2026 GUIDE
Best Boat Charters in Sint Maarten — How to Book & What to Avoid
We compared local platforms, global marketplaces, and direct operators so you know exactly what you are paying for — and what to watch out for — before you book.
Last updated April 2026 · CharterSXM editorial team
BEFORE YOU BOOK
4 Things That Separate a Good Charter from a Bad One
Captain licensing
Commercial captains must hold an SXM maritime licence and STCW certificate. Always verify.
All-in pricing
The price should include captain, fuel, and safety equipment. Add-ons (open bar, catering) should be listed separately.
Private vs shared
A private charter means the boat is yours. Group tours share the boat with strangers on a fixed itinerary.
Hidden platform fees
Global marketplaces add 13–30% in fees on top of the boat price. Factor this into any comparison.
At a Glance: How They Compare
| Feature | CharterSXM | GetMyBoat | Viator | Direct Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private charter | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ |
| Verified licensed captain | ✅ | ⚠️ Varies | ✅ | ⚠️ Verify yourself |
| All-in transparent pricing | ✅ | ❌ +27% fees | ❌ Commission baked in | ✅ |
| Custom itinerary | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ Fixed routes | ✅ |
| Local Sint Maarten team | ✅ | ❌ Global | ❌ Global | ✅ |
| Reviews / social proof | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ TripAdvisor | ⚠️ Varies |
| Solo / couple pricing | ⚠️ Min. boat hire | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Min. boat hire |
Data sourced from public pricing pages. Accurate as of April 2026.
The Full Breakdown
CharterSXM
Local verified platform
CharterSXM is a Sint Maarten–based platform that lists only private charters with verified licensed captains. Every captain holds a valid SXM maritime license and STCW certificate — confirmed before listing. Pricing is all-in: what you see is what you pay, with no marketplace surcharge. The team is based at Simpson Bay Marina and knows every anchorage, reef, and customs requirement between Anguilla and St. Barths.
Pros
- Private charters only — no strangers
- All captains STCW-certified and SXM-licensed
- Transparent all-in pricing (captain + fuel included)
- Local team — real knowledge of currents, reefs, customs
- Custom itineraries: Anguilla, Tintamarre, St. Barths, Pinel
Cons
- Smaller fleet than global marketplaces
- Sint Maarten only (no other islands)
Best overall for private charters in Sint Maarten.
Browse CharterSXM fleetDirect operator websites
Individual charter companies
Several established operators run their own websites — Day Charters SXM and St. Maarten Boat Charters among them. Booking direct means 100% of your money goes to the operator, which often results in better service and flexibility. The downside is discovery: you need to find each company individually, compare their fleets manually, and verify captain credentials yourself.
Pros
- 100% of price goes to the operator
- Often the most personal service
- Established companies have proven track records
Cons
- Hard to compare multiple operators at once
- No standardised credential verification
- Quality varies widely between companies
- Harder to find if you don't know where to look
Great if you already have a recommendation. Harder for first-time visitors.
GetMyBoat
Global peer-to-peer marketplace
GetMyBoat is the largest global boat rental marketplace, listing 50+ boats in Sint Maarten. The peer-to-peer model means anyone can list a boat — quality and credentials vary. The platform charges renters up to 13% + a $20 flat fee on top of the listed price, and operators pay a further 11.5–14.5% commission. A $1,500 listed charter can cost over $1,700 in practice.
Pros
- Largest selection in Sint Maarten
- Payment handled by the platform
- User review system
Cons
- Fees of up to 27% added to listed prices
- Peer-to-peer: captain credentials not consistently verified
- Mixed quality — no curation
- Platform takes priority over direct customer relationships
Wide selection, but fees and variable quality make it a risky choice for Sint Maarten.
Viator
Group tour aggregator
Viator (owned by TripAdvisor) is strong for shared group experiences: catamaran snorkel tours, sunset cruises, and day trips where you share the boat with other travelers. Private charters are limited. Operators pay 20–30% commission, which is typically priced into the tour cost. The review integration with TripAdvisor is Viator's main advantage.
Pros
- TripAdvisor review integration (high trust)
- Good for solo travelers and couples on a budget
- Free cancellation on many listings
Cons
- Primarily group/shared tours — limited private options
- Operator commission of 20–30% built into prices
- Fixed itineraries — no customisation
- Less local expertise than Sint Maarten–based operators
Right for group tours. Not the right tool for a private charter.
OUR VERDICT
For Most Visitors, a Private Charter Beats a Group Tour
Split between 6–8 people, a private full-day charter costs about the same per person as a Viator group tour — and you get the boat to yourself, choose your own route, and stop wherever you want. For groups of 4 or more, the private option almost always wins on value and experience.
Get a Private Charter QuoteCommon Questions
What is the best way to book a boat charter in Sint Maarten?
For a private charter, booking through a local verified platform like CharterSXM gives you the best combination of price transparency, licensed captains, and local expertise. Global marketplaces like GetMyBoat add up to 27% in fees on top of the listed price.
How much does a boat charter cost in Sint Maarten?
Charter pricing depends on the vessel, duration, and group size. Contact CharterSXM for a quote — pricing is all-in with no hidden platform fees added on top.
Is a private charter or group tour better in Sint Maarten?
Private charters are better value for groups of 4 or more. You choose the itinerary, the pace, and who is on the boat. Group tours are cheaper per person for solo travelers or couples but you share the boat with strangers on a fixed route.
Do Sint Maarten boat charter captains need a license?
Yes. Commercial captains in Sint Maarten must hold a valid Sint Maarten maritime license and an STCW safety certificate. Always verify your captain holds both before booking. Peer-to-peer platforms do not always enforce this requirement.