Knot at Work – Private Catamaran Tour in St Maarten – Full day

Knot at Work — Private Catamaran Tour in St. Maarten: A Full Day of Sailing, Snorkeling, and Island Charm

When visiting St. Maarten, few experiences rival the joy of exploring its waters aboard a luxury sail catamaran. For about $960 per person, you get roughly eight hours of sailing, swimming, and soaking up sun with your own group—making it a personalized cruise that promises both relaxation and adventure. Led by attentive crew members Tomas and David, this private tour offers a chance to see two of the island’s most iconic spots: Pinel Island and Tintamarre Island.

Two features really caught our eye: first, the all-inclusive drinks and snacks, from sodas to mixed nuts, making it easy to relax without constantly reaching for your wallet. Second, the variety of water activities—snorkeling gear, paddleboards, floating mats—ensure there’s never a dull moment on the water.

A potential consideration is the weather dependence; as with any outdoor water excursion, poor weather could mean a change in plans or even cancellation, so it’s worth checking the forecast close to your booked date.

This tour suits travelers who want a private, flexible experience, especially those eager to enjoy beautiful beaches, wildlife, and stunning ocean vistas at their own pace. It’s also perfect for groups seeking a mix of relaxation and active fun, with personalized service and plenty of options on board.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring exclusivity and personalized service.
• Ideal for Water Lovers: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, floating mats, and swimming make this a water-centered adventure.
• Two Unique Stops: Pinel Island’s calm beaches and Tintamarre Island’s wildlife and remnants.
• All-Inclusive Drinks and Snacks: From sodas to snacks, no need to worry about additional costs during the day.
• Weather Sensitive: The itinerary is subject to weather conditions, which might prompt changes.
• Advanced Booking Needed: On average, booked 57 days in advance, so plan ahead for this popular experience.

A Detailed Look at the Full-Day Catamaran Adventure

Starting Point and Departure

The tour departs from Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg at 9:00 am, a convenient location near public transportation. From the moment you step aboard, the atmosphere feels relaxed yet professional. The crew, including Tomas and David, are known for their attentive service and engaging storytelling, making you feel comfortable and informed throughout the voyage.

This is a private tour, so expect a tailored experience—your party’s size, interests, and pace are top priorities. The boat, Knot at Work, is a luxury sailing catamaran designed for comfort and fun, equipped with ample space to lounge, dine, and enjoy the vistas.

First Stop: Pinel Island

After a scenic cruise across the water, the first stop is the ever-popular Pinel Island. Known for its white sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters, it’s a slice of paradise. Once ashore, you can opt for a leisurely walk to a viewpoint, explore the island’s small gift shop, or simply soak up the sun on the sheltered main beach—perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.

The island has two restaurants where you can rent chairs and umbrellas, but most guests tend to bring their own shade and relax. The calm waters make it excellent for families or less experienced swimmers. For the more adventurous, a gentle hike provides a chance to take in breathtaking views that make the island memorable.

One guest mentioned, “Pinel Island is very sheltered and always has very calm waters, so perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.” This is a great choice if you’re after a relaxing, picture-perfect beach break.

Second Stop: Tintamarre Island

Next, the boat heads to Tintamarre Island, a pristine uninhabited spot known for its white sandy beaches, lush greenery, and striking rust-colored cliffs. It’s a favorite among snorkeling enthusiasts, with clear waters teeming with turtles and colorful fish.

The island also offers a glimpse into its past, with remnants of an old farm, an airplane from a former airbase, and even a stranded boat turned graffiti art piece. The combination of natural beauty and quirky history makes Tintamarre a standout stop.

Guests often describe the snorkeling here as “up-close and personal with turtles,” and mention that the hiking trails are a pleasant addition if you’re keen to explore on land. “A little stroll around the island will show you the remnants of an old farm and an airplane from the airbase,” one reviewer added, highlighting the mix of nature and history.

Activities and Amenities Onboard

Throughout the day, your crew will keep you well-fed and refreshed. The drinks include a selection of sodas, fruit juices, water, and some alcoholic beverages, like beer or cocktails. For snacks, you’ll find madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, chips—all easy to munch between swims.

Water activities are plentiful: snorkeling gear is included, along with paddleboards, a floating mat (or floating bar for fun!), and swimming noodles. We loved how these tiny touches make the day more engaging, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy active pursuits.

Reviewers have specifically appreciated the variety of activities and the quality of the crew’s service, with one joking about the crew’s playful antics—like the story about the missing skirt, which added humor and friendliness to the trip.

Return and Reflection

The tour concludes back at Bobby’s Marina in the late afternoon. Because the schedule is flexible, you’ll have ample time to unwind and reflect on your day, with plenty of stunning views to take in until the last moment.

Analyzing the Value

While $960 per person isn’t cheap, consider what’s included: a full eight hours of private sailing, guided commentary, all water activities, snacks, and drinks. This level of personalized service and exclusivity often means better comfort and flexibility than larger group tours.

The private aspect also allows you to customize your day—whether you want more snorkeling, longer beach time, or a quick detour to a less-visited spot. For travelers seeking a luxurious yet authentic way to explore the waters of St. Maarten, this tour offers a good balance of comfort, adventure, and stunning scenery.

Price and Booking

Most travelers book about 57 days ahead, which suggests this is a popular experience. The flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, especially given the unpredictability of weather at sea.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private catamaran experience is ideal for small groups or families who want exclusive access to some of the best spots around St. Maarten. It’s perfect if you enjoy water-based activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding, or if you simply want to relax on a boat with good company and excellent service.

Travelers who prioritize authentic, scenic, and personalized experiences will find this tour particularly rewarding. If you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of opportunities for dipping into the water and soaking up sunshine, this is a great choice.

FAQs

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, a convenient location accessible via public transportation.

What time does the tour start?
It departs at 9:00 am, giving you a full day of sailing and exploring.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While most water activities are optional, the calm waters at Pinel Island and snorkeling gear make it accessible for many. However, participants who swim or enter the water do so at their own risk.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a private boat for your group, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, floating mats, snacks, and a selection of beverages (both soft drinks and some alcoholic drinks).

Are towels provided?
No, towels are not included, so bring your own if you want to dry off after swimming.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?
The itinerary is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the tour may be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund offered.

Can I customize the experience?
Being a private tour, the crew generally accommodates your preferences within the day’s schedule, so you can focus more on the spots and activities you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This full-day private catamaran tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of St. Maarten from the water. The combination of scenic stops, water activities, and attentive service ensures a memorable day—whether you’re looking to relax on deck, snorkel with turtles, or simply enjoy the incredible ocean views.

The experience is especially well-suited for groups who want a tailored, intimate adventure with all the amenities included. The appeal of visiting Pinel Island’s calm beaches and Tintamarre’s wild beauty makes this an especially rewarding choice for travelers eager to combine comfort, fun, and natural beauty.

If you’re looking to add a special touch to your St. Maarten trip and don’t mind spending a bit more for privacy and personalized service, this cruise could be just what you need.

End of review.