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Private boat excursion from Philipsburg (cruise pickup)
- Private Boat Charter
- Philipsburg
- 4 h
- 10 max
Overview
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
✓ 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.
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.
The meeting point is just a short walk (around 5 minutes) from the Philipsburg cruise terminal. Full directions are provided after booking.
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.
We monitor arrival times and adjust departure where possible. Please inform us of any delays and we will coordinate with your captain.
No. This is a fully private boat reserved exclusively for your group.
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.
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.
- 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
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