Private Catamaran Charter St Maarten 2026: Cost & Options

Booking choice: The private catamaran charter, from $1,750 per group. Check dates Compare the options below

Shared day sails carry 28 to 38 guests. A private charter gives your group the whole boat, a captain and a host, and lets you set the pace.

Here is what the private catamaran on this site includes, how the price splits across a group, and when a small shared boat is the smarter buy.

The quick answer

The private catamaran charter costs $1,750 for the group: six hours from Bobby's Marina with breakfast, a barbecue lunch, an open bar and stops such as Little Bay and Tintamarre. Split six ways, that is about $292 each. For couples, Flagship II ($255 per person, 15 guests at most) is the better value.

The bright saloon of a modern catamaran with cream sofas, a table with fruit baskets and windows onto a marina — Charter catamarans have a shaded saloon for the hottest part of the day.

How much does a private catamaran charter cost in St Maarten?

The charter on this site starts at $1,750 per group for six hours. Full-day private catamarans on the island typically cost about $2,300 to $3,800.

Examples from current listings: Isle Blue's 42 ft Freedom charges $2,395 for one to four guests on its charter page, and a 40 ft power catamaran lists $2,274 to $2,729 for up to eight. Many boats price a base rate for six guests, then about $100 per extra guest. Season, boat size and Anguilla all push the price up.

Comparing quotes? The private charter includes lunch, breakfast and the open bar in its group price.

Check dates for the private catamaran charter

Is a private charter cheaper per person than a shared catamaran?

For six or more, it gets close to the shared price. For couples, it is three to six times more.

The private price is for the whole boat. Here is how it splits, next to the per-person prices of the small-group and shared boats. Guests in the reviews mention groups of six and seven; check the listing for the maximum.

Group size	Private, per person	Flagship II (max 15)	Random Wind (shared)
2	$875	$255	$145
4	$438	$255	$145
6	$292	$255	$145
8	$219	$255	$145

What is included on the private charter?

A small breakfast of fruit and French bread, a lunch grilled on board, snacks, an open bar and snorkel gear.

The sample menu offers chicken breast marinated in sweet soy and cooked on a real charcoal barbecue, yellowfin tuna steak or a vegetarian option, with pasta salad. Drinks include beer, mimosas, rum punch, rum, vodka and mixed drinks. Guests report a husband-and-wife crew, Captain Mike and Elmira; one group wrote: "Our group of 6 had a wonderful and relaxing day on this private catamaran."

A platter of pineapple and melon with plates of cookies and orange mugs on a white catamaran table — Fruit and snacks come out early on the charters.

Where does a private catamaran charter go?

Wherever the wind allows. The listing suggests Little Bay and Tintamarre, and the captain moves the plan if the sea turns.

That flexibility is the point of going private. It also cuts both ways. One guest wrote: "The wind didn't lend to pinel and tintamarre so we stayed along the Dutch coast primarily." If turtles are the priority, say so when you book. For what the reserve islets offer, read our Tintamarre guide.

Private Full-Day Sailing Catamaran Charter

Want the boat to yourselves? Six hours, your own route and lunch grilled on board.

★ 5.0 499 reviews · 6 hours · from $1,750

Explore the private catamaran charter

What is the Flagship II small-group day?

A shared 48 ft catamaran capped at 15 guests, with nine hours on the water, breakfast, a four-course lunch and a full open bar.

It boards at Bobby's Marina, over the little bridge in front of the Greenhouse restaurant, at 9:00 am. Stops depend on the weather and can include Happy Bay, Long Bay and Tintamarre. Reviewers keep naming the hosts Ben and Georgia. One practical note from a guest: "Note that there is a $20 fee for parking you should plan on." Towels are not supplied.

A catamaran table set with rosé in an ice bucket, crisps, cheese, olives and small dishes, sea behind — On the small-group boat, snacks and drinks come to your table.

Can you charter a catamaran to Anguilla privately?

Yes, but budget for customs. Charter listings add about $35 to $45 per person in customs fees, and everyone needs a passport.

Private boats must clear customs and immigration on Anguilla, at Road Bay, Sandy Ground or Blowing Point. Small powerboat charters to Anguilla start around $1,450, plus those fees. The shared Anguilla Cays & Coves ($149 plus $25 cash) is the budget route. The rules and the crossing are in the Anguilla day trip guide.

A swimmer in turquoise water below pale limestone cliffs topped by a white villa — Anguilla's coves are a longer sail, best on a calm day.

How far ahead should you book a private charter?

As early as you can for December to April and holiday weeks.

The listing cancels for a full refund up to 24 hours before, so booking early costs you nothing but a decision. If the operator calls the trip off for weather, Viator offers a new date or a full refund. Tell the crew about allergies and diets at booking, since lunch is cooked on board.

Dates fixed? The private charter cancels for a full refund up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the private catamaran charter

How much should you tip on a private charter?

Around 15 to 20 percent of the charter price, in cash, split between the crew. Ask first whether gratuity is already included.

Policies differ: some private charters build the gratuity in, others list "crew gratuity not included". One operator advises that 15 to 20 percent is normal in Sint Maarten. On this charter that is about $262 to $350 for the group. Worth it? For six or more friends, yes: the private day costs little more per head than a shared boat, and nobody else picks the music.