The Best Boat Rentals in Sint Maarten

Expect small captained powerboats to start around $600–$900 for a half day and roughly $900–$1,500 for a full day. Day charters on sailing catamarans and mid-size yachts typically run about $1,500–$2,500+, while luxury motor yachts can range from $3,000 to well over $6,000 per day depending on size, season, and extras. Most prices include a professional captain, basic fuel for cruising around Sint Maarten, snorkel gear, ice, and soft drinks. Upgrades like premium bar, catered lunch, water toys, photographer, or long-range fuel for island-hopping are easy to add at checkout. Government entry fees apply if you visit Anguilla or St. Barts, and pickup from a different bay may carry a small repositioning fee.

You can choose fast center-console powerboats for beach-hopping, sailing monohulls for a classic cruise, spacious sailing catamarans for groups that want room to lounge, and motor yachts for an elevated, all-amenities experience. If you want something nimble for snorkeling stops and quick hops between bays, a powerboat is great; for maximum shade, stability, and deck space, most groups prefer catamarans. Sunset and lunch sails are popular year-round.

The easiest route is to book a captained charter—no boating license is required and the local crew handles navigation, docking, and safety. If you prefer to operate the boat yourself (a “bareboat” charter), most companies accept an experience-based skipper resume and may ask for recognized certifications. Requirements can vary by boat size and route, and small self-drive craft are limited. If you’re unsure, select “with captain” at booking and you’ll be on the water with less paperwork.

The busiest departure points are in and around Simpson Bay and Philipsburg. Common pickup spots include Simpson Bay Marina inside the Simpson Bay Bridge, the Yacht Club at Port de Plaisance on the lagoon, Palapa Marina along Airport Road, and Bobby’s Marina or Dock Maarten in Great Bay by Philipsburg. Many crews also pick up at Kim Sha Beach or near Simpson Bay Resort for convenience. Your confirmation will list the exact meeting point and any bridge timing you should know about.

You’ll cruise past powdery beaches and dramatic cliffs, glide by Great Bay and Philipsburg’s colorful waterfront, and often stop to snorkel over reefs teeming with tropical fish. Many trips include a pass by Maho Beach to watch planes approach over the water, and weather permitting you can cross into the serene bays of the French side to see Grand Case, Creole Rock, Pinel Islet, or Tintamarre, where sea turtles are frequently spotted. South of Philipsburg, the Man of War Shoal Marine Park protects reefs, rays, and the occasional dolphin—your captain will choose the calmest, clearest spots on the day you sail.

Yes. Families are welcome on most boats, and life jackets are carried for all passengers. If you need infant or child sizes, note ages and weights when you book so the crew can set them aside. Boats provide safety briefings, shaded seating, ladders for easy re-boarding, and typically a freshwater rinse. For little ones, mornings are calmer and nap-friendly, and captains can tailor the itinerary to short hops between swim stops.

Absolutely. Most charters include bottled water and soft drinks and are happy for you to bring snacks, lunch, and your favorite beverages. Many boats offer catering or gourmet picnic add-ons if you want it all handled for you. Glass is often discouraged for safety, so pack beverages in cans or plastic where possible. If you plan to celebrate with a cake or decorations, just let the crew know so they can set it up and avoid anything that could harm marine life, like loose glitter or confetti.

Some boats do allow small, well-behaved dogs on a case-by-case basis. If you’re bringing a pet, request approval before booking, and expect a cleaning fee. Shade, fresh water, and non-slip mats can usually be arranged; for comfort and safety, avoid the hottest midday hours and choppy days with pets onboard.

Your captain monitors marine forecasts and will reroute, reschedule, or cancel if conditions are unsafe. Typical Caribbean showers pass quickly, and crews often adjust the itinerary to sheltered bays when winds pick up. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most active stretch usually late August to October. If a named storm or rough seas are in the forecast, your operator will walk you through options for moving your date or receiving a weather-related refund according to the trip’s cancellation terms.

Yes—boats here host everything from milestone birthdays to bachelorette and bachelor outings, proposals, and family reunions. Pick a vessel with the right capacity, lots of shade, a great sound system, and easy water access. The crew can arrange a themed menu, decorations, champagne toasts, and a custom route with swim and photo stops, so planning your celebration feels effortless.

For the calmest weather and widest boat selection, December through April is peak season. March is especially lively thanks to the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, scheduled March 6–9, 2025. Carnival events and parades roll through late April into early May, and the SXM Festival is slated for March 12–16, 2025, so boats book early around those dates. Summer brings warm water and lighter crowds, but it overlaps with hurricane season. U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day can draw more visitors, though availability is still good compared to winter holidays. Weekdays are typically less busy than weekends, and mornings tend to have smoother seas and clearer snorkeling.

Yes. Popular day trips include the French-side islets of Pinel and Tintamarre for relaxed beaches and turtle sightings, Anguilla for picture-perfect cays like Prickly Pear, and St. Barts for chic harbors and secluded bays. You’ll need passports for Anguilla or St. Barts and should budget for customs/park fees; your skipper handles the clearance and timing. Sea conditions determine how far you’ll go in a day, so your captain will match the route to weather and your group’s pace.

For most trip planners, a captained charter is the smoothest option. You set the vibe and the crew handles everything—route, fuel, docking, and safety—so you can focus on guests, photos, food, and fun. If you’re an experienced skipper who wants to bareboat, expect to provide a recent boating resume and any certifications you hold, and be flexible if the company recommends a professional captain based on the vessel or forecast.

Seeing aircraft glide over the turquoise water by Maho Beach is one of the island’s signature thrills, and many captains plan a safe pass so you can watch arrivals from the comfort of the boat. Your skipper will keep a prudent distance from shore, avoid jet‑blast zones, and time the stop between landings if seas are choppy. It makes for fantastic photos—and it’s far more comfortable than standing on the sand during a takeoff.