By
Victoria BookStMartin
Looking for a private speed boat charter in St Maarten? We live here — and we’ve seen which ones are worth booking and which ones aren’t. Here’s our honest guide.
A speed boat isn’t just faster than a catamaran — it’s a completely different experience. More exclusive, more flexible, and honestly more exciting. You cover more water, stop where you want, and the day feels like yours.
The travelers who choose a speed boat charter are usually those who want to pack the most into one day — Tintamarre in the morning, Pinel for lunch, Anguilla in the afternoon.
Or a full run to St Barts. All three are worth it, and a speed boat is the only way to do them all in one day.
If you want more freedom on the water and a more premium feel — this is the right choice.
The most popular tours tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
If you see a tour you like, don’t wait.
The most popular are often gone months in advance.
⭐ 4.9 (90+ reviews) • Full day or half day • 100% private • Departs Simpson Bay • From $970
Captain Sam fell in love with St Martin in 2009 and never left. That decision turned into one of the most consistently praised private charters on the island.
The concept is simple: your boat, your captain, your day. You set the route with Sam before you leave the dock — Tintamarre for the first snorkel, Pinel for a long lunch, a run toward Anguilla if you want to stretch the day further. He knows where the crowds aren’t, which coves are worth the detour, and when to slow down and let the water do the rest.
Maximum 10 people on board, which in practice means your group and nobody else. Drinks flow all day. Snorkeling gear is there when you want it. Lunch is taken care of. The boat is fast enough to cover serious distance — and quiet enough when you stop to feel genuinely away from everything.
Guests come back year after year. Some have done it five, six times. That’s not a coincidence.
One thing to know: Sam’s calendar fills up weeks in advance in high season. If your dates are set, don’t wait.
⭐ 5.0 (45+ reviews) • Full day • 100% private • From $985
Anguilla is 20 minutes away by speed boat from St Martin. That’s the distance between a good vacation and an extraordinary one.
This is the same Captain Sam from our #1 pick — same boat, same quality, different destination. You head out from Simpson Bay, cut through the lagoon past mega yachts and open water, and 20 minutes later you’re anchored off beaches that look like they were designed for a movie. Sandy Island. Shoal Bay. Meads Bay. Sam knows them all, knows which ones are quiet that day, and knows when to move on.
The day is completely yours. No fixed itinerary, no other groups, no one else’s timeline. Families, couples, anniversary trips — the reviews read like the same word repeated: best day of the trip.
One thing to plan for: Anguilla requires a small clearance fee per person, paid in cash on the day. Sam handles all the logistics — just bring your passport.
⭐ 5.0 • Full day • Up to 10 guests • Departs Anse Marcel Marina, French Side • From $1750
This is a different category of experience.
The NOALI is an Axopar 37 Suntop — built in 2023, 900hp, capable of 50 knots. Scandinavian design, twin cabins, indoor and outdoor shower, sunbed on the bow, 8 speakers plus a subwoofer. It’s the kind of boat that makes the ride itself part of the day.
Captain Elliot runs the show — and the reviews describe him the same way every time: attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making the day exceptional. He takes the time to explain what you’re seeing, suggests the stops worth making, and handles everything so you don’t have to think about anything except enjoying it.
Add two underwater scooters, a full open bar, a morning platter of croissants, fruits and chocolatines — and you have something that goes well beyond a boat tour.
For groups looking for a genuinely premium day on the water — this is the benchmark.
⭐ 5.0 • Full day • Up to 10 guests • Departs French Side • From $1850
Two islands. One day. One boat.
Paper Boat Charter runs the Axopar 37 out of the French side — a sleek, fast, comfortable vessel that handles open water well even when conditions aren’t perfect. Captains Etienne and William know both islands intimately. They pick the spots worth stopping at, adjust the day when the sea decides otherwise, and make sure the energy on board stays high from departure to return.
The format is completely private — your group, your pace, your itinerary. Beach hopping around Anguilla, snorkeling, cliff jumping if you’re up for it, a proper lunch at a beachside restaurant. Guests describe it consistently as the best day of their trip.
Drinks are on board. The beaches are in Anguilla. Everything else is up to you.
⭐ 5.0 • Half day or full day • Private • À la carte itinerary • From $700
Your boat. Your captain. Your day — shaped around exactly what you want to do.
Suneeta runs one of the cleanest, most flexible private charters on the island. Captain Alban handles the navigation and the sea conditions — guests consistently mention his ability to read the water and keep the day smooth even when wind picks up. The boat is spotless. Communication before the trip is seamless.
The concept is simple: you choose the destinations and activities, the captain handles everything else. Snorkeling, swimming, island hopping, sunbathing — or a combination of all four. Drinks and snacks are included. The rest is yours to build.
Booked on average 30 days in advance. That’s the kind of indicator that tells you something about the demand.
Planning a speed boat experience in St Maarten? Here are a few things travelers often want to know before booking.
Yes — for travelers looking for something faster, more flexible and more private, a speed boat in St Maarten can be one of the most exciting ways to explore the island. Unlike larger cruises, a private speed boat charter in St Maarten gives you more freedom on the water, whether you want snorkeling stops, beach time, or a custom day at sea.
A speed boat tour in St Martin is usually faster, more dynamic and better suited to travelers who want to cover more in less time. Catamarans are generally more relaxed and slower, while speed boat excursions in St Maarten often focus on flexibility, quick island hopping, snorkeling stops, and private or small-group experiences.
Absolutely. Many travelers choose a private speed boat charter in St Maarten for a more personalized experience. Private charters are ideal for couples, families, or small groups who want to avoid crowds and enjoy a custom itinerary, whether that means cruising around the coast, visiting snorkeling spots, or heading to nearby islands.
Yes — one of the most popular options is taking a private speed boat to Anguilla from St Maarten. These trips are popular because they make it easy to reach Anguilla’s beaches quickly while keeping the day private and flexible. If you are specifically looking for an Anguilla day trip, that is usually better covered on a dedicated Anguilla page, but speed boats are definitely one of the most attractive ways to get there.
Yes, travelers can book a boat from St Maarten to St Barts, including high-end private charters. For people looking for a more premium and flexible day on the water, speed boats can be a very appealing option for nearby islands. If your main goal is a St Barts day trip, it is best to compare the available experiences based on duration, privacy, and departure point.
Yes — several St Maarten speed boat tour options include snorkeling stops around places like Pinel, Tintamarre, or other coastal areas. These tours are often a great choice for travelers who want a more active day on the water, combining speed, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling in a single experience.
Prices vary depending on whether you choose a shared speed boat tour in St Martin or a fully private charter. Smaller excursions can be much more accessible, while full-day private experiences to places like Anguilla or other nearby islands are usually premium options. In general, the more private and customizable the experience, the higher the price.
Yes — speed boat excursions in St Maarten can be an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want to see more than one side of the island or combine beaches, snorkeling, and scenic cruising in one day. They are especially appealing if you want something more memorable and energetic than a traditional boat outing.
Private speed boat charters are one of the most flexible and exciting ways to explore St Maarten and nearby islands.
From quick snorkeling stops to full-day private experiences, they offer a level of freedom that few other tours can match.
The most popular options tend to get booked early — especially during peak season — so it’s worth securing your spot in advance if you already have dates in mind.
I've been living on this island for 25 years. I know which beach is empty on a Tuesday morning, which restaurant in Grand Case is worth the wait, and exactly why you should never book the first car rental counter you see at the airport.
It started with food — SXM Epicure Club, a culinary blog I ran on Facebook for years, connecting locals and visitors around the best tables on the island. Over time it became something bigger.
BookStMartin was born from the same idea : connecting people with the real St. Martin. Not the brochure version. The one we actually live in.
Everything on this site comes from that — 25 years of knowing this island the way only a local can.
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