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St Maarten catamaran tours
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 the island.
Spending a day on a catamaran completely changes the way you experience St Martin. You sail past hidden bays, drop anchor near places you would never reach by car, swim in impossibly clear water, and suddenly the island looks very different from the sea.
Most tours stop at places like Tintamarre, Little Bay, Happy Bay or quiet offshore coves. Some days, the water is so clear you barely need to snorkel to see what is moving underneath.
Shared catamaran cruises start around $139. These are the ones I genuinely think are worth your vacation time.
Quick answer
These are the three catamaran options I would look at first, depending on the kind of day you want.
Photos: Random Wind Charters
Best overall shared sail
Random Wind is one of those St Maarten boat days people keep recommending for a reason. After decades on the water and more than 160,000 passengers, the experience feels relaxed, polished and genuinely local without becoming stiff or overproduced.
Couples, first-time visitors and anyone who wants the safest all-around shared catamaran choice.
Open bar, lunch onboard, snorkeling, swimming and the famous Tarzan swing.
Photos: The Phoenix
Best spacious shared catamaran
The first thing people usually notice on this catamaran is the space. The Phoenix is a 62-foot luxury catamaran with a limited number of guests onboard, which makes the day feel calmer than many larger shared tours — you snorkel at Little Bay, paddleboard in turquoise water, and sail past Maho Beach as planes come in low over the ocean.
Travelers who want a shared tour without feeling squeezed onto a crowded boat.
Open bar, lunch onboard, snorkeling, paddleboard and floating lily pad.
Photos: Eagle Tours
Best classic local operator
Ask around St Maarten about catamaran tours and Eagle Tours usually comes up quickly. Sailing the island since 2000, they feel like part of the local boat-tour landscape — snorkeling stops, open bar, lunch onboard and a friendly, capped-group atmosphere that stays personal compared to bigger operations.
Travelers who like trusted local operators and a classic St Maarten boat day.
Open bar, lunch onboard, snorkeling stops and relaxed sailing along the coast.
Private charters
The whole boat is yours. No schedule but your own, no strangers onboard — just your people, the water, and a day that goes wherever you want it to.
Photos: Renegades
Best private personal charter
A day with Renegades feels much more personal than a typical catamaran tour. Breakfast starts with champagne, fresh fruit and omelets cooked onboard, then the itinerary unfolds around the weather and your group — Tintamarre, Anguilla, Creole Rock, Long Bay. What people remember most is the atmosphere: good food, beautiful water, and the feeling of spending the day on a friend’s sailboat.
Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, families or small groups who want privacy.
Private catamaran, champagne breakfast, lunch, drinks and a flexible itinerary.
Photos: Flagship
Best private food-focused charter
The small group size is the entire point here — fifteen guests maximum on a 48-foot catamaran, so the day feels calm and personal. The food is a serious part of it too: French pastries and mimosas to start, then snacks, cocktails and a full lunch served onboard while anchored off Tintamarre or Happy Bay, with real time at each stop instead of a rushed checklist.
Travelers who want a quieter private charter with excellent food.
Small-group private charter, breakfast, drinks, snacks and a full lunch.
Out on the water, far from everything — the perfect setting to surprise someone you love.
French side departures
Most big catamaran tours leave from the Dutch side — usually Simpson Bay or Philipsburg. If you are staying in Grand Case, Orient Bay, Anse Marcel or Cul-de-Sac, that can add unnecessary driving time to your day.
I put together a separate guide to boat tours departing from the French side, including local operators you will not always find on the big booking platforms.
Better if you are staying around Grand Case, Orient Bay, Anse Marcel or Cul-de-Sac and want to avoid crossing the island early in the morning.
FAQ
Shared catamaran tours in St Maarten usually cost around $100 to $150 per person. Private charters can start around $600 and go much higher depending on the boat, duration and level of service.
Most catamaran tours include drinks, snorkeling equipment and several swimming stops. Full-day cruises often include lunch or snacks onboard, and many include an open bar.
Yes. A catamaran is one of the easiest ways to experience the island from the water, with coastal views, clear swimming spots and a much more relaxed rhythm than a land-based excursion.
The most popular catamaran tours can sell out quickly, especially during peak season from December through April. Booking early is the safest way to secure your preferred date.
Choose shared if you want a social, more affordable day on the water. Choose private if you want privacy, flexibility and a day built around your group.
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