The Best Catamaran Day Sail in St Maarten

The best part of this five-hour sail is the mix of easygoing cruising and hands-on water fun. You can settle into a shaded seat, watch St. Maarten’s coast slide by, then jump into the Caribbean for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, or a swing from the boat’s famous Tarzan rope.

I like the small maximum group of 30 and the way the crew keeps the day personal. I also like that lunch is a proper grilled meal, with chicken skewers, salad, baguette, and Caribbean rice, rather than a hurried sandwich. The main thing to consider is that the route and order of stops can change with sea conditions, and the meeting point is confirmed by email rather than reliably printed on the ticket.

Key points to know before you book

• Two Caribbean swimming stops: The boat visits Mullet Bay and Little Bay, with the order changing according to the day and the sea.
• The Tarzan swing is the signature thrill: You can trapeze from the catamaran into the water at the second stop.
• A real lunch is cooked onboard: Expect marinated chicken skewers grilled by the captain, salad, baguette, and Caribbean rice.
• The bar is included: Unlimited drinks, including top-shelf options, are served throughout the trip. Alcohol is for those age 18 and older.
• The crew gets high marks for personal service: Anna, Jackie, and Captain Scott are known for staying attentive without making the trip feel formal.
• Plan for a wet, sunny day: Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Snorkel gear, life jackets, noodles, and water equipment are supplied.

Setting out from Simpson Bay at 10 a.m.

The sail begins at 10:00 a.m. from the Simpson Bay area, a convenient choice if you are staying nearby or arriving by cruise ship. The boat is within walking distance of the ship area, and parking is available. It is also near public transportation.

One practical warning matters here: do not rely only on the meeting place printed on your ticket. The operator sends the actual meeting instructions by email during the week before departure, and you should check your junk folder as well. That extra step is easy to miss, but it can save you from starting a relaxed sailing day in a frantic search for the dock.

Once aboard, you find cushioned seating in the shade or sun. The boat is described as clean, spacious, and comfortable, with a more personal feel than a large party vessel. The maximum is 30 people, although some departures may be smaller. That limit matters. You have a better chance of getting help with snorkel gear, finding a place to sit, and taking a turn on the swing without waiting through a long line.

The crew includes Anna, Jackie, and Captain Scott, also called Scotty. Their style is attentive and informal. Drinks are offered regularly, safety is explained, and the crew helps with noodles, paddle boards, snorkel equipment, and the swing. Queenie, the boat’s friendly canine first mate, may also be part of the welcome. If you are fond of dogs, she adds a memorable touch. If you are not, the boat still has plenty going on.

Sailing between the Dutch and French sides

The route follows St. Maarten’s coastline and takes in views on both the Dutch and French sides of the island. You remain in the Caribbean Sea rather than heading into the open Atlantic, which helps keep the outing closer to shore.

That distinction is useful if you are concerned about seasickness. The boat does not travel far offshore, and the calmer coastal route can make the day easier for people who are uneasy on boats. Conditions still vary, of course. A catamaran is not a guarantee against motion, and weather determines where the captain can safely stop.

You might pass several beaches along the way, and one route may include views toward Maho Bay. A plane landing near Maho can be an extra bit of island drama, but it should not be treated as a promised part of the schedule. The sailing itself is part of the pleasure here. Music is relaxed, the coastline keeps changing, and you can spend part of the day doing nothing more demanding than watching the water.

Mullet Bay: snorkeling, lunch, and easy water play

Mullet Bay is generally one of the two main stops. Depending on conditions, it may come first or second, but it is the stop most closely tied to the meal and the broad selection of water activities.

You can snorkel, swim, use a stand-up paddle board, kayak, float with a noodle, or swim toward the beach. The equipment is included, as are life jackets. This makes the stop simple for a mixed group. One person can snorkel while another lounges in the water, and children or less confident swimmers can stay close to the boat with flotation gear.

Snorkeling conditions naturally depend on visibility and weather. You should come expecting a pleasant swim and the chance to see underwater life, not a dedicated reef expedition. The benefit is flexibility. You are not locked into one activity, and you do not need to rent equipment separately.

Lunch is prepared onboard, which gives this stop a more generous feel than many half-day boat trips. The meal includes marinated chicken skewers grilled by the captain, green salad, baguette, and Caribbean rice. The food is served as part of the experience, not as an afterthought. The crew also shops for the day’s supplies each morning, so the meal is prepared with that day’s outing in mind.

A rum punch can accompany lunch, and the open bar remains available. Unlimited drinks are included in the price, with top-shelf options listed as part of the package. Beer, rum punch, soda water, and other drinks are available, making it easy for drinkers and non-drinkers to enjoy the same setup. Alcohol service is limited to people age 18 and older.

Little Bay: the stop for the Tarzan swing

Little Bay can be the first stop or the second, depending on the sea. Its role in the day is less about sitting quietly on the beach and more about getting into the water from the boat.

The Tarzan swing is the signature activity. You hold on, swing out over the sea, and release into the water. It has been enjoyed by people from children through older adults, but you should make your own judgment based on strength, balance, swimming ability, and comfort with jumping into open water.

The crew sets up the swing and helps make the activity feel manageable. Life jackets and flotation gear are available, and the boat has staff close by while people use the equipment. Still, the swing is active rather than passive. If you have a shoulder, back, or mobility concern, sitting this one out is perfectly sensible.

After the swing, you can return to the water, relax on the boat, or take a snack. The bar stays open, and a small snack is available if lunch has worn off or the excitement has made you hungry. This is a nice rhythm: one stop gives you many water choices and a full meal, while the other gives the day a clear burst of fun.

Why the food and service matter at $139

At $139 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in St. Maarten. The value comes from what is bundled into the five-hour outing. You receive lunch, snacks, unlimited drinks, snorkel equipment, life jackets, a stand-up paddle board, and access to the Tarzan swing.

If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, drinks, and water equipment, the price becomes easier to justify. The meal is also more substantial than the basic boxed food served on some excursions. A grilled lunch with rice, salad, bread, and chicken makes the day feel like a full outing rather than a short cruise with a snack.

The service is another important part of the cost. Anna, Jackie, and Captain Scott are repeatedly praised for remembering names, checking on people, and keeping drinks moving without forcing a party mood. That balance works well for families, couples, and groups of friends who want both activity and downtime.

The limits are worth noting. You are paying for a shared boat, not a private charter. The advertised maximum is 30 people, and even a well-run catamaran can feel busy when everyone wants equipment or a turn on the swing. The route is also weather dependent, and the boat may adjust the order or location of stops.

A good fit for families, couples, and mixed groups

This sail suits people who want variety. You can be active for ten minutes, sit in the shade for half an hour, swim, eat, and then join another activity. That flexibility is especially useful when a family or friend group has different ideas about what makes a good day.

Families should appreciate the range of options. Children can enjoy the water, noodles, paddle boards, and swing, while adults can settle into a cushioned seat with a drink. The crew’s friendly dog, Queenie, may be a highlight for younger passengers.

Couples get a relaxed boat setting, coastal views, and a chance to choose between quiet time and playful activities. Groups of friends can make the Tarzan swing the centerpiece of the day, then use the open bar and lunch to keep the social side going.

This is less suitable if your goal is a long offshore sail, a serious snorkeling expedition, or a quiet luxury cruise with no jumping, splashing, or shared activity. The boat offers some sailing, but the focus is the whole day on the water, not sailing technique or a long passage.

What to pack and how to plan the day

Wear your swimsuit from the start. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and anything you need to stay comfortable in sun and spray. The boat supplies snorkel equipment and life jackets, so you do not need to arrange those separately.

I would also bring a small amount of money for tipping. A tip is not included in the stated price, and the crew’s hands-on service is a major part of the experience. Some passengers also buy bracelets connected with support for stray dogs on the island, though that is optional.

Keep an eye on your email before departure. The operator says the final meeting point is sent during the week before the trip, and the printed ticket may not show the correct place. This is the one piece of planning you should not leave until the last minute.

The tour is designed so that most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. It requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the same options apply. Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Later cancellations and changes are not refunded.

Should you book this St. Maarten catamaran sail?

I would book it if you want a social, activity-filled day with excellent food and an open bar. The combination of Mullet Bay, Little Bay, snorkeling, paddleboarding, a grilled lunch, and the Tarzan swing gives you a lot to do without making the schedule feel rigid.

The strongest reason to choose it is the crew. Anna, Jackie, and Captain Scott make the boat feel personal, while the small group limit keeps the experience from becoming a mass outing. The clean catamaran, included equipment, and proper lunch add real value to the $139 price.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a guaranteed route, or a serious reef-focused snorkel trip. Otherwise, this is a well-rounded choice for a cruise-day excursion, a family outing, or a first sailing day in St. Maarten. Check your email for the meeting point, pack for water, and be ready to share the boat with an easygoing mix of people.

FAQ

How long is the St. Maarten catamaran sail?

The experience lasts approximately five hours and begins at 10:00 a.m.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The sail departs from the Simpson Bay area. The exact meeting point is sent by email during the week before departure, and you should also check your junk folder.

Which beaches or bays does the boat visit?

The outing visits Mullet Bay and Little Bay. The order can change depending on the day and sea conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes marinated chicken skewers grilled onboard, green salad, baguette, and Caribbean rice.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included, with a top-shelf open bar. The minimum age for alcohol is 18.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. Stand-up paddle boards and the Tarzan swing are also provided.

Is the boat suitable for children?

The experience is family-friendly, and most people can participate. The Tarzan swing is described as suitable for a wide age range, but each person should decide if the activity fits their comfort and ability.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund.