Top St Maarten Catamaran Cruises

You can’t go wrong when choosing from catamaran tours in St. Maarten. Recent visitors have loved these:

• The Best Catamaran Day Sail in St Maarten
• 5 Hour Luxury Catamaran Day Sail in Sint Maarten on The Phoenix
• Tango Caribbean Dinner Cruise
• Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip from St Maarten Including Lunch
• Ultimate Prickly Pear and Anguilla Experience

Yes. When you’re in the Dutch Caribbean, relaxation is the name of the game. Arranging a catamaran in St. Maarten is the ultimate way to kick back and enjoy your beautiful surroundings while getting pampered by an experienced sailing staff who will provide excellent service and complimentary food and drinks onboard.

Full-day, small-group catamaran trips cost around US$150 to US$200 per person, which includes on-board lunch and drinks. Private charters generally start around US$595 to US$1,200 for a half or full day, with larger luxury boats and longer trips costing more.

You can choose a shorter 90-minute to 3-hour sunset sail if you wish, or go for a longer voyage and book a full-day, 5–8-hour experience, which includes stops for snorkeling and swimming at different locations.

Your catamaran trip will include the services of a captain and crew on a small vessel and the use of all snorkeling gear you may need while on the water. Many full-day excursions include light snacks, a full lunch, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Gratuities are not usually included. Check the “What’s Included” section of tour booking pages for specific details.

You will likely see both the French and Dutch coastlines of St. Maarten from the comfort of your catamaran, and your captain will navigate you to the best spots for swimming and snorkeling. Some itineraries include trips to the nearby islands of Prickly Pear and Anguilla, such as the Ultimate Prickly Pear and Anguilla Experience.

St. Maarten catamaran cruise prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• St. Martin Sunset Sail
• Bubbly Sunset Cruise
• Tango Caribbean Dinner Cruise
• Best Sailing Catamaran, Beach, and Snorkel - Cruise-Ship Friendly
• Catamaran Day Sail

Some St. Maarten catamaran cruises have more of a party atmosphere, while others are private and perfect for a romantic excursion. Read the reviews before booking to find one that fits your vibe. Various marinas offer catamaran cruises—be sure you know the departure location when booking. Arrive early so you don’t miss the departure as tours are unlikely to wait for stragglers. If you tend to get seasick, consider taking medication beforehand and make sure you stay hydrated. Sunscreen and protective clothing are essential, as nothing ruins a cruise faster than a sunburn. Vessels usually have plenty of shade but these seats may be prime real estate on larger-group cruises. Most catamarans are equipped with on-board restrooms, but these may be small, so go before the tour.

The dry season months of December through April are best for catamaran cruises in St. Maarten. You’ll have less chance of encountering rain or significant wind, and the temperatures aren’t as high as you’ll encounter in summer. June, July, and August can be busy with tourists, so you should book your excursion as early as possible to get the cruise and time slot that works best for you.

Shared cruises are the most affordable option (at around US$150–$200 per person) and offer a set itinerary of snorkeling and swim stops. Private charters give you exclusive use of the boat, a customizable route, and more flexibility for couples, families, or celebrations. They start at around US$595 and prices rise based on boat size and trip length. Choose a shared cruise for value and a social atmosphere, or private for customization and intimacy. You can also book special fishing charters.

Most catamaran cruises depart from marinas around Simpson Bay and the Dutch side of the island, although departure points vary by operator and there are several marinas. Always confirm the exact meeting location when booking, and check whether hotel or cruise-port pickup is offered. Some tours include it while others require you to make your own way to the dock. If that’s the case, try to book a cruise that departs from nearer your accommodation, so you don’t have far to go.

Look for tours labeled cruise-ship or shore-excursion friendly, such as the Best Sailing Catamaran, Beach, and Snorkel—Cruise-Ship Friendly trip, which are timed to fit within port windows. Other catamaran cruises might be difficult to align with your ship’s itinerary. Confirm the return time against your ship’s all-aboard time and choose a departure point close to the cruise terminal to avoid missing your ship.

Yes. Several full-day excursions cross to nearby islands, including the Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip From St. Maarten Including Lunch, and Boomerang’s Best of Anguilla: Swim With Turtles Adventure. These typically include snorkeling, beach time, lunch, and sometimes an open bar.

Yes, most cruises include at least one snorkeling and swim stop, with special gear provided onboard, although bring your own swimsuit and towels. Full-day trips usually feature multiple stops at the island’s best clear-water spots, and some add paddleboards or floatation aids. Even non-swim itineraries can involve getting wet, so plan accordingly with the right clothing. Non-swimmers can still enjoy a cruise without getting in the water, though.