Ten questions, ten answers
Frequently asked questions about our catamaran days in St Martin
Skipper, overnight stays, meals, weather, children, the cat, cancellation: everything worth knowing before your trip.
Can you charter a catamaran without a skipper in St Martin?
No. Every New Life Catamaran trip is run by a professional skipper who speaks both French and English. We never offer bareboat charter: it is a safety and insurance rule.
Can you sleep on board the catamaran?
No. New Life Catamaran is a day charter business: trips run during the day only, leaving in the morning and returning to the port of Marigot at the end of the day. Overnight stays on board are not possible.
How many people can come on board?
Six guests maximum, on a private basis. The rate shown covers the whole boat: it does not change whether there are two or six of you, and there is no per-person price. You never share the boat with another group.
Where does the boat leave from, and at what time?
Departure is from Marina Fort Louis in Marigot, on the French side of St Martin. Meet us thirty minutes before departure, which is at 9 am. You are back at 5 pm for the full day, and at 6.30 pm for the sunset charter.
Are meals included on board?
Partly. Included are: breakfast (pastries, fruit juice, fresh fruit), snacks, a charcuterie and cheese platter, and drinks throughout the day — water, soft drinks, beer, punch, white wine, rosé and prosecco. Champagne is available on request at €70 per bottle. Lunch, however, is not included: depending on the route, you either eat at a restaurant ashore or bring your own lunch on board.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The decision rests with the skipper on the morning itself. If conditions do not allow safe sailing, the trip is moved to another date during your stay or refunded in full, deposit included.
Is there really a cat on board?
Yes, a cat lives on board the catamaran. He is part of the crew, sleeps in the shade and comes to greet guests. You are welcome to stroke him if he comes to you. Do tell us about any allergy when you request your quote.
Are children welcome on board?
Yes, at any age. Child-sized life jackets are on board and the catamaran, being very stable, limits seasickness. Tell us their ages when you request your quote: the skipper will then pick sheltered, shallow anchorages such as Pinel islet or Petite Clef.
What should you bring for the day?
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light layer for the way back — plus your lunch if you would rather eat on board, as lunch is not included. Shoes stay on the pontoon. We provide masks, fins and snorkels, the paddleboard, the kayak, as well as breakfast and drinks.
How do booking and cancellation work?
Booking is done by email or WhatsApp: we send you a quote and our terms, a 30% deposit secures your dates, and the balance is settled thirty days before departure. There is no payment on the website. Cancellation terms are set out in our terms and conditions.