Deep Sea Fishing – 3/4 Day

The big appeal here is range. From Cole Bay, you can fish shallow shoals and wrecks, work the bottom, or head as far as 30 miles offshore for larger pelagic fish. I like the private setup, too, since the captain and first mate can focus on your group rather than juggling strangers. The included rods, tackle, and local beer keep the day simple.

I also like that you may keep the catch for personal consumption, and the crew will clean it for you. The main drawback is the price: $1,225 for up to two people is a serious outlay, especially since lunch and transportation are extra. Fishing is fishing, too, and even a long run offshore cannot promise a big catch.

Key points at a glance

• Up to 30 miles offshore: Reach fishing grounds well beyond the usual near-coast trips.
• Private boat for up to two: You get the captain and first mate’s attention without sharing the boat with another party.
• Seven and a half hours on the water: The longer format allows time to try different depths and methods.
• Gear and local beer included: Rods, reels, tackle, and unlimited local beer are provided.
• Keep and clean your catch: Fish may be kept within reasonable personal-consumption limits, and the crew cleans it.
• Lunch needs planning: Bring your own food or order French baguette sandwiches at least 24 hours ahead.

Why This Charter Goes Farther Than a Standard Fishing Trip

This is not a quick coastal outing. The boat leaves the marina at 58 Well Rd in Cole Bay and can work fishing grounds from about 10 to 30 miles off the coast of Sint Maarten. That extra distance matters because the island sits near several kinds of water, giving the crew more choices than a short trip close to shore.

The waters just offshore include productive shoals and wrecks where you might target smaller reef species. Around three miles out, the bottom drops into deeper water, opening the possibility of larger pelagic fish. Farther offshore, the crew can choose among several fishing grounds and adjust the plan to conditions.

That flexibility is the heart of the trip. You might fish deep, work the surface, try the bottom, troll, or drift fish. The exact plan depends on the sea and the day’s conditions, so this is best for someone who likes the fishing process, not only the idea of bringing home a trophy.

Starting at 10:00 a.m. in Cole Bay

The charter begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Cole Bay marina. You arrange your own transportation, as private transfers are not included. The meeting point is near public transportation, but you should still allow enough time to arrive without rushing. A late start is not ideal on a charter with a fixed departure and a long day ahead.

Once aboard, the crew supplies the rods, reels, and tackle. You may bring personal equipment if you prefer using your own gear. That is a useful option for experienced anglers who have strong preferences about reels, line, or tackle, while newcomers can simply use what is provided.

The private format is especially valuable at this stage. With a group of up to two, you are not waiting for other parties to settle in or arguing over rod time. The captain and first mate can concentrate on your choices, explain what is happening, and change the approach if one method is not producing.

The available information does not provide the captain’s or first mate’s names, so do not book this expecting a named guide. What is clear is the crew structure: a captain and first mate handle the boat and fishing support for your private group.

The Run From Coastal Shoals to Deep Water

The first part of the outing gives the crew room to choose among several types of fishing. Nearer shore, shoals and wrecks offer a chance at smaller reef species. This can be a practical way to start the day, particularly if you want variety instead of spending every hour chasing one large fish.

The charter can also head to deeper water only a few miles offshore. Here, trolling or drift fishing may target larger pelagic species. The change in depth creates a different kind of fishing, with less emphasis on reef structure and more on open-water species.

Farther out, the crew can select grounds between 10 and 30 miles from Sint Maarten. That is the point of paying for a longer private charter. You are buying access to more water and more options, not a guaranteed result. If the conditions are right, the extra range may improve your chances of a larger catch. If the fish are slow, distance alone will not fix the day.

One earlier outing described in the supplied information took place during a slow season. The father-and-son party still found the captain and first mate professional and easy to work with, though the available account cuts off before explaining the final catch. That detail is worth keeping in mind: good crew service helps, but nobody can control seasonal conditions or fish activity.

Seven and a Half Hours Gives You Room to Adjust

The charter lasts about 7 hours and 30 minutes, which is long enough to try more than one approach. A shorter trip can leave you committed to the first area you reach. This format gives the captain time to move between shallow, deep, surface, and bottom fishing as conditions suggest.

You should expect the day to include the outward run, time spent setting and checking lines, changes in fishing grounds, and the return to Cole Bay. The schedule does not list fixed stops, so the route is built around fishing rather than sightseeing. If you want a predictable sequence of island views and swimming breaks, choose a different kind of boat outing.

The length also affects comfort. You need a moderate level of physical fitness, according to the tour details. That does not mean you need to be an athlete, but you should be ready for a full day on a fishing boat and the physical work that comes with handling gear. The private boat keeps the social setting relaxed, yet it does not shorten the day or remove the demands of offshore fishing.

Start time matters, too. A 10:00 a.m. departure avoids a very early morning, but it still leaves you with a full afternoon at sea. Plan the rest of your day accordingly, since the charter returns to the same meeting point rather than dropping you elsewhere.

What Is Included, and What You Still Need to Bring

The practical inclusions are strong for a private fishing charter. You receive:

• Rods, reels, and tackle
• Unlimited local beer
• Additional drinks on request if beer is not your preference
• The chance to keep the catch within reasonable personal-consumption limits
• Fish cleaning by the crew

The drink policy makes the trip feel more relaxed, but beer is not a substitute for water, food, or sensible preparation. The supplied details do not specify a full range of nonalcoholic drinks, so ask about your preferred beverages before setting out.

Lunch is not included. You can bring your own, or arrange French baguette sandwiches as an optional extra with 24 hours’ notice. I would treat lunch planning as essential on a 7.5-hour trip. Even if you expect to focus on fishing, time offshore can make a simple meal feel important.

You also need to arrange transportation to and from Cole Bay. The end point is the starting marina, so your ride should be ready for the return rather than waiting at another part of the island. Since the experience is mobile-ticketed and confirmation is normally sent within 48 hours, check the final details before departure.

Keeping the Catch on a St. Maarten Charter

One of the more appealing features is the keep-your-catch policy. You get first choice of the fish caught by your group, subject to reasonable limits for personal consumption. The crew cleans the fish for you, which saves you a messy task after a long day at sea.

There is an important limit: the crew cannot help pack or ship fish off the island. If you are staying in St. Maarten and have a practical plan for cooking or consuming the fish, this is a useful benefit. If you are hoping to bring it home by air, you will need to make your own arrangements, and the charter does not provide that service.

The catch policy also helps set realistic expectations. It is a chance to take home fish, not a promise that you will fill a cooler. Local regulations, reasonable personal-use limits, weather, season, and the day’s conditions all affect what happens.

Is $1,225 a Fair Price for Two People?

The cost is $1,225 per group of up to two, not per person. For two serious anglers, that works out to $612.50 each before lunch and transportation. That remains expensive, but the comparison should be made against other private offshore charters, not against a short shared fishing trip.

You are paying for exclusive use of the boat, a 7.5-hour outing, a captain and first mate, fishing equipment, local beer, and access to grounds well offshore. If you value privacy and want the crew’s full attention, the price has a clear logic. It is also easier to justify if both people intend to fish seriously for most of the day.

For one person, the value is harder to defend because the full group rate still applies. You might prefer a shared charter if your main goal is simply trying ocean fishing at the lowest possible cost. This experience is aimed at people who want control, time, and range.

The included gear is another saving for visitors who did not pack fishing equipment. Experienced anglers may still bring personal gear, but beginners avoid renting rods separately or buying tackle they may never use again.

Who Will Get the Most From This Fishing Day?

I would choose this charter for a pair of committed anglers, especially a parent and child, partners, or friends who want the boat to themselves. The private format also suits two people with different experience levels because the crew can focus on your pace and questions.

It is a good fit if you:

• Want a serious offshore fishing day rather than a short coastal activity
• Care about reaching several types of fishing grounds
• Prefer a private boat
• Want the chance to keep and eat your catch
• Are comfortable spending most of the day on the water
• Can arrange lunch and transportation independently

I would think twice if you dislike long boat rides, need a guaranteed catch, or want a broad sightseeing tour. The experience is built around fishing. There is no listed lunch, shore stop, swimming stop, or sightseeing program.

You should also consider the season. The earlier account noted that fishing had been slow across the season, even though the crew remained professional and helpful. That is a fair warning for anyone booking a charter: the crew can improve your odds and adapt the plan, but they cannot promise fish.

Weather, Cancellations, and Simple Planning

This activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, the same type of alternative or refund is offered.

For your own plans, cancel at least 24 hours before the 10:00 a.m. start for a full refund. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The cut-off uses local Sint Maarten time.

Confirmation is normally sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the charter is booked an average of 46 days ahead, planning early is sensible, especially if your visit falls during a busy period.

The basic preparation is straightforward: confirm the marina details, arrange transportation, decide on lunch, and bring any preferred fishing equipment. Keep your plans flexible enough to handle weather changes.

Should You Book Coconut Reef’s Private Charter?

Book it if you want a private, full-day fishing charter and are willing to pay for offshore range and personal attention. The strongest reasons are the 7.5-hour duration, fishing grounds reaching up to 30 miles offshore, included equipment, local beer, and the chance to keep cleaned fish for personal use.

Skip it if your budget is tight or if you mainly want a casual introduction to fishing. The $1,225 group price is substantial, lunch and transport cost extra, and the catch is never guaranteed.

For two committed anglers, this is a focused and flexible day on the water. For everyone else, compare the price against a shorter or shared trip before booking.

FAQ

How long is the deep sea fishing charter?

The trip lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the charter depart?

It departs from 58 Well Rd in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.

What time does the experience start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers a private group of up to two people.

How far offshore can the boat travel?

The charter can reach fishing grounds between 10 and 30 miles off the coast of Sint Maarten.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Rods, reels, and tackle are included. You may bring your own equipment if you prefer.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited local beer is included, with additional drinks available on request if beer is not your preference.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. You may keep the catch within reasonable limits for personal consumption, and the crew cleans the fish for you.

Is lunch included?

No. You may bring your own lunch, or arrange French baguette sandwiches as an optional extra with at least 24 hours’ notice.

Can the crew pack or ship my fish off the island?

No. The crew can clean the fish, but cannot assist with packing or shipping it off Sint Maarten.

Is transportation included?

No. You must arrange your own transportation to and from the Cole Bay meeting point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the charter?

You will be offered another date or a full refund.

How far in advance can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.