coral formations, colorful fish, and that calm, easy current that makes snorkeling super accessible even for beginners.

Even if you don’t get in the water, you can walk along the beach, chill on the boat with a cold drink, or take in the views. It’s the kind of place that really makes you slow down and appreciate the beauty of the Caribbean.

Pinel Island: Beach Vibes & Lunch

After Tintamarre, you’ll cruise over to Pinel Island, which — I’ll just say it — is one of my favorite places on the planet. I’ve probably been here 15 times over the years, and it never gets old.

Pinel has this perfect balance of natural beauty and laid-back beach vibes. Calm, shallow water makes it great for swimming (especially if you’ve got kids with you), and there’s usually a gentle breeze coming off the sea. It feels like a tiny slice of paradise just offshore.

Most catamaran tours stop here for lunch — and you’ve got some great options right on the beach. Think grilled lobster, fresh seafood, tropical cocktails… the kind of meal that’s best enjoyed with your feet in the sand and no shoes in sight.

After lunch, you can lounge in a beach chair, take a swim, or explore the island a bit. You’ll also get a stunning view looking back toward mainland St. Martin — the kind of view that makes you stop and just take it all in.

Even though you can visit Pinel by ferry, getting here as part of a private catamaran tour just feels more special. No waiting in lines, no dealing with crowds — just you, your group, and this beautiful island to enjoy at your own pace.

Private vs Group Catamaran Tours in St. Maarten: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been researching boat trips in St. Maarten, you’ve probably noticed there are a ton of options — from big group party boats to smaller shared charters to full-on private catamaran tours. So what’s the real difference, and is the private route worth it?

Having done both over the years, here’s my honest take:

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Private Catamaran Tours: The VIP Experience

A private catamaran tour in St. Maarten means the boat is just for you and your group. Whether you’re traveling with family, a group of friends, or as a couple, you’ll have the entire vessel (and crew) to yourselves.

Why go private?

• Custom itinerary – Many operators let you adjust the route based on your preferences (weather permitting, of course).
• Your own vibe – You control the music, the pace, the drinks, the energy. Want a quiet day sunbathing and swimming? Cool. Want to turn it into a mini party? Also cool.
• More space & comfort – No sharing deck space with strangers or fighting over the best bean bag.
• Flexible timing – Some private charters allow for more relaxed departure and return windows.
• Ideal for groups – If you’re splitting the cost among a few people, the price per person becomes way more reasonable.

For me, the private tour felt like such a luxury — but also a much more relaxed experience. No rush, no loudspeaker announcements, no rigid schedule. Just our group, out on the water, doing our thing.

Want more options? Book a private half day tour OR a private sunset boat tour!

Group Tours: Budget-Friendly & Social

If you’re traveling solo or want to save a bit of cash, group catamaran tours are still a great way to see the island. These usually include a mix of travelers, and you’ll follow a set itinerary with timed stops.

Want to book a group tour? Check prices and availability here!

Why go group?

• Cheaper upfront cost – You’ll pay per person instead of chartering the whole boat.
• Meet other travelers – Great for solo travelers or social butterflies.
• Still fun – Many group tours include snorkeling, drinks, lunch, and music.

That said, group tours can feel a bit more structured, and you don’t have much control over the schedule or the vibe. If you’re looking for something a bit more special — especially for a birthday, honeymoon, family trip, or just a really memorable vacation day — I’d say the private option is worth the splurge.

Bottom line?
If you can swing it (or split the cost with friends or family), go private. The extra space, flexibility, and personal feel make it one of the best experiences you can have in St. Maarten. Group tours are still solid — but private just hits different.

Tips for Booking a Private Catamaran Tour in St. Maarten

Thinking of booking your own private catamaran tour in St. Maarten? Here are a few quick tips to help you get the most out of the experience:

• Keep your plans flexible – Weather can change fast in the Caribbean. Try to book early in your trip so you have wiggle room to reschedule if needed.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen – You’ll be in and out of the water, and the sun will be strong. Bonus points for protecting the marine life.
• Pack a day bag – Bring a towel, swimsuit, dry clothes, sunglasses, hat, and whatever else you’d want for a full day on the water.
• Stay connected with an eSIM – I always use Airalo for local data while traveling. Great for staying in touch, checking weather, or pulling up maps if you need them.
• Don’t worry about packing drinks – Most private tours include an open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks, and sometimes even rum punch. But double-check with your tour provider.
• Snorkeling gear is usually included – Most tours provide fins and masks, but if you have your own gear and prefer it, bring it along.
• Barefoot is best – You’ll likely be asked to take your shoes off when you board, so wear sandals or something easy to slip off.
• Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro – Between the sea turtles, the views, and the crystal-clear water, you’ll want to capture it all.

Final Thoughts: Is a Private Catamaran Tour in St. Maarten Worth It?

Absolutely — yes.After visiting St. Martin multiple times over the years, this private catamaran trip was hands down one of the best experiences I’ve had on the island. There’s something about seeing the coastline from the water, stopping at remote beaches, and spending the day with just your crew that makes it feel really special.Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge — but if you’re traveling with family or friends, it’s easy to split the cost. And honestly, it’s hard to put a price on that kind of day. Snorkeling with sea turtles, beach-hopping by boat, drinks in hand, sun on your face… that’s the kind of memory that stays with you long after the trip is over.If you’re looking to experience the Caribbean in a way that’s both relaxing and unforgettable, this is it.

F.A.Q.’s: Private Catamaran Tours in St. Maarten