Private charters in St Martin / St Maarten
Private boat charters in St Maarten & St Martin
Enjoy a private boat day around St Maarten — calm waters, flexible routes, and easy departures from multiple marinas. We’ll guide you to the right option based on your group, timing, and how you want to spend your day.
Whether you’re looking for a shorter half-day, a full-day experience, or a relaxed sunset charter, we’ll match you to the right option.
Half-day, full-day, and sunset private charters available.
Choose the right private charter
Half-day private charters
A relaxed cruise ideal for swimming, exploring, and enjoying the coastline without committing to a full day.
Full-day private charters
A complete day on the water with time to explore multiple beaches, swim stops, and more of the island.
Sunset private charters
A shorter, end-of-day experience focused on calm water, golden light, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Why choose a St Maarten private charter?
A private boat charter around St Martin & St Maarten is often the most flexible way to spend a day on the water.
Rather than focusing on a single destination, most charters combine several highlights into one trip — with the freedom to adapt the day around your group, the weather, and how you want to spend your time.
Popular stops may include Pinel Island, Tintamarre, Creole Rock, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, Long Bay, Happy Bay, and other calm coastal anchorages depending on conditions.
Unlike longer island crossings, more of your day is spent swimming, snorkelling, cruising, and relaxing rather than travelling between destinations.
Why guests choose St Maarten
Flexible itineraries
Ideal for guests who want a mixture of beaches, swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing, and relaxation in a single day.
Shorter travel times
Spend more time enjoying the water and less time crossing between islands.
Great for families
Shorter distances, flexible itineraries, and calm coastal cruising make St Maarten one of the easiest charter destinations for families and mixed-age groups.
Perfect for half-day charters
The island offers enough variety to create an enjoyable experience even if you only have a few hours available.
Excellent snorkelling and swim stops
Pinel, Tintamarre, Creole Rock, and other spots provide some of the most popular snorkelling and swimming areas around the island.
Is a St Maarten charter right for your group?
Often best for:
- first-time visitors
- families
- snorkelling enthusiasts
- half-day charters
- sunset cruises
- cruise guests
- mixed-age groups
- guests wanting flexibility
You may prefer Anguilla if:
- beaches are your highest priority
- you want time ashore
- you’re looking for crystal-clear water and a relaxed island atmosphere
You may prefer St Barts if:
- restaurants and beach clubs are important
- you want time in Gustavia
- you’re looking for a premium full-day island experience
Based on the island. Here to help.
Based in St Martin / St Maarten
Speak to someone who knows the boats
Flexible help before and after booking
We help you choose the right charter based on your group, your timing, and how you want to spend your day — whether that’s a half-day trip, a full-day charter, or a relaxed sunset cruise.
Still deciding?
Choosing a private charter is often less about the boat and more about the type of day you want.
Helpful guides:
→ How much time you really need to enjoy the day.
→ The easiest, most enjoyable private boat experiences for first-time visitors to St Maarten.
→ This guide explains what really matters when choosing the right size private boat charter.
Need help choosing the right charter?
Not all charters are the same — some are better suited to a shorter half-day private charter close to shore, while others are designed for a full-day private charter exploring more of the island.
If you’re looking for something more relaxed at the end of the day, a sunset private charter offers a calmer, evening experience on the water.
If you’re unsure, we’ll guide you to the best option based on your group and your plans.
How booking works
We check availability first — you only pay once your charter is confirmed.
Share your dates, group size, and what you’re looking for
We match you with the best available boats for your group
Balance paid directly to your captain on the day
Before you book
St Maarten charters are typically more flexible than cross-island trips, with multiple departure points and shorter travel distances.
Routes may vary depending on weather and sea conditions, but most charters stay within calmer coastal areas, offering a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Full details are always confirmed before you book.
Choose your departure point
Simpson Bay
Easy, central, and close to most hotels
Cole Bay
Marina departure with flexible routing
Marigot
Relaxed French-side departure
Nettle Bay
Calm lagoon-side, ideal for villa guests
Anse Marcel
Quiet, premium, sheltered bay
What guests say about booking with EXPLR.SX
Real feedback from guests who trusted EXPLR.SX to plan their time in St Martin & St Maarten — from private boat charters to island day trips.
- Chelsey
- March 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
- Helene
- April 2026
- Canada
- Verified Guest
- Kristen
- April 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
- Stefani
- April 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
- Marcus
- September 2025
- USA
- Verified Guest
- Sara
- January 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
Common concerns
Most guests have similar questions before booking.
You may also find these guides useful:
→ How conditions are handled and your options.
→ Understanding deposits, communication, and what to check before booking.
→ When to book — and when last-minute still works.
→ How to avoid common mistakes when booking.
→ The calmest routes, easiest crossings, and best options for guests worried about seasickness.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private boat charter cost in St Maarten?
Prices vary depending on the boat, duration, and group size.
Half-day private charters typically start from around $600, while full-day charters start from around $1,000. Premium boats and larger groups will be priced higher.
We’ll always guide you to the most suitable option based on your plans.
What’s the difference between half-day and full-day charters?
A half-day charter (around 3–4 hours) is ideal for staying close to shore, swimming, and enjoying a shorter experience.
A full-day charter (around 6–8 hours) allows for more time on the water, multiple stops, and a broader route around the island.
If you’re unsure which is right for your plans, you can also explore the difference between half-day and full-day private boat charters before deciding.
If you’re still unsure, we’re happy to guide you based on your group and your plans.
Where do private boat charters depart from?
Charters can depart from Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, Marigot, Nettle Bay, or Anse Marcel, depending on the boat and availability.
We’ll recommend the best departure point based on where you’re staying and the type of experience you’re looking for.
Can we choose where to go?
Yes — routes are flexible and can be adjusted based on your preferences, weather conditions, and the type of charter you choose.
Your captain will also guide you on the best options for the day.
Do you offer shared boat tours?
No — all charters arranged through EXPLR.SX are private.
This allows for a more flexible, comfortable, and personalised experience for your group.
How does booking work?
We first check real-time availability based on your date and group.
Once we’ve confirmed the best option for you, you can reserve your charter with a deposit. The remaining balance is paid directly to your captain on the day.
What’s included in the price?
This depends on the boat and charter.
Typically, the boat, captain, and basic equipment are included. Fuel, food, drinks, and additional requests may vary.
We’ll confirm exactly what’s included before you book.
Is a private charter suitable for children?
Yes — many charters are well suited to families.
We’ll recommend the most appropriate boat and route depending on your group, including younger guests.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety always comes first.
If conditions are not suitable, we’ll either reschedule your charter or discuss the best available alternative with you.
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend booking in advance, especially during busy travel periods.
However, we can sometimes help with last-minute availability depending on what’s open.
Tell us what you have in mind
Tell us your date, group size, and what you’re looking for, and we’ll guide you to the best available private charter.
Reserve your date with a deposit. Balance paid on the day.
