FAQ

We understand that plans can change, and we do our best to accommodate. Below is our cancellation policy for all St. Maarten boat charters:

Luxury Day Sail & Caribbean Sunset Sail:

• 100% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.
• No refund if canceled less than 24 hours before departure.

Private Boat Charters:

• A 20% deposit is required to confirm your private luxury catamaran day charter—this deposit is non-refundable.
• The remaining 80% is refundable if canceled at least 24 hours before departure.
• No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.

All Tours (Shared or Private):

100% refund, including the deposit, will be issued if:

1. Your cruise ship does not arrive, or
2. The tour is canceled by us or the captain due to weather or safety concerns.

A 5% credit card handling fee applies to all cancellations.

We want your experience sailing St. Maarten to be as smooth as possible—feel free to contact us with any questions before your trip!

Our Luxury Day Sail returns sharply at 3:30 PM to ensure all cruise ship guests have ample time to get back to their ship without stress. For guests staying on the island, this return time allows you to relax, freshen up, and still enjoy a full evening in beautiful St. Maarten.

Punctuality is part of the experience—we want every guest on our St. Maarten boat charters to sail worry-free and make the most of their day.

We promise—you won’t miss your cruise ship! Our Luxury Day Sail returns sharply at 3:30 PM, and we carefully plan our schedule to ensure all cruise guests are back with plenty of time to spare.

If your cruise ship departs earlier than 4:00 PM, please speak with our crew before boarding so we can make any necessary arrangements.

Get ready for an unforgettable day in St. Maarten filled with adventure, relaxation, and island vibes. With Sail The Phoenix, you're not just cruising—you’re experiencing the best of sailing St. Maarten.

Our Luxury Day Sail includes:

🤿 Snorkeling at Little Bay, where you'll explore a vibrant underwater world featuring a sunken helicopter and submarine—a truly unique experience.

⛵ Sailing along the scenic Dutch coastline as we make our way toward Mullet Bay.

✈️ Plane-watching off Maho Beach, where jets soar just overhead—a St. Maarten must-see.

⚓ Anchoring in Mullet Bay for a freshly prepared lunch, followed by time to swim, relax, paddleboard, or kayak in the crystal-clear water.

🎶 All along the way, enjoy good vibes with great music, delicious drinks from our open bar, and the laid-back luxury of a catamaran day charter in St. Maarten.

We provide snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, life jackets, music, shade, and everything you need to enjoy a perfect day on the Caribbean Sea. Then we cruise back to Philipsburg, sun-kissed and satisfied.

Yes! There is a secure paid parking lot available at our location: 

📍 Bobby's Marina, 22 Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

It’s conveniently located near the cruise terminal and within walking distance of downtown Philipsburg.

Absolutely! All our St. Maarten boat charters are family-friendly and perfect for guests of all ages—including young children. The crew is experienced in creating a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for families. There’s plenty of shaded seating and life jackets available in all sizes.

Whether it’s their first time on a boat or their first snorkel adventure, kids love the experience of sailing with The Phoenix  just as much as the grown-ups do!

The trip is approximately 5 hours in total. We board at 10am, depart around 10:30am, and return promptly at 3:30pm. 

Whether you're arriving by cruise ship or staying on the island, getting to The Phoenix for your St. Maarten boat charter is quick and easy!

Meeting Point: Please meet the crew 15 minutes before boarding at Bobby’s Marina, located in Philipsburg—right by the wooden gazebo in front of Aziana’s restaurant.

If you're staying on the island:
Bobby’s Marina is centrally located and easily accessible by car or taxi. Just let your driver know you’re heading to Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg. Paid parking is also available.

If you're arriving by cruise ship:
No need for a taxi—The Phoenix is just a short walk (approximately 15 min.) from the cruise terminal.

Walking Directions from the Cruise Port:

1. Exit the terminal and turn left, walking toward Philipsburg.

2. Continue straight past the first parking lot (Dock Maarten Marina).

3. At the next parking lot with the green fence and a colorful tour sign, turn left.

4. Walk toward the water—you’ll find the wooden gazebo where our crew will greet you.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying longer, our St. Maarten yacht charters offer an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

Get ready for a day of fun in the sun! For your St. Maarten boat charter, we recommend packing:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Hat or sun protection
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Camera or phone for capturing memories
• Money for any remaining balance
• Gratuity for the crew (always appreciated, at your discretion)

We provide clean, sanitized snorkel gear and other water sports equipment, so no need to bring your own. The Phoenix crew takes great care in maintaining all gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while sailing St. Maarten.

Yes—we love to sail, and we do it as often as possible! During our SXM boat tours, we raise the sails and cut the engine whenever wind conditions allow. It’s one of the best ways to fully experience the beauty of sailing St. Maarten.

We typically enjoy engine-free sailing in the mornings when the winds are most favorable. However, because it’s not possible to sail directly into the wind, we usually motor on the return trip to stay on schedule.

As with all St. Maarten boat charters, our ability to sail depends on the weather—no wind means no sailing. But rest assured, we’ll always take advantage of the breeze when we can to give you an unforgettable sailing experience.

Yes—food and drinks are included in all of our St. Maarten boat charters! 

The menu varies depending on the specific charter and time of day, but you can expect delicious bites and refreshing beverages throughout your trip. If you have any dietary restrictions or special requests, feel free to contact us ahead of time—we’re happy to accommodate whenever possible.

As soon as we set sail from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, our open bar is ready to serve! Our bar offers a wide selection, including beer, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Club Soda, bottled water, and juices like orange, pineapple, and guava. You'll also enjoy premium spirits—rum (including our homemade rum punch!), vodka, gin, tequila, and more.

Have a favorite drink? Let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to have it on board for you. Every sip is part of your unforgettable St. Maarten boat charter experience—cheers!

Yes! Our luxury catamaran offers separate bathroom facilities for both women and men—an essential comfort when sailing St. Maarten.

The female restroom area includes two private electric toilets (also known as “heads” in nautical terms), along with a shared space featuring two sinks for convenience.

The male restroom area includes a urinal and one separate electric head.

We prioritize guest comfort and cleanliness on all of our SXM boat charters, so you can enjoy your charter worry-free.

Yes, we do! Please get in touch with us ahead of time with any allergies or dietary restrictions.