Private charters in St Maarten (cruise pickup)
Private boat excursion from Philipsburg (cruise pickup)
Walk from the cruise port and step straight onto a private boat designed around your time in port.
With flexible timing, swimming stops, beach time, and a guaranteed return before your ship departs, this is one of the easiest ways for cruise visitors to experience St Martin & St Maarten from the water.
Availability depends on your ship schedule, group size, and current bookings.
Reserve your date with a deposit.
Balance paid directly to your captain on the day.
Why cruise guests choose this experience
Walk from the cruise port
No taxis, transfers, or complicated meeting points. Most guests can walk directly from the cruise terminal to the departure location.
Designed around your ship schedule
Departure and return times are planned around your time in port, with buffer time built into the itinerary.
Private experience for your group
No shared excursions, crowded boats, or fixed group schedules.
Swimming, beaches, and sightseeing in one trip
A simple way to enjoy several sides of the island during your time ashore.
Who this experience is best for
An excellent introduction to the coastline and some of the island's most popular locations.
Combines sightseeing, swimming, relaxing, and beach stops without requiring high activity levels.
Easy logistics, shorter travel times, and flexible pacing throughout the day.
Designed specifically for visitors spending only a few hours on the island.
A flexible alternative to large organised cruise tours.
What a cruise-day charter actually feels like
A cruise-day charter is usually much more relaxed than visitors expect.
Rather than rushing between attractions, the experience combines a few carefully chosen stops with time to swim, enjoy the coastline, and experience the island from the water.
Because the departure point is close to the cruise port, guests spend more time enjoying the day and less time dealing with transport and logistics.
What the experience may include
Swim & Beach Time
Relax at one of the island’s best beaches, with calm water and easy access directly from the boat.
Maho Beach (Planes Landing)
Watch aircraft land low overhead at one of the Caribbean’s most unique and memorable spots.
Snorkeling Stops
Explore clear, protected areas with good visibility and easy entry for all levels.
Is a private cruise excursion worth it?
For many cruise visitors, yes.
Private excursions offer greater flexibility, smaller groups, and more control over the pace of the day than many traditional cruise excursions.
Guests who value comfort, flexibility, and a more personal experience often find that a private charter becomes one of the highlights of their visit to St Martin & St Maarten.
Return to your ship with time to spare
This experience is carefully timed around your cruise schedule. Your captain plans the route and timing to ensure a smooth return, with built-in buffer time before departure.
- Short distance from port
- Flexible routing based on conditions
- Experienced local captain
- Designed specifically for cruise timing
Charter options for cruise visitors
Availability depends on your ship schedule, group size, and current bookings.
Depending on the day, cruise guests may be matched with:
Smaller private speedboats
Well suited to couples, small families, and guests looking for a simple private excursion.
Mid-size private boats
Additional seating, shade, and comfort for families and mixed-age groups.
Larger private charter boats
Ideal for bigger groups wanting additional space and comfort throughout the experience.
Pricing depends on the boat, group size, timing, and current availability. We’ll confirm the most suitable options before you book.
Tell us your date and group size, and we’ll guide you to the most suitable option available.
Availability can change quickly, especially during peak travel periods.
How booking works
We check real-time availability across our trusted network
Matched to your group, budget, and preferences
Balance paid directly to your captain on the day
We’ll guide you through the process and confirm everything clearly before you book.
Related guides
Most guests have similar questions before booking.
You may also find these guides useful:
→ How weather conditions are handled and what options may still be available.
→ The easiest private charter options when your time on the island is limited.
→ Compare flexibility, comfort, privacy, and overall experience.
→ Which option fits your schedule and the type of day you want.
→ Common mistakes and how to avoid booking the wrong experience.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the pickup from the cruise port?
The pickup point depends on the boat and confirmed availability, but this experience is designed for cruise visitors staying close to Philipsburg.
Where possible, we prioritise options that are walking distance, normally less than 10 minutes away, or very easy to reach from the cruise terminal. Full meeting details are confirmed before booking.
Will we make it back before the ship departs?
Yes, the timing is planned around your ship schedule.
Your captain will allow a sensible return buffer so you are not rushing back at the last minute. We only recommend options that make sense for your time in port.
What happens if my ship arrives late?
Let us know as soon as possible.
Depending on the captain’s schedule and remaining time in port, the departure may sometimes be adjusted. If the delay means the experience is no longer realistic, we’ll explain the options clearly.
Is this a shared excursion?
No.
This is a private boat experience reserved for your group. You are not joining a shared tour with other cruise passengers.
Can children join the trip?
Yes, children can usually join, provided the boat is suitable for your group and the sea conditions are appropriate.
Let us know the ages of any children when enquiring so we can recommend the most suitable option.
What happens if the weather is not suitable?
If conditions are not suitable, the captain may adjust the route, suggest a different timing, or advise that the trip should not go ahead.
We will confirm the options clearly before any final decision is made.
How many people can join a private cruise excursion?
It depends on the boat available for your date.
Some options work best for couples or small families, while others can accommodate larger groups. Send your group size and cruise date and we’ll check the most suitable options.
Do I need to bring snorkelling equipment?
Usually no, but inclusions vary by boat.
Many private charter options include basic snorkelling gear, but we will confirm exactly what is included before you book.
Check availability for your cruise date
Tell us your ship, arrival date, and group size and we’ll confirm the most suitable private charter options available during your time in port.
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
EXPLR.SX is based in St Martin / St Maarten and works with a small network of trusted local operators. We match each enquiry with the most suitable private charter option based on your group, route, comfort level, and availability.
