- 3.5 h
- 12 max
Reserve with $ 236 deposit
Total $ 1125
✓ Limited slots — confirm early
- 3.5 h
- 12 max
Reserve with $ 236 deposit
Total $ 1125
✓ Limited slots — confirm early
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- Private Boat Excursion from Philipsburg (Cruise Pickup)
Private Boat Excursion from Philipsburg (Cruise Pickup)
- Private Boat Charter
- Philipsburg
- 4 h
- 10 max
Overview
Walk from Cruise Port
Private Charter
Timed to Your Ship
Multiple Stops
Guaranteed Return
Designed specifically for cruise visitors, this private boat excursion departs just minutes from the Philipsburg cruise port, making it one of the easiest and most flexible ways to experience St Maarten by sea.
Walk from your ship and step directly onto your private 30 ft speedboat, where your captain will guide you along the coastline to a selection of the island’s best swimming, snorkeling, and beach locations.
With a relaxed 4-hour format and flexible timing based on your ship schedule, this experience is built to give you maximum time on the water while ensuring a smooth and stress-free return before departure.
From
$ 1090
Cruise friendly charter
Secure with a $ 220 deposit
✓ Availability is confirmed after request
Balance paid on the day
Simple & transparent booking
How booking works
- We confirm availability with your captain after your request
- Pay the balance only once your booking is confirmed
Why you’ll love this experience
- You walk from the cruise port and step straight onto your private boat within minutes.
- You enjoy a flexible experience tailored to your schedule and sea conditions.
- You visit a mix of beaches, snorkeling spots, and iconic locations like Maho Beach.
- You avoid large group excursions and enjoy the day at your own pace.
- You return comfortably to port with time to spare before your ship departs.
- 4 hours
- 10 max
- Philipsburg
- Cruise Friendly Charter
- Private Boat Charter
- Private 30 ft speedboat with licensed captain
- Philipsburg pickup (walking distance from cruise port)
- Fuel for the full itinerary
- Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Noodles and flotation equipment
- Life jackets for all guests
- Open bar (beer, soft drinks, water)
- Shade cover and comfortable seating
- Easy swim ladder access
To secure your charter, you’ll pay a small deposit online through our secure checkout powered by Stripe or PayPal. EXPLR.SX does not charge any payment processing fees on the deposit.
We accept all major credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal for fast and flexible deposit payments.
The remaining balance is due on the day of the charter and is paid directly to the captain. The balance may be paid by card in EUR (+3% local card processing fee) or in cash in USD or EUR. Please note that American Express cards are not accepted for the balance payment.
All bookings are covered by our clear and fair cancellation policy.
You may cancel up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a full refund of your deposit.
Bookings cancelled less than 48 hours before departure are non-refundable. The deposit secures the reservation of the boat, captain, and time slot specifically for your group.
If an activity cannot operate due to unsafe weather conditions, as determined by the captain, we will assist with rescheduling or provide a full refund.
Full activity terms and guest information can be found here: explr.sx/activity-terms.
This private boat excursion from Philipsburg is designed specifically for cruise visitors who want a simple, stress-free way to experience St Maarten from the water.
Located just a short walk from the cruise terminal, your departure point allows you to step off your ship and onto a private 30 ft speedboat within minutes, avoiding taxis, crowds, and fixed group schedules.
Once onboard, your captain will guide you along the coastline to a selection of the island’s most enjoyable spots, with time to swim, snorkel, and relax. Depending on conditions, you may visit areas such as Mullet Bay for calm beach time, Maho Beach to watch planes land low overhead, and Little Bay for clear, protected snorkeling.
The experience is designed to be flexible and relaxed, allowing you to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed. Your captain will adapt the route and timing based on sea conditions and your preferences, ensuring the best possible experience on the day.
Most importantly, this charter is carefully timed around your cruise schedule. With a short distance back to port and built-in buffer time, you can enjoy your time on the water with confidence, knowing your return is planned for a smooth and easy arrival before your ship departs.
This is a private experience reserved exclusively for your group, offering a more comfortable and personalized alternative to standard cruise excursions.
Inside the boat
A closer look at the interior spaces and onboard comfort of your private charter.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before booking.
How far is the pickup from the cruise port?
The meeting point is just a short walk (around 5 minutes) from the Philipsburg cruise terminal. Full directions are provided after booking.
Will we make it back to the ship on time?
Yes. This experience is specifically designed for cruise visitors, with timing planned around your ship’s schedule and built-in buffer time for a smooth return.
What if our ship arrives late?
We monitor arrival times and adjust departure where possible. Please inform us of any delays and we will coordinate with your captain.
Is this a shared excursion?
No. This is a fully private boat reserved exclusively for your group.
What happens if the weather is not suitable?
Your captain will adapt the route to find the best conditions. If it is not safe to go out, we will offer to reschedule or refund your deposit.
Not quite right? Consider these options
Closest match
Shorter option
✓ Best Value
- 3 h
- 8 max
Reserve with $ 113 deposit
Total $ 563
✓ Limited slots — confirm early
Best
Value
- 3 h
- 8 max
Reserve with $ 113 deposit
Total $ 563
✓ Limited slots — confirm early
Different experience
- 4 h
- 8 max
+$130pp (max17)
Reserve with $ 220 deposit
Total $ 1100
✓ Limited slots — confirm early
- 4 h
- 8 max
+$130pp (max17)
Reserve with $ 220 deposit
Total $ 1100
✓ Limited slots — confirm early
Already on the island?
If you’re planning something for today or tomorrow, we can sometimes help with last-minute private boat charter options.
Trusted by guests visiting St Martin & Sint Maarten
From first message to the day of the experience, guests consistently highlight how smooth and well organised everything feels.
“Everything was thoughtfully organised from start to finish, especially travelling with two young children. We felt completely looked after on the day, and the experience was both safe and unforgettable. Communication was excellent throughout, which gave us real peace of mind.”
- Chelsey
- March 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
“EXPLR.SX is a great choice when planning experiences in St Maarten. Everything was well organised, flexible, and easy to arrange, even when the weather changed. Communication was quick and helpful throughout, and we enjoyed both of our trips.”
- Helene
- April 2026
- Canada
- Verified Guest
“Everything felt easy and smooth from booking through to the day itself. The experience was well planned but still flexible, which made it perfect for our group. We had an amazing time in Anguilla and would highly recommend it.”
- Kristen
- April 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
“An incredible day on the water and one of the highlights of our trip. Everything was perfectly organised, with great attention to detail throughout — including an amazing meal and thoughtful care for dietary requirements. The whole experience felt effortless.”
- Stefani
- April 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
“The highlight of our two weeks in St Maarten. We were a large group with kids and everything was incredibly smooth and completely stress-free. Communication was excellent and we felt looked after from start to finish.”
- Marcus
- September 2025
- USA
- Verified Guest
“Very professional and reliable from start to finish. The whole day was easy, well organised, and a lot of fun — exactly what we were hoping for.”
- Sara
- January 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
Based on the island. Here to help.
Local experts
Direct support
7 days a week
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Need help choosing the right charter?
Not sure if this is the right option?
We’re happy to help you choose based on your dates, group, and what kind of day you’re looking for.
Plan your boat day with confidence
Helpful guides to make planning easier.
→ Central departure with quick access to both sides.
→ The best options for couples and small groups.
→ Safety standards and what to look for.
→ The closest and fastest route to Anguilla.
