Private speed boat charters
More freedom, more places, and a very different kind of day on the water.
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 are not.
A speed boat is not just faster than a catamaran — it is 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 usually want to pack the most into one day: Tintamarre in the morning, Pinel for lunch, Anguilla in the afternoon, or even a full run to St Barts.
If you want more freedom on the water and a more premium feel, this is the right choice.
Best overall
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, or a run toward Anguilla if you want to stretch the day further.
Maximum 10 people on board means your group and nobody else. The boat is fast enough to cover serious distance while still feeling calm once you stop.
In a nutshell
→ Fully private boat for your group
→ Full-day or half-day format depending on the option
→ Drinks, lunch and snorkel gear included
→ Best if you want a flexible St Martin itinerary
Sam’s calendar fills up weeks in advance in high season. If your dates are set, do not wait too long.
Best for Anguilla
Anguilla is about 20 minutes away by speed boat from St Martin. That is the distance between a good vacation and an extraordinary one.
This is the same Captain Sam from the best overall pick — same boat, same quality, different destination. You head out from Simpson Bay, cut through the lagoon past mega yachts and open water, and soon you are anchored off beaches that look almost unreal.
Sandy Island, Shoal Bay, Meads Bay — Sam knows which beaches are quiet that day, which stops are worth it, and when to move on.
In a nutshell
→ Private Anguilla day by speed boat
→ Passport required for all travelers
→ Drinks, lunch and snorkel gear included
→ Best if Anguilla is the main reason you want a boat
Bring your passport. Anguilla is a separate territory, and there is usually a small clearance fee to pay in cash on the day.
Premium luxury
This is a different category of experience.
NOALI is an Axopar 37 Suntop built in 2023, with 900hp, twin cabins, indoor and outdoor shower, a sunbed on the bow, and a sound system 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.
In a nutshell
→ Luxury Axopar 37 Suntop
→ French side departure from Anse Marcel Marina
→ Open bar and morning platter included
→ Underwater scooters available onboard
Add two underwater scooters, a full open bar, a morning platter of croissants, fruit and chocolatines, and you have something that goes well beyond a simple boat tour.
Before you book
Private speed boats are best for travelers who want flexibility. They make sense if you want to cover more distance, avoid a fixed group itinerary, or build the day around your own rhythm.
You want range, movement and freedom. Speed boats are especially useful for Anguilla, St Barts, Tintamarre, Pinel, and longer island-hopping days.
You want a slower, softer day on deck. Catamarans are more about relaxing, sailing, drinking, eating and letting the water carry the rhythm.
FAQ
Planning a speed boat experience in St Maarten? Here are the main things travelers usually want to know before booking.
Yes — if you want something faster, more flexible and more private. A speed boat charter gives you more freedom on the water, whether you want snorkeling stops, beach time, Anguilla, St Barts, or a custom day at sea.
A speed boat is faster, more dynamic and better suited to covering more places in less time. A catamaran is slower, more relaxed and more about enjoying the day on deck.
Yes. Many travelers choose private speed boat charters for a more personal experience. They are ideal for couples, families, and small groups who want to avoid crowds and enjoy a custom itinerary.
Yes. Anguilla is one of the most popular private speed boat trips from St Maarten. The crossing is short, and a private boat gives you more flexibility once you arrive. Bring your passport, as Anguilla is a separate territory.
Yes. St Barts can be reached by private boat from St Maarten, especially on high-end speed boat charters. It is usually a premium day trip, so compare the options based on duration, departure point and sea conditions.
Yes. Many speed boat charters include snorkeling around places like Pinel, Tintamarre, Creole Rock or other coastal areas. They are a good fit if you want a more active day combining sightseeing, swimming and snorkeling.
Prices vary depending on the boat, duration, route and whether the experience is fully private. Smaller private charters can start around the high hundreds, while full-day premium experiences to Anguilla, St Barts or multiple islands can cost significantly more.
Yes. Speed boat excursions are a strong choice for first-time visitors who want to see more than one side of the island or combine beaches, snorkeling and scenic cruising in a single day.
Looking for another kind of boat day?