Be Happy – Private Catamaran Cruise Sint Maarten Full Day Tour

A private boat day changes the rhythm of island travel. Be Happy combines four coastal stops, a helpful crew, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and water toys into an eight-hour charter built for one private group. I like the freedom of having the boat reserved for your party, and I like that the day includes more than simply sailing past the shore.

The two strongest points are the wide choice of water activities, including a paddleboard, floating mat, fishing gear, and snorkeling equipment, and the relaxed route from Long Beach to Little Bay. The main consideration is the price: at $960 per person, this is a major splurge, especially for a small group.

The route is shaped by the weather, so the exact order or choice of stops can change. That flexibility makes sense on the water, but you should book this as a full-day sea outing rather than a fixed sightseeing schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• Four coastal stops: The planned route includes Long Beach, Plum Bay, Grand Case Beach, and Little Bay.
• Private charter: Only your group takes part, giving you more privacy than a shared catamaran trip.
• Eight hours on the water: The day begins at 9:00 a.m. from Bobby’s Marina and ends back there.
• Water equipment included: You get snorkeling gear, fishing gear, a paddleboard, swimming noodles, and a floating mat.
• Food and drinks are covered: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, juices, water, snacks, oranges, nuts, chips, and madeleines are included.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, while a weather-related route change does not bring a price reduction.

Starting at Bobby’s Marina at 9:00 a.m.

Your day begins at Bobby’s Marina, located at 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg. The tour returns to this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup at the end.

The start time gives you a full morning and afternoon on the water. With an eight-hour outing, you are not rushing from one cove to the next. Each planned stop is allocated about two hours, though weather and sea conditions can affect the final timing.

This is a private activity, which matters most if your group wants its own pace. You can enjoy the boat with family or friends instead of sharing the space with strangers. The crew also provides stories and facts along the way, adding some island context between swimming stops.

The tour is near public transportation, though the supplied details do not specify a hotel transfer service. I would plan your own way to Bobby’s Marina and allow enough time to arrive before 9:00 a.m. Bring a towel, since towels are not included.

Long Beach: a spacious first stop

Long Beach is planned as the first stop and comes with two hours of free time. The beach is known for its long stretch of white sand and clear blue water. Its size gives the opening stop a slower feel, with room to settle into the day rather than jumping straight into an activity.

You can use this time to swim, relax, or try one of the floating items supplied on board. The floating mat can be used as a simple place to rest on the water. Swimming noodles are also available, which can make time in the sea more comfortable for anyone who prefers extra support.

The beach setting is the main attraction here. The information provided does not promise a guided walk, beach chairs, umbrellas, or a meal on Long Beach, so treat it as a scenic water stop rather than a fully arranged beach resort visit.

The two-hour window also gives your group a chance to enjoy the boat itself. You might prefer to remain aboard with a drink and watch the shoreline instead of spending the whole stop on the sand. That choice is easier on a private charter, since you are not following a large group’s schedule.

Plum Bay and the villas of Terres Basses

The route then takes you along Plum Bay, a quieter beach in the gated Terres Basses area. This portion is described as a scenic sail past a less frequently visited stretch of coast, with impressive private villas along the shore.

One notable sight is a villa associated with Donald Trump. That detail may interest you if you enjoy seeing the grand homes that line this part of the island, but the real appeal is the contrast with busier beach areas. Plum Bay offers a look at the coast from the water rather than a conventional beach visit.

The planned two-hour stop gives you plenty of time to enjoy the setting, though the information does not spell out whether the catamaran anchors directly off the beach or how much time is spent sailing along the bay. I would think of this as one of the more scenic sections of the day, not necessarily the strongest stop for organized activities.

The crew’s commentary can add value here. Seeing villas from a boat is more interesting when someone points out what you are looking at and explains the area. Still, you should not expect access to the private properties. The pleasure comes from the view and the quiet coastal setting.

Grand Case Beach and Creole Rock

Grand Case Beach is one of the better-known beaches on the French side of St. Martin. Its clear water and pale sand make it a natural place for swimming and relaxing, while nearby Creole Rock adds another possible point of interest.

The water activities supplied with the charter can make this stop more active. You can use the snorkeling gear, take out the paddleboard, or simply float. The exact conditions will determine which activity feels best. Calm water may favor paddleboarding, while clear water can make snorkeling more rewarding.

The tour information identifies Creole Rock as an area to explore, but it does not promise a separate guided excursion or a specific marine-life encounter. Keep your expectations sensible. This is a chance to enjoy the coast and water at your own pace, with equipment available, rather than a formal snorkeling lesson.

Grand Case also has a practical advantage. If your group wants variety, this stop breaks up the quieter beach time with a more recognizable coastal setting. A birthday celebration has included lunch at a beach restaurant during the day, so a meal stop may be possible as part of your private plans, but lunch is not included in the listed package. Ask the provider about restaurant arrangements before counting on one.

Little Bay and its unusual underwater sights

Little Bay is the clearest choice for a snorkeling-focused stop. It is described as a strong snorkeling area with underwater statues, a sunken submarine, and a helicopter on the seafloor.

Those objects give the stop more character than a standard swim. Even if you spend only part of the two-hour period snorkeling, the submerged sights offer something specific to look for. The included snorkeling equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask and other gear, though you may bring personal equipment if you prefer it.

You can also switch activities. Fishing gear, the paddleboard, floating mat, and swimming noodles are available during the day. That range is useful for a mixed group where one person wants to snorkel, another wants to fish, and someone else would rather stay dry.

All water participation is at your own risk. This is important for families and mixed-ability groups. The charter provides equipment, but the supplied information does not promise an instructor, lifeguard, or individual swimming supervision. You should be comfortable making your own decisions about entering the water.

What comes aboard the Be Happy catamaran

The included refreshments make this easier to treat as a full-day outing. Drinks include alcoholic beverages, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, club soda, fruit juices, and water.

The snacks are simple but practical: madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips. They are enough to keep you going between stops, but they are not described as a full lunch. If lunch matters to you, ask about adding a restaurant stop or bring that question up before departure.

The water equipment is a real part of the value:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing gear
• Paddleboard, also called a SUP
• Floating mat or lilypad
• Swimming noodles

A floating mat can become the social center of the day, especially when several people want to sit or talk in the water. The paddleboard adds a little activity without forcing the whole group into an organized excursion. Fishing gear is included, though no details are given about the type of fishing, bait, or expected catch.

The crew is described as attentive and ready to share stories and fun facts. That personal service is more useful on a private charter than on a basic boat transfer. You are paying not only for transport between beaches, but also for a crew-led day with refreshments and equipment already aboard.

Is $960 per person a good value?

At $960 per person, this is firmly in the luxury category. The price is easier to justify when several people share a private booking and want a high level of privacy, but it remains expensive. A smaller group will pay more per person for the same boat time and onboard inclusions.

The value comes from the package. You receive about eight hours, four planned coastal areas, crew service, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snacks, and several kinds of water equipment. You also avoid the tradeoff found on a shared boat, where your group must follow someone else’s preferences.

I would compare this with the cost of separate beach visits, equipment rentals, drinks, and a private boat before booking. If you only want a short swim and a quick look at the coast, this is probably more time and money than you need. If you want a whole day on the water for a birthday, family occasion, or private group outing, the cost becomes easier to understand.

The experience has received a perfect five-star rating from six submitted ratings, including praise for a birthday day made special by the crew, beautiful island stops, and lunch at a beach restaurant. That gives the service a promising record, though six ratings are still a small sample. I would treat the personal attention as one of the main reasons to choose this charter.

Weather, swimming, and the small print that matters

The itinerary depends on weather conditions. The captain or provider may change the route when conditions require it, and a route change does not qualify for a price reduction or cancellation. This is normal for a boat day, but it matters when you are paying a premium for particular beaches.

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. For a normal cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the cut-off follows local time.

Most people can participate, but swimming and entering the water are at your own risk. The private format does not remove the need to judge your own comfort in the sea. Towels are not included, so pack one along with any personal sun protection you need.

The tour accepts mobile tickets, and confirmation is sent when you book. Group discounts are available, which may improve the price for larger parties. Since this is private, only your group participates, but the supplied details do not state the maximum group size.

Who will enjoy this private catamaran day?

I would recommend Be Happy most strongly for a group that values privacy and wants a full day with choices. It suits birthday celebrations, family groups, and friends who want to combine swimming, snorkeling, floating, fishing, and sailing without moving between separate bookings.

It is also a good match for people who dislike fixed resort routines. You can spend more time relaxing at a beach, switch to the paddleboard, or stay on the mat with a drink. The crew adds service and commentary, while your group keeps the day personal.

I would be more cautious if you are watching your budget, do not swim, or want a tightly fixed sightseeing route. The boat’s plan can change with the weather, and the high price only makes sense if you use the private setting and onboard activities.

Should you book Be Happy?

Book this charter if you want privacy, a long day at sea, and plenty of included ways to use the water. The best reasons are the private setting, the four-stop route, the strong snorkeling focus at Little Bay, and the equipment and refreshments already on board.

Skip it if you only need transportation to one beach or want the lowest-cost way to see St. Maarten. At $960 per person, Be Happy is a special-occasion splurge. For the right group, the crew’s personal service and flexible day can make that splurge worthwhile. Ask about lunch arrangements, confirm the group size and weather plan, and bring your own towel.

FAQ

Where does the Be Happy catamaran cruise start?

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

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at Bobby’s Marina, the same place where it starts.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in this private activity.

Which places are included in the planned route?

The planned stops are Long Beach, Plum Bay, Grand Case Beach, and Little Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, fruit juices, water, and snacks such as madeleines, oranges, nuts, peanuts, and chips. Lunch is not listed as included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The route may also change because of weather, and that type of itinerary change does not qualify for a discount or cancellation.