Because the best way to discover the island is from the water.
A catamaran tour in St Maarten is the one excursion I end up recommending to almost everyone visiting St Martin — and the one people usually wish they had booked earlier.
Spending a day on a catamaran completely changes the way you experience the island. You sail past hidden bays, drop anchor near places you’d never reach by car, swim in impossibly clear water, and suddenly St Martin looks very different from the sea.
Most tours stop at places like Tintamarre or Prickly Pear — small islands with white sand beaches, turquoise water and, some days, barely anyone around except a few sea turtles drifting nearby.
And somehow, by the end of the day, you still make it back in time for sunset drinks or dinner in Grand Case.
Shared catamaran cruises start around $119. These are the ones I genuinely think are worth your vacation time.
In full transparency
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you choose to book through them, I may earn a small commission — usually spent somewhere between a rum punch, a local lunch at the lolos in Grand Case, or a cold beer while watching the planes land in Maho. All of this happens at absolutely no extra cost to you, of course. Thank you!
In this guide
- Don’t want to overthink it? Start with these 3
- The best shared catamaran days (most people book these)
- Want something more exclusive? Private catamarans
- Catamaran or speedboat — which one is right for you?
- Private or shared — what actually makes the difference
- What a day on a catamaran really feels like
- Staying on the French side? Read this first
- How to choose the right tour (without wasting your time)
- Quick answers before you book
If you don’t want to overthink it — start here
The best shared catamaran trips — easy, all-in-one days on the water
Paradise Day Sail — the catamaran St Maarten visitors keep talking about
⭐ 5.0 (1,600+ reviews) · Full day · Shared · Open bar · Lunch on board · from $119
Credit : @Random Winds Charters
27 years on the water. More than 160,000 passengers.
There’s a reason Random Wind has become one of the most loved catamaran experiences in St Maarten — and honestly, it has very little to do with marketing.
The Paradise Day Sail is exactly the kind of Caribbean day people imagine before they arrive. You sail along the coast, snorkel in clear turquoise water, swim off the boat, enjoy a fresh lunch cooked onboard… and eventually end up swinging into the sea from the boat’s famous Tarzan rope.
That last part tends to become “the story” people keep talking about long after the vacation ends.
What really makes Random Wind different, though, is the crew. After nearly three decades on the water, everything feels effortless. The atmosphere is relaxed, genuinely friendly, and never overly scripted. It feels much more like spending a day with people who truly love the island than joining a typical tourist excursion.
The tour consistently ranks among the top-rated experiences in St Maarten on TripAdvisor — and honestly, I completely understand why.
One thing worth knowing: the boat is intentionally limited to around 30 passengers, so it books up surprisingly fast during high season, especially from December through April.
If you only book one day on the water in St Maarten, honestly… I’d make it this one.
→ Check availability & reviews on Viator
Luxury Catamaran Day Sail — the best choice if you want more space and fewer people
4.9 ⭐ (976+ reviews) · 5 hours · Shared · Open bar · Lunch on board · from $139
Credit : @Phoenix
The first thing people usually notice on this catamaran is the space.
The boat is a 62-foot luxury catamaran with a maximum of 36 guests onboard — which means you’re not squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder all day like on some of the larger tours around the island. There’s room to breathe, move around, stretch out in the sun, or simply sit quietly and enjoy the ride.
Captain Benji and his crew have clearly been doing this for a while. The whole day feels smooth, relaxed and genuinely well organized without ever becoming too “touristy.”
You snorkel at Little Bay, paddleboard in calm turquoise water, float on the giant lily pad, and eventually sail past Maho Beach just as the planes come roaring low over the ocean. Seeing that famous landing approach from the water is honestly one of those very specific “only in St Maarten” moments people remember for years.
Lunch is freshly prepared onboard, the open bar runs throughout the day, and by the time the catamaran returns to the marina, most people are chatting like they’ve spent the whole week together.
One detail cruise passengers especially appreciate: the tour returns around 3:30pm, which makes it a very safe option if you need to be back onboard your cruise ship on time.
If crowded catamaran tours are your nightmare, book this one instead. The smaller group size alone makes a huge difference once you're out on the water.
→ See dates & reviews on Viator
Tropical Catamaran Sail — the most personal experience, with one of the best crews on the island
⭐ 4.8 (58+ reviews) · 5-6 hours · Shared · Open bar · Lunch on board · from $129
Credit : @Eagles
Ask almost anyone in St Maarten about catamaran tours and Eagle Tours usually comes up within the first minute. They’ve been sailing the island since 2000 and honestly feel a bit like part of the local landscape at this point.
The day itself is exactly what most people hope a Caribbean catamaran cruise will be: snorkeling stops, turquoise water, open bar, good music, lunch onboard, and hours spent sailing along the coast with nowhere else to be.
The nice surprise is that it still feels relatively personal compared to some of the bigger operations around the island. Groups are capped at 28 passengers, which makes a huge difference once you’re actually out on the water.
And if you end up loving the experience, Eagle also runs a fantastic Eco Tour to Tintamarre and Creole Rock with lunch in Grand Case — probably one of the best ways to experience the French side from the sea.
If you want to sail with one of the catamaran companies locals actually know and trust, Eagle Tours is probably the safest bet on the island.
→ See dates & reviews on Viator
Want something more exclusive? Private catamaran charters in St Maarten
Luxury Private Full Day Charter — the most personal day on the water in St Maarten
⭐ 5.0 (50+ reviews) · Full day · Private · All-inclusive · From $598
Credit : @Renegades
Captain Andre and Diane didn’t originally plan to end up in St Maarten. They left their careers in Europe, sailed across the Atlantic, and eventually made the island their home. Honestly, that tells you almost everything you need to know about the vibe onboard.
A day with Renegades feels much more personal than a typical catamaran tour. Breakfast starts with champagne, fresh fruit, pastries and omelets cooked onboard. After that, the itinerary is flexible depending on the weather and what the group wants to do — Tintamarre, Anguilla, Creole Rock, Long Bay… the day unfolds naturally from there.
Diane somehow manages to run both the kitchen and the bar at the same time, turning out cocktails and grilled lunches that people consistently rave about in the reviews. And yes, the homemade chocolate chip cookies at the end of the sail are apparently very much a thing.
What people seem to remember most is the atmosphere. The day never feels rushed or overly “touristy.” Just good food, beautiful water, and the kind of conversations that happen naturally after a few hours at sea.
And occasionally, dolphins decide to join the experience too. Which is very Caribbean, honestly.
One thing worth knowing: this charter books surprisingly far in advance for birthdays, anniversaries and proposals — especially during high season.
This feels much more like spending a day on a friend's sailboat than joining a typical tour. And honestly, that's exactly why people love it.
→ See availability on Viator
Luxury Private Catamaran Charter — the best choice if exceptional food and a small group matter to you
⭐ 4.9 (80+ reviews) · Full day · Max 15 guests · 4-course lunch · from $900/person
Credit : @Flagship
The small group size is really the entire point here.
Fifteen people maximum on a 48-foot catamaran means the whole day feels calm, spacious and surprisingly personal once you’re out on the water. No giant crowds. No loud party-boat energy. Just a beautiful sail around some of the prettiest parts of St Martin.
The food is also a very serious part of the experience. Breakfast starts with French pastries, fresh fruit and mimosas. Then come snacks, cocktails, and eventually a full lunch served onboard while anchored somewhere gorgeous off Tintamarre or Happy Bay.
And yes, multiple people specifically mention the Vanilla Banana Rum served from a skull-shaped bottle in their reviews. Which honestly tells you everything you need to know about the mood onboard.
The tour stops at Long Bay, Happy Bay and Tintamarre, with enough time at each location to actually relax and enjoy being there instead of rushing through a checklist of snorkeling stops.
One thing worth knowing: this is a full-day sail from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Eat a light breakfast beforehand. You will not leave hungry.
If your ideal catamaran day involves smaller groups, excellent food and zero party-boat chaos, this one is very hard to beat in St Martin.
→ See dates & reviews on Viator
Mojito — the private catamaran St Maarten groups keep booking months in advance
⭐ 5.0 · Full day · Private · Max 16 guests · Leopard 44ft · from $1,030
Credit : @Mojito
People book this charter an average of 114 days in advance. Which honestly tells you almost everything you need to know.
Mojito is a Leopard 44 catamaran with four cabins, four bathrooms, plenty of space to spread out, and the kind of setup that immediately makes people start joking about cancelling their hotel reservation and sleeping onboard instead.
Captain Charlie and Jernel have clearly mastered the art of making the day feel effortless. Fresh fruit appears the moment you step onboard, drinks somehow stay full all day long, and lunch usually happens somewhere beautiful around Pinel Island or Tintamarre depending on the weather and mood of the group.
One thing that kept coming up in the reviews was how adaptable the experience feels. One group booked it for a bachelorette party, another for a quiet family day with two infants — and somehow both described it as one of the highlights of their trip. That’s honestly pretty rare.
And yes, apparently Jernel also has a habit of quietly grabbing the camera whenever the light gets good or something memorable happens. Which tends to make people very happy later.
One important thing to know: if you’re traveling during high season, especially between December and April, the best dates disappear ridiculously early. Some weeks are effectively gone by October.
Honestly, if you're planning a special day in St Martin — birthday, family trip, bachelorette, or just a really good excuse to spend the day on a catamaran — this one feels worth booking early.
→ See availability on Viator
Private or shared catamaran — which one should you choose?
Honestly, there’s no wrong answer here. It really depends on the kind of day you want.
Shared catamarans are fun in a very easy, Caribbean sort of way. You show up not knowing anyone, the drinks start flowing before noon, someone connects to the speaker, and by lunch you’re chatting with people like you’ve all been on vacation together for a week already. For couples or solo travelers especially, it’s a genuinely great atmosphere — and usually very good value for a full day on the water.
Private charters feel completely different. Slower, quieter, more flexible. Your boat, your people, your schedule. Stay longer at Tintamarre? No problem. Skip a snorkeling stop and just float somewhere beautiful with a drink? Also fine.
And honestly, once you split the price between a few couples or a family, private charters start making a lot more sense than people expect.
Everyone I know who’s done both tends to say the same thing: shared catamarans are more social. Private charters are pure freedom.
Catamaran or Speedboat — Which one should you book?
It’s the first question most people ask — and the answer depends on what kind of day you want.
A catamaran is the classic Caribbean day out. Spacious deck, open bar, lunch cooked on board, music, snorkeling stops, and enough room to find a quiet corner if you want one. The pace is relaxed. You’re not rushing anywhere. That’s the point.
A speedboat covers more ground — faster, louder, more adrenaline. You’ll hit more spots in less time, but you’ll feel every wave. Great if you want to see the whole island in a day. Less great if you want to actually relax on the water.
Most people who ask me this are really asking: do I want a day out or an excursion? Catamaran is the day out. Speedboat is the excursion.
My take: if you have one day on the water, book the catamaran. You can always rent a scooter to see the island. You can’t recreate that feeling of anchoring off Tintamarre with a rum punch in your hand.
What a catamaran day in St Maarten really feels like
Most people booking a catamaran in St Martin have never actually done one before. And honestly, the experience is usually much more relaxed than people imagine.
You typically board sometime between 9 and 10am from Simpson Bay or Philipsburg. Shoes come off almost immediately. Someone hands you a drink. The crew does a quick safety briefing and within a few minutes, you’re sailing out of the marina with music playing and the island slowly disappearing behind you.
The first stop is often Tintamarre — a small uninhabited island off the French side with ridiculously clear water and some of the best snorkeling around St Martin. Sea turtles are common. Stingrays too if you’re lucky.
Lunch usually happens while anchored somewhere calm and beautiful. And contrary to what some people expect, the food on these catamarans is often surprisingly good. Fresh grilled lunches, pasta salads, fruit platters, open bar running quietly in the background all day long.
The afternoon tends to become very slow in the best possible way. Paddleboards come out. Some people snorkel again. Others end up stretched out on the nets at the front of the boat half asleep in the sun.
And then suddenly it’s 4pm and everyone looks slightly disappointed to be heading back to the marina.
One thing I always recommend bringing: reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for your phone, and water shoes if you already own a pair. Beyond that, most catamarans provide pretty much everything you’ll need for the day.
Departures from the French Side
Most catamaran tours leave from the Dutch side — Simpson Bay or Philipsburg. But if you’re staying in Grand Case, Orient Bay, or anywhere on the French side, the transfer adds unnecessary time to your day.
I’ve put together a dedicated guide to boat tours departing from the French side — including local operators you won’t find on the big booking platforms.
How to choose your tour?
Too many options? Here’s the short version.
You’re a couple looking for a relaxed day → Random Wind Paradise Day Sail. 27 years of experience, small group, best crew on the island.
You’re on a cruise ship → The Phoenix with Captain Benji. Returns at 3:30pm sharp, never missed a ship in 20,000 passengers.
You’re traveling with kids → Either Random Wind or The Phoenix — both are family-friendly and have snorkel gear in all sizes.
You want the best food on the water → Flagship II private charter. A chef on board, 4-course gourmet lunch, max 15 guests.
You have a special occasion → Renegades with Captain Andre & Diane. Champagne breakfast, dolphins optional but frequent.
You’re staying on the French side → Skip the Dutch side entirely. Our French Side boat tours guide →
Your budget is tight → Eagle Tours from $119. Been sailing St Maarten since 2000, still one of the best on the island.
Catamaran in St Maarten – FAQ
Catamaran tours in St Maarten typically range from $100 to $150 per person for shared cruises, while private charters can start around $600 and go well above $2000 depending on the size of the boat and duration.
Most catamaran tours include drinks, often an open bar, snorkeling equipment, and several swimming stops. Some full-day cruises also include lunch or snacks on board.
Yes — catamaran tours are one of the most popular experiences on the island. They offer a unique way to explore the coastline, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a relaxed day at sea.
The most popular catamaran cruises can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date.
Private charters offer more flexibility and privacy, while shared cruises are more affordable and social. The best option depends on your budget and the type of experience you’re looking for.
🌊 Looking for more adventures?
→ See all things to do in St Maarten
→ Day trips to Anguilla from St Maarten
