Be Happy – Private Catamaran Cruise in Sint Maarten – Half Day

The best Sint Maarten views come from the water. Be Happy gives your private group four hours aboard a luxury sailing catamaran, with stops at Mullet Bay, Plum Bay, and Little Bay. I like the privacy and the generous mix of water gear, drinks, and snacks. I also like that the crew keeps the day relaxed, with time for swimming rather than rushing from one stop to the next.

The main concern is the $770 per-person price, which is a serious spend for a half-day outing. It makes the most sense for a celebration or a group that values having the boat to itself. Weather can also change the route, and a substituted itinerary does not bring a price reduction.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for your group: You will not share the activity with unrelated passengers.
• Three very different stops: Mullet Bay offers beach time, Plum Bay brings a quiet coastal detour, and Little Bay is the snorkeling stop.
• Water equipment is included: Snorkels, fishing gear, a paddleboard, swimming noodles, and a floating mat are provided.
• Drinks and snacks come with the cruise: Alcoholic drinks, soda, juice, water, madeleines, oranges, nuts, peanuts, and chips are included.
• The crew adds a personal touch: Captain Maxima and crew member Aga are named in one memorable anniversary account, while another account praises the captain and hostess for explaining the trip and sharing island stories.
• Plan around the weather: You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, but weather may alter the route on the day.

A private catamaran day from Bobby’s Marina

The cruise starts at Bobby’s Marina, located at 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg. The boat returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying nearby or arranging your own transport.

The private format is the biggest difference between this cruise and a standard shared boat trip. Your group has the catamaran to itself, so you can settle into your own rhythm. You are not trying to find a seat beside strangers, and the crew can focus on your group’s needs and pace.

That privacy matters most for birthdays, bachelorette trips, anniversaries, and family outings. One group of seven women booked Be Happy for a bachelorette celebration and found the boat clean, attractive, and luxurious. The crew poured drinks and helped make the occasion feel special rather than treating it like a basic transfer between beaches.

The cruise lasts about four hours. That is long enough for several stops, swimming, snacks, and a little sailing time, but it is not a full-day charter. I would think of it as a focused morning or afternoon on the coast, not a complete tour of every corner of Sint Maarten.

What the $770 price really buys

At $770 per person, this is not a casual budget excursion. The price needs to be judged against the private charter setup, not just the number of hours on the water.

You are paying for a luxury catamaran reserved for your group, a crew, several coastal stops, snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, fishing gear, a floating mat, swimming noodles, drinks, and snacks. The convenience of having those items already on board saves you from arranging separate beach rentals or bringing your own refreshments.

The value improves if you are celebrating something or traveling with a group that would otherwise book several seats on a shared cruise. Group discounts are available, though the exact terms are not provided, so I would confirm the final price before booking. Since the stated rate is per person, ask how the group discount applies to your party rather than assuming the displayed amount is the final cost.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want transportation to a beach. Mullet Bay and Little Bay can each be enjoyed without paying for a private yacht charter, but the charter combines the boat, crew, refreshments, equipment, and privacy in one package. You are paying for the setting and the service as much as the destinations.

Mullet Bay: two hours for beach time and easy swimming

Mullet Bay receives the longest stop, about two hours, and that tells you what the crew considers the main beach break. It is known locally for blue water, white sand, Caribbean music, beach restaurants, and bars.

This is the stop where you can choose your own pace. You might swim, use one of the floating toys, relax aboard the catamaran, or head toward the beach atmosphere. Two hours gives you more breathing room than a quick photo stop.

The beach setting also makes Mullet Bay a good choice for groups with mixed interests. One person can swim while another stays dry with a drink and a snack. Someone else can enjoy the music and beach bars. You are not locked into a single activity.

The tradeoff is that Mullet Bay is not presented as an isolated beach. Its restaurants, bars, and music are part of the appeal, but you should not expect total quiet. If you want solitude, Plum Bay is the better match.

The stop includes no admission charge according to the supplied details. Still, bring your own towel, since towels are not included. Also remember that anyone entering the water does so at their own risk.

Plum Bay: a quieter hour past Terres Basses

The route then makes a one-hour detour along Plum Bay, a secluded beach in the gated Terres Basses area. The catamaran passes luxury villas, including a villa associated with Donald Trump.

This part of the cruise is more about scenery and atmosphere than a busy beach program. Plum Bay is described as rarely visited, so it gives you a quieter contrast with Mullet Bay. From the water, you can take in the shoreline and the villas without needing to plan a separate land excursion.

The one-hour timing is enough for a scenic pass and perhaps a calm swim, but the exact use of the stop depends on weather and the captain’s judgment. Do not book this tour expecting a long, private walk along Plum Bay. The supplied itinerary describes a detour along the beach, not a guaranteed beach landing or a guided villa tour.

For me, this is one of the most appealing parts of the route because it adds variety. The day is not simply a repeat of crowded beach stops. You get a look at a quieter side of the island and a change of pace between swimming areas.

Little Bay: the snorkeling stop with wrecks below

Little Bay takes about one hour and is described as the recreational stop for snorkeling. The water has aquatic life, and a helicopter and submarine wreck rest on the bottom.

Snorkeling gear is included, which makes this stop easy to use. You do not need to arrange equipment separately, and the crew can provide the basic gear for time in the water. The wrecks give you something specific to look for rather than asking you to simply swim around and hope to see fish.

The presence of wrecks also makes Little Bay appealing to older children and adults who enjoy a clear underwater focus. Still, the details do not promise a particular species, visibility level, or guaranteed wildlife sighting. Sea conditions can affect what you see, and the full route is subject to weather.

Fishing gear is also included, though the itinerary does not promise a dedicated fishing session or a catch. Think of it as another option on board, not the central purpose of the cruise.

Drinks, snacks, and water toys on board

The included food and drink selection is practical rather than elaborate. You can expect alcoholic beverages for passengers over 18, along with Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, club soda, fruit juices, and water.

Snacks include madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips. That is enough to keep you comfortable during a four-hour outing, especially when swimming works up an appetite. If anyone in your group has a serious allergy, check the snack selection before departure because nuts and peanuts are specifically included.

The water equipment gives the cruise more flexibility. You can use:

• Snorkeling equipment
• A paddleboard, also called a SUP
• Fishing gear
• Swimming noodles
• A floating mat or lilypad

The floating mat is described playfully as a possible floating bar. That image tells you how the boat is meant to be used: less as a formal sightseeing vessel and more as a floating base for an easy day with your group.

Do not forget towels. They are the one obvious comfort item listed as not included. You may also want dry clothing for the ride back, though the supplied details do not specify changing facilities.

Crew service and the feel of the day

The crew is a major part of the experience. The strongest praise focuses on friendly service, a clean boat, relaxed conversation, and help with drinks and activities.

One family account describes a captain and hostess who explained the trip, talked about their lives on the island, and made the outing comfortable for adults and children. The names were not recalled clearly, so I would not rely on a specific captain assignment when booking.

Another account identifies Captain Maxima and Chef/crew member Aga during an anniversary sunset cruise. That outing included an impressive meal, sunset views, and a first nighttime swim for the couple. The standard half-day description lists snacks and drinks, not a full meal or sunset schedule, so treat that anniversary account as an example of the crew’s ability to personalize a private charter, not as a promise of the same menu or timing.

This is where a private booking can feel different from a fixed group tour. You can tell the crew if the priority is swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, or celebrating. The supplied information does not promise a custom itinerary on request, but the private format gives your group a better chance to enjoy the day at a comfortable pace.

Weather, timing, and practical planning

The itinerary is subject to weather. If conditions cancel the activity, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. If the crew changes the route because of conditions, there is no price discount or cancellation option tied to that itinerary change.

That point matters for a boat outing. The advertised sequence of Mullet Bay, Plum Bay, and Little Bay is a plan, not an absolute guarantee. Ask about the day’s route if you have a particular stop in mind.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but anyone who swims or enters the water does so at their own risk. The description does not provide detailed mobility information for boarding, so contact the provider directly if someone in your group needs specific assistance.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that window, you will not receive a refund, and changes are not accepted. This policy is fairly workable, but I would avoid booking too early in a trip if your schedule is uncertain. The cruise is commonly reserved well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 65 days, so popular dates may need planning.

Who will enjoy Be Happy most

I would recommend this cruise most strongly to:

• Couples marking an anniversary or special occasion
• Groups celebrating a birthday or bachelorette trip
• Families who want a private boat and several activity choices
• Friends who value drinks, snacks, and service included in one booking
• People who prefer a relaxed water day over a packed sightseeing schedule

I would be more cautious if you are watching your budget, want a full-day sailing trip, or care mainly about one specific beach. The four-hour format is pleasant but limited, and the high per-person price is easiest to defend when privacy and celebration matter.

The tour can suit children because it offers swimming noodles, a floating mat, snacks, and a paddleboard, but the data does not give age limits or child-specific safety details. Ask the provider about your children’s ages and swimming ability before reserving.

Should you book the Be Happy private cruise?

Book it if you want the boat itself to be part of the celebration. The clean catamaran, attentive crew, included drinks, snacks, and water gear create an easy four-hour outing with three distinct coastal stops.

Before committing, compare the cost with a shared cruise and confirm the group discount. Also ask about the expected route, meal arrangements, and captain for your date if those details matter to you.

My call: Be Happy is worth considering for a private group with room in the budget, especially for a bachelorette party, anniversary, or family day. It is not the obvious choice for a low-cost beach visit, but it offers more privacy, service, and flexibility than a basic boat transfer.

FAQ

Where does the Be Happy catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Bobby’s Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Bobby’s Marina.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in this private activity.

Which locations does the cruise visit?

The planned stops are Mullet Bay, Plum Bay, and Little Bay. The route can change because of weather.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with fishing gear, a paddleboard, swimming noodles, and a floating mat.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, fruit juices, water, and snacks are included. Alcohol is offered only to people older than 18.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you will be offered another date or a full refund.