The Best Boat Rentals in Saint Martin

For a private half‑day on a mid‑size powerboat, expect roughly $600–$900 for your group, and about $1,000–$1,600 for a full‑day. Sailing catamarans for a day typically range from $1,200–$2,500+, while larger luxury motor yachts can run $3,000–$8,000+ per day depending on size and season. Shared group cruises often run about $100–$180 per person, and private sunset trips commonly land between $400–$900. Most captained charters include a licensed skipper, fuel or a clearly stated fuel policy, ice, water and soft drinks, basic snorkel gear, and safety equipment. Many boats also provide beer or rum punch; premium bars, catering, and specialty water toys can usually be added when you book.

You can choose from fast center consoles and RIBs for exploring multiple beaches, comfortable sailing catamarans for relaxed cruising and swim stops, classic monohull sailboats for a traditional sail, and motor yachts for extra space and amenities. If you’re planning a celebration or have a larger group, look for spacious day‑catamarans with shaded seating and big swim platforms; for snorkeling‑focused days around Creole Rock, Pinel Island, and Tintamarre, nimble powerboats are popular.

If you book a captained charter, you don’t need a license. For self‑operated rentals, rules differ by side of the island and boat type. On the French side of Saint Martin, a coastal boating license is required to drive motorboats over 6 hp; sailboats don’t legally require a license, but bareboat charters generally ask for solid skippering experience or certifications. On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), requirements vary by operator and vessel size, and you’ll be asked to show competence for any bareboat. Most visitors choose a captained boat so they can relax while a local pro handles navigation, moorings, and weather.

Common departure points on the French side include Marina Fort Louis in Marigot and the docks at Grand Case and Anse Marcel Marina. Many trips also start on the Dutch side from Simpson Bay Marina or Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg. Your captain will advise the best pickup based on sea conditions and your itinerary; it’s normal to meet at the marina closest to your planned route.

Highlights include the protected snorkel sites of Creole Rock off Grand Case and the turtle‑friendly shallows of Tintamarre, along with the sandbar‑calm waters off Pinel Island. Along the coast you’ll cruise past Marigot Bay and Fort Louis, the beach coves and red cliffs of Terres Basses, Orient Bay’s turquoise shallows, and Grand Case’s waterfront. Many charters also swing by Maho Beach so you can watch planes land over the water from a safe distance. In the Nature Reserve zones, boats use mooring buoys and you can’t land on Creole Rock itself, which helps keep the reef and nesting birds protected.

For most groups, a captained charter is the easiest way to go. A local skipper knows the moorings at Creole Rock and Tintamarre, where the snorkeling is clear, and how to route around Atlantic‑side swells or wind. They also handle docking, marina logistics, and any cross‑border formalities if you choose to add Anguilla or St. Barts. Confident boaters can look for bareboat options, but plan to show experience and follow local protected‑area rules.

Yes—family charters are common. Boats carry life jackets for all ages, and most can provide child‑size PFDs if you request them when booking. Captains typically brief everyone on safe movement aboard, help with snorkel gear, and choose calm anchorages for swimming. If you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, mention it up front so the crew can set aside properly sized vests and plan shade and smooth‑water stops.

Usually yes. Most captains are happy for you to bring snacks, picnic lunches, and your preferred drinks, and many can stock the cooler with ice, water, and sodas before you arrive. If you want a no‑prep day, ask about light catering or a lunch stop at a beach restaurant in Grand Case or Orient Bay. For snorkeling and swimming days, pack reef‑safe sunscreen and avoid glass near the water.

Pet policies are captain‑by‑captain. Small, well‑behaved dogs are sometimes allowed on private charters with advance approval, but be aware that protected areas have restrictions ashore. For example, dogs are not permitted on the public ferry to Pinel Island, and pets are generally discouraged on sensitive islets and beaches within the marine nature reserve. If bringing a pet, confirm in advance and plan to keep them on board during snorkel stops.

Trade winds keep conditions pleasant most of the year, but short tropical showers and choppy Atlantic swells do happen. Morning departures are typically calmer. If a captain determines conditions are unsafe, trips are rescheduled or refunded according to the boat’s policy. During the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November), plans can shift around passing systems; flexible dates help, and your skipper will choose the most sheltered route on the day.

Peak season runs December through April for the driest weather and clearest water. Early March gets especially busy during the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and the SXM Music Festival, and late March can see Lagoon Festival events, so book early if your dates overlap. Summer brings warm, calm mornings with the chance of afternoon squalls; September–October is the quietest but also the peak of hurricane season. Weekdays are easier for last‑minute availability and lighter marina traffic, and mornings are best for smooth seas and uncrowded snorkel stops. U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day also book up quickly with visiting travelers.

Absolutely. Boats can be set up with coolers, playlists, decorations, and swim noodles, and many have shaded seating ideal for mixed‑age groups. Tell your host your headcount, vibe, and budget—smaller boats comfortably fit 6–12 guests, while larger day‑catamarans handle bigger parties. If you’d like a cake, custom drinks, or a beach‑restaurant reservation, ask to add those when you book so everything is waiting on board.

Most day trips weave together two or three calm swimming and snorkel stops and a beach or waterside lunch. A classic loop from Marigot or Grand Case is Creole Rock for fish‑filled snorkeling, then up to Pinel Island’s sandy shallows, and on to Tintamarre to look for sea turtles. From Simpson Bay or Philipsburg, captains often include a pass by Maho Beach and the quiet coves of Terres Basses. Your route will be tailored to wind and swell so you spend more time playing in clear water and less time pounding into waves.

Yes—many captains offer island‑hopping. The runs are short on a good day, and you’ll trade secluded coves in Anguilla or chic harbor time in Gustavia, St. Barts, for part of your itinerary. Bring passports for everyone and budget for customs and port fees, which are typically collected at the dock. Your captain will confirm the day’s seas, handle clearances, and advise the best pickup point so the border formalities are quick and easy.