St. maarten luxury catamaran charter guide
Planning the Perfect Luxury Private Charter
If you’re craving a day of sunshine, turquoise waters, and total exclusivity, a private luxury catamaran day charter in Philipsburg, St. Maarten might just be the highlight of your vacation. While group tours offer great value, going private allows for full customization, extra comfort, and the freedom to experience sailing St. Maarten exactly how you want.
With Sail The Phoenix, your day becomes a true escape—whether you're marking a milestone, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a slice of island luxury. You choose the itinerary, set the vibe, and let the professional crew handle the rest.
Even better? Sail The Phoenix is easily accessible from the St. Maarten cruise ship terminal—just a 5-minute drive or a scenic 15-minute walk. That makes us the perfect option for cruise passengers looking to make the most of their port day.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect private charter with Sail The Phoenix—from choosing the right route and understanding pricing to insider tips and FAQs.
Step 1: Choose Your Itinerary
The first step in planning your SXM boat charter is deciding where you'd like to go—and lucky for you, Sail The Phoenix offers a variety of stunning options.
Here are a few itinerary favorites:
- Snorkeling + Sailing: We visit Little Bay for vibrant reefs and calm, clear water, followed by lunch and lounging at Mullet Bay
- Sunset Sail: Cruise in the golden hour with champagne and unbeatable views
If you're looking for the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, we recommend our private luxury catamaran charter. Departing from Philipsburg, your catamaran sails through Great Bay and stops at Little Bay for some of the best snorkeling in St. Maarten. Afterwards, you’ll sail along the island’s southern coast before anchoring at the idyllic Mullet Bay. Think swimming, lounging, and a freshly prepared lunch served right onboard your private yacht. It’s island living at its finest.
Prefer something custom? Let us know—we offer fully personalized SXM boat charters to fit your group’s wishes.
Step 2: Budget and Pricing
A private luxury catamaran day charter in St. Maarten is more accessible than you might think—especially when split between friends or family. At Sail the Phoenix, we offer a variety of options to suit different group sizes, trip lengths, and budgets.
For guests who want the full-day experience, our private 5-hour charter offers a day of sailing, swimming, and exploring. With space for up to 36 guests, prices start at $3,190 for 8 guests and include a freshly cooked lunch, premium open bar, snorkeling and paddleboard equipment, and plenty of lounge time at destinations like Mullet Bay or Little Bay.
Prefer to share the experience? We also offer shared day sails at $139 per person, which include lunch, drinks, and gear—great for solo travelers or couples.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to use promo code SAILPHOENIX when booking directly through our website to receive 10% off your private charter. If you've been browsing SXM boat charters and comparing options, you’ll find that Sail The Phoenix offers one of the best values on the island for personalized, high-end service.
Step 3: What's Included
When booking a luxury catamaran day charter, it’s not just about the boat—it’s about the experience. At Sail the Phoenix, we include everything you need for a stress-free day of sailing St. Maarten.
Luxury Catamaran Day Sail St. Maarten Includes:
- Open Bar: Enjoy cold beers, rum punch, soda, and cocktails
- Gourmet Lunch: From local cuisine to vegetarian-friendly options
- Snorkeling Gear: Explore reef life up close
- Stand-Up Paddleboards: Available on full-day trips
- Professional Crew: Your friendly captain and crew are here to serve you
- Bluetooth Speakers: Set your own playlist and cruise in style
- Shaded Lounging Areas: Stay cool between dips in the sea
Step 4: Booking Tips
Here are a few key tips to make your Sail The Phoenix experience smooth and memorable:
- Book early during peak months (December–April)
- Arriving by cruise ship? We're only a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from the St. Maarten cruise terminal, making your day at sea seamless and stress-free
- Group size is flexible, but our catamaran can comfortably accommodate up to 36 guests
- Let us know special occasions—we love surprises, cake, and champagne!
-
Ready to reserve your spot? Click below to check availability and book your St. Maarten boat charter now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there bathrooms on board?
Yes, there are two separate bathroom areas for females and males. The female area includes two separate electrical toilets or “heads” as well call them on a boat, and a common area with two sinks. The male area has a urinal and a separate electrical head.
What’s the cancellation policy?
A 20% deposit is required on all private charters. The remaining 80% will be refunded if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; 0% refund if you cancel less than 24 hours before departure.
All Tours:
100% refund, including the deposit, if your cruise ship did not arrive or we cancel due to weather or safety reasons. 5% credit card handling fee applies to any cancellation.
Your Perfect Day on the Water Awaits
Whether you’re in port for the day or staying for the week, booking a luxury catamaran day charter with Sail The Phoenix is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of St. Maarten.
With flexible pricing, customizable itineraries, and a friendly, professional crew, we deliver an unforgettable day on the water—far beyond what most St. Maarten boat charters offer. If you're exploring your options for SXM boat charters, let Sail The Phoenix show you what a truly elevated experience feels like.
Meet
THE CREW
GUIDO POLKO
CAPTAIN & OWNER
Born in Germany, Guido started his sailing experience by windsurfing in his early twenties on several spots around the world. He has been sailing for decades in San Francisco, the Mediterranean, and Caribbean waters. In 2014 he crossed the Atlantic on his catamaran. Guido will ensure your safety on board but also make sure you have a fun and special experience while sailing with him and his crew. He holds several marine certificates including the required local commercial Captain’s license.
Carlos Rivera
CAPTAIN
American born on the island of Manhattan, Spanish bred in Puerto Rico. Living and sailing on Sint Maarten for the past 20 years. Carlos served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged as a 3rd Class Boatswain Mate Petty Officer. His passions are music, painting, dancing, food, wine, and of course sailing. Certified by the Maritime Safety Academy in Cocoa Beach, FL and in Sint Maarten.
Cheyenne
First Mate & Hostess
Born in Germany and raised on the friendly island and waters of Sint Maarten. Cheyenne grew up on a sailing boat and is basically the closest thing you’ll find to a mermaid. As our first mate and hostess, Cheyenne will make sure you have an amazing day on board. She loves photography, beach volleyball, diving, fishing and sailing. She is fluent in English, French and German. Certified by the Maritime Safety Academy in Sint Maarten.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Luxury Catamaran
The Phoenix is a rather unusual day charter boat and normally used as a high-end private or weekly charter boat. You will have the opportunity to explore this magnificent luxury catamaran with plenty of private space.
Under professional crew
All of our crew has many years of sailing experience and will always take care of your safety. All of us worked in the hospitality industry and will make this trip very special. We are all COVID-19 vaccinated and follow the respective procedures. We will take good care of you.
We Are New
Since 2021 is our first charter season everybody is very excited and we will try our very best to please our guests. Come and join us in our first season. Please feel also free to let us know what we could do better – any suggestion will help us to improve our services. Thank you!
by