The day gets real once you’re past the usual shoreline spots. This private deep sea fishing charter takes you out from Cole Bay on St Maarten, with the plan to reach productive grounds up to 30 miles (50 km) offshore for a better shot at bigger fish.

I love that the trip is set up for serious anglers without making it complicated. You get your own boat time with a captain and crew focused on what you want to target, and the boat includes the gear plus unlimited local beers so the experience stays fun, not fussy.

One thing to consider: you keep what you catch only for personal consumption (within limits), and the crew will clean the fish—but they can’t help with packing or shipping it off the island.

Key things to know before you go

• Up to 30 miles offshore for deeper water and bigger potential species
• Private group of up to 2 so you’re not competing for attention
• Flexible fishing styles including surface options, bottom fishing, drift fishing, and trolling
• All rods, reels, tackle included (bring your own only if you prefer)
• Unlimited local beers + other alcoholic drinks included during the charter
• Fish cleaning is included, but there’s no packing/shipping help

Out Past Cole Bay: What “Deep Sea” Means Here

Cole Bay is the launch point, and from there you’ll head beyond the quick in-and-out trips that stay close to shore. The charter is designed for range. The goal is simple: find fish where the geography and depth make sense.

You’re looking at several different fishing zones during the day. Just offshore, you can target productive shoals and wreck areas that tend to hold smaller reef species. Then, as you move farther out, the water profile changes and you can chase larger pelagic species in deeper water. The distance matters here because it gives the captain more room to work different depths and currents instead of forcing everything into one spot.

This is the real value of the format: you’re not gambling everything on one type of fishing or one depth range. You’re trying more than one way to catch fish, and that’s what usually separates a “we tried” day from a genuinely satisfying one.

Private Charter Value: Up to Two People, No Shared Chaos

For $1,225 per group (up to 2), this is a private charter. That means no random mixing with strangers, no rotating schedules, and no trying to squeeze into a tight group dynamic while you’re focused on casting, reeling, and figuring out what’s biting.

I like private charters for one big reason: the crew can watch you work and adjust fast. If you’re using drift fishing on one pass and trolling on another, you want the captain and crew to be responsive and hands-on. The setup here is explicitly built around that “undivided attention” idea.

There’s also something practical about the group size for a fishing day. Two people can coordinate gear and technique without stepping on lines or creating clutter. And when you’re dealing with multiple fishing methods—surface, bottom, drift, trolling—less crowding makes the whole experience smoother.

Targeting the Waters: Reef Shoals, Wrecks, and Pelagics

This charter is built around the idea that St Maarten’s ocean geography gives you options. Your captain can shift between fishing styles based on what’s working that day.

1) Just-offshore shoals and wrecks (smaller reef species)

The plan includes fishing near productive shoals and wrecks close to shore. These areas often attract reef-associated fish, and they’re a good choice when you want action that doesn’t depend entirely on big-game presence.

What this means for you: if you’re the type of angler who enjoys the “try different baits, feel the bite, adjust quickly” rhythm, this part of the day can be a confidence-builder.

2) Deep water around 3 miles offshore (larger pelagic options)

The charter notes that about three miles offshore is where deeper water starts to come into play. That’s where you may go after larger pelagic fish, using either trolling or drift fishing.

What this means for you: you’re likely changing gears during the day—literally and physically. Expect different boat movement, different line management, and different pacing while the captain sets up.

3) Productive fishing grounds 10 to 30 miles out

For the off-shore charter, there are productive fishing grounds in the 10 to 30 mile range off the coast. That’s the big-picture reason the trip can feel different from shorter excursions: the captain has the latitude to chase what’s most productive within that broader offshore range.

A balanced expectation: even on a well-run charter, fishing depends on conditions. The positive side is you’re not stuck with one location strategy. You’ve got multiple ways to hunt during the full trip window.

Your 7.5-Hour Day on the Water (and How It Likely Flows)

The charter runs about 7 hours 30 minutes, starting at 10:00 am and returning to the meeting point afterward. In other words, plan for a full day out—enough time to travel, fish, and reset a few times without feeling rushed.

While there’s no minute-by-minute schedule listed, the fishing plan strongly suggests a flow that looks like this:

1) Departure from Cole Bay marina

You’ll get set up aboard before the work begins. This is where you’ll confirm your gear, get guidance on tackle and technique, and get comfortable on the boat.

2) Heading toward the near/offshore zones

The day’s first phases can focus on shoals/wrecks just offshore, especially if the captain wants to see what’s active before pushing deeper.

3) Moving into deeper water for pelagic targets

Once the strategy shifts toward deeper water, you may switch to trolling or drift fishing. This is often where serious anglers feel the day “click” because you’re now chasing bigger fish potential rather than only reef-associated targets.

4) Fish cleaning and final handling

After fishing, the crew will clean the fish for you. That’s a major comfort point because it turns your catch into something you can realistically use later—without having to take on mess and equipment on your own.

What helps most on a trip like this: keep your focus on what the captain is doing, and don’t overthink it. The boat is set up to support different fishing methods during the same day.

What’s Included: Gear, Drinks, and the Most Valuable Comforts

This charter includes more than just fishing rods.

Alcohol and beverages

You get unlimited local beers included. The listing also notes that additional alcoholic drinks are available on request if beer isn’t your thing. For many people, this is a big part of the fun factor on a long day at sea.

Fishing equipment

Rods, reels, and tackle are provided. That’s a big deal if you’re traveling and don’t want to bring heavy gear through airports and hotels.

If you like using your own setup, you can—there’s space for personal preference. But the default is: arrive, get outfitted, start fishing.

Keep the catch (with limits)

You keep what you catch for personal consumption within reasonable limits. It’s not a “catch and immediately sell” kind of deal. It’s aimed at letting you bring home something you can enjoy.

Keeping Your Catch: Cleaning Included, Shipping Not

Here’s the practical part that can make or break your planning: the crew cleans the fish, but they can’t help with packing and shipping fish off the island.

So if you’re hoping to take your catch home for a longer trip—maybe across the country by air—you’ll need to handle that yourself. The cleaning is a huge start, but you should still think ahead about storage, ice, and how you’ll manage the fish after the charter ends.

Also, remember the catch is for personal consumption limits. That means don’t show up planning to bring back a cooler’s worth for a whole group. Instead, plan for what you personally will eat or share right away.

Lunch and Food Reality: Plan Ahead

Lunch isn’t included by default. You can bring your own lunch, or you can add an optional lunch of French Baguette Sandwiches for a fee.

If you want the sandwiches, it requires 24 hours notice. That’s worth putting on your checklist early—because it’s the kind of easy add-on that can save you from scrambling for food once you’re already at the marina.

Price Check: Is $1,225 Per Group Good Value?

Let’s talk value in plain terms.

At $1,225 per group (up to 2), you’re paying for a private boat experience with:

• a dedicated captain and crew,
• rods, reels, and tackle,
• and unlimited local beers (plus other drinks on request).

If you split the cost between two people, it can start to feel more reasonable compared to the price of two separate half-knowledge fishing excursions, especially when you factor in that the charter is trying to access multiple offshore zones rather than one quick stop.

The other side of value is expectation management. This is fishing, not a guaranteed big-fish machine. But the charter’s approach—going out farther, covering different depths, and offering multiple fishing methods—does improve your odds compared with a tight, single-zone plan.

For me, the strongest “value” argument is this: you’re buying attention and options. A private setup with gear and drinks included is exactly what you want when you’re serious about fishing, but not trying to manage logistics yourself.

Getting There: Meeting Point and What to Bring

The meeting point is 58 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten, and the start time is 10:00 am. The listing says the location is near public transportation, which can help if you don’t want to worry about parking.

Because this is a day on a boat, you’ll want to show up comfortable and ready to move with the water. The charter notes travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but it does mean this is not a sit-and-do-nothing stroll.

What you should bring:

• Any personal fishing preferences (if you want your own gear, you can)
• Food if you’re skipping the optional sandwiches
• Sun protection and water (especially for a long offshore day)
• Patience. Offshore fishing takes time.

Booking Timing and Weather: The Two Things That Matter Most

You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The provider also notes the trip requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That weather rule matters because it affects what you’re really buying: access to the offshore fishing zones. No one wants a “close to shore” scramble when they paid for a deeper-water plan.

Also, since it’s private for your group, you’re not dealing with the pressure of waiting for a larger crowd to form. Still, there’s a minimum traveler requirement listed—if that minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered another option or a refund.

Should You Book This Deep Sea Fishing Charter?

I think you should book this charter if:

• You want a private boat experience for up to two people.
• You like fishing that can shift between reef areas and deeper pelagic targets during the same day.
• You don’t want to bring gear, or you want the convenience of rods, reels, and tackle included.
• The idea of unlimited local beers fits your style of day at sea.

I’d pause if you:

• Need a guarantee of a big catch. No fishing charter can promise that.
• Plan to ship your catch home. The crew will clean fish, but packing and shipping off the island aren’t included, so you’ll need a plan.

Bottom line: this charter is built for anglers who care about reaching offshore grounds and getting real crew support. If you match that mindset, you’ll likely find it a smart use of your time in St Maarten.

FAQ

How far offshore does the charter go?

The trip goes up to about 30 miles (50 kilometers) away from the coast of Cole Bay, St. Martin.

How long is the deep sea fishing trip?

The experience is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is this a private charter?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and your group is the only group participating. The price is per group up to 2.

What fishing equipment is provided?

The charter includes rods, reels, and tackle. You can also bring your own gear if you prefer.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. You keep what you catch for personal consumption within reasonable limits, and the crew will clean the fish for you.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, with unlimited local beers plus additional drinks on request if you don’t want beer.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included by default. You can bring your own, or add French baguette sandwiches as an optional extra with 24 hours notice.