Open Drinks, Snorkelling

A private boat day from St Martin to St Barts, with space for up to 8 guests

Overview

A private charter boat run by Paper Boat Charter carries one group from St Martin across to St Barth for a full day on the water, roughly eight hours in total. There is no fixed route. The captain builds the day around what the group wants and what the weather allows, which in practice means snorkelling stops such as Colombier or Fourchue Island, beach time, and a chance to come ashore on St Barth itself.

The boat comes with a full open bar, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, plus snacks and a giant floating mat. Snorkelling gear is provided, along with fuel and a professional guide. Lunch is the main thing not covered, and one common pattern in reviews is a midday stop at a restaurant such as Eden Rock.

This suits travellers who want a private day on the water with the freedom to shape the itinerary. Reviewers repeatedly praise the crew's flexibility, including one group that switched to Anguilla when wind made the crossing rough. A valid passport is required on the day, since the trip crosses between islands.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet the boatThe tour begins at Paper Boat Charter in St Martin, with a check-in stop of about 10 minutes. Pickup details are on the listing.
2. Set the day's planA typical day, based on how the tour is described, involves customizing the itinerary with the captain based on the group's interests and the weather conditions on the day.
3. Possible snorkelling stopsPossible stops include Colombier and Fourchue Island, with snorkelling equipment provided.
4. Beach and shore timeThe day can include relaxing on the island's beaches and coming ashore to shop or eat. Lunch is not included.
5. Return to St MartinThe boat returns to St Martin within the approximate 8 hour duration.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape how the day goes, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report afterwards.

• Bring a passport. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel. The trip crosses from St Martin to St Barth, so every traveller in the group needs documents on hand.
• Plan for lunch. Lunch is not included in the price. Several reviewers describe eating at a restaurant during the day, including lunch at Eden Rock on St Barth, so it helps to budget for a meal ashore.
• Drinks are covered. Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are on board, along with snacks and a giant floating mat. Gratuities are not included.
• No fixed route. The plan is set with the captain on the day. Reviewers mention being helped to decide what to do when they arrived without an itinerary, and the captain adapts the plan to the group's interests.
• Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and the captain adjusts to conditions. One group was warned of a bumpy crossing and taken to Anguilla instead, so flexibility helps if the wind turns.
• Private group only. Only your group participates. Infants must sit on laps and pushchairs are accessible, though the boat is not wheelchair accessible.

Common issues. The crossing can be rough when windy, and one reviewer reported a wet, bumpy hour-long ride being forecast, with the captain suggesting Anguilla as a substitute destination. Lunch, gratuities and transportation to and from attractions are excluded. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and the weather requirement means the trip can be cancelled, with a different date or a full refund offered in that case. Cancellations by travellers inside 24 hours of the start time are not refunded.

Questions About This Tour