Big fish starts with distance. This private deep sea fishing charter heads up to 30 miles off the coast of Cole Bay, farther than most day trips on St. Maarten. I like that you don’t share the boat with strangers—your captain and crew can give you close attention, and you’re set up to chase both smaller reef species and bigger pelagics.

The second thing I really like is how the day is built for options. You’re not stuck doing one style of fishing. You can target deep or shallow water, fish on the surface or closer to the bottom, and use either trolling or drift fishing depending on what the conditions are doing.

One thing to plan for: you keep what you catch for personal consumption, but the crew can clean the fish and you can’t count on any help packing or shipping it off the island. If you want to bring a cooler back home, that’s something to think through before you book.

Key things to know before you go

• 30 miles offshore gives you a real shot at larger pelagic species, not just whatever is closest to shore
• Shoals, wrecks, and deep water let you switch tactics during the day instead of hoping for one outcome
• Private group up to 2 means you get the boat and attention to yourselves
• Unlimited local beers and alcoholic drinks keep the day relaxed while you fish
• Rods, reels, and tackle are included (bring your own only if you prefer)
• Fish cleaning included, but no packing/shipping help back home

Starting in Cole Bay: the 10:00 am plan and what it means

This charter departs at 10:00 am from 58 Well Rd in Cole Bay, St. Maarten. The day runs about 7 hours 30 minutes, and you end back at the same meeting point. That round-trip rhythm matters because deep water fishing rewards patience. You’ll want to be ready to settle in and let the captain work the ocean.

I also like that this is a private tour for up to 2 people per group. It keeps things simple: you’re not waiting on a crowd, you’re not competing for rod space, and the crew can respond faster when someone hooks up.

Why “deep” really matters here: going up to 30 miles

A big reason this charter feels like a serious upgrade is the distance. You go out to as much as 30 miles (50 km) offshore, which is well beyond the coast-hugging approach you sometimes see. In plain terms: the farther offshore you fish, the more likely you can reach different types of fish that don’t hang around near shore.

The ocean around St. Maarten has a mix of habitats, and this trip is set up to use that. You’ll spend time on more productive near-shore areas (shoals and wrecks) and also reach the deep water zone where larger pelagic species typically show up.

Where you fish: wrecks and shoals for reef species, deep water for pelagics

Here’s the clever part: the captain doesn’t have to choose one “only this” strategy. The plan is flexible and built around the geography.

Just off the shore, you’ll target productive shoals and wrecks. Those areas are the ones that tend to pull in smaller reef species. Expect that this part of the day can be great for action and variety—especially if you like feeling bites and mixing up what you’re trying for.

Then you move farther out into deep water about 3 miles offshore (and then across productive grounds roughly 10 to 30 miles off the coast). This is where the focus shifts toward larger pelagic species, and where the approach changes. The charter is set up so you can fish deep, fish on the surface, or work the bottom, depending on what the day is giving you.

Trolling vs drift fishing: how the tactics match the water

On this trip, you’re not limited to one method. The charter specifically mentions that you can go after pelagic species either by trolling or by drift fishing.

That matters because pelagic fishing is often about being in the right zone and presenting the bait or lure in a way that matches how the fish are moving. If the water and conditions don’t cooperate with one technique, the captain can adapt. You’re paying for the boat, the time offshore, and the ability to change gears without turning the day into a guessing game.

The part you’ll remember: first pick of the catch, then cleaning

This is a keep-what-you-catch charter, within reasonable limits for personal consumption. A key detail I appreciate is that you get first pick of the catch. In practice, that means when the day is active and the boat has fish aboard, you’re not forced to take whatever is left.

The crew also cleans the fish for you, which is a big quality-of-life win. Nobody wants to deal with that mess after spending a full day at sea.

The limitation is important: they can clean the fish, but they cannot assist with packing and shipping fish off the island. If you’re dreaming of bringing filets home, plan for how you’ll transport them. Bring a realistic plan (cooler, ice strategy, and timing). If that feels like too much hassle, you might want to think of the catch as a local feast rather than a suitcase souvenir.

Boat time, gear, and drinks: included comfort that adds up

This charter includes rods, reels, and tackle. That’s a value point for you if you’re traveling light. You don’t need to bring bulky gear just to participate, and you won’t waste time hunting down rentals.

You can bring your own equipment if you prefer, but the default is that the crew has what you need.

Then there’s the easy-to-underestimate comfort feature: alcoholic beverages unlimited, including local beers. Additional drinks are available on request if beer isn’t your thing. When you’re out for 7.5 hours, that kind of included calm can make the trip feel more like a vacation and less like a “workday on the water.”

Also, this is not a party boat vibe described in the details you get here—it’s a private fishing charter for serious anglers and people who want the crew’s focus. The drinks help keep the mood relaxed while you fish, not distract you from the point of the day.

Lunch on your terms: French Baguette sandwiches if you plan ahead

Food is simple here. You can bring your own lunch, or you can add lunch of French Baguette Sandwiches as an optional extra. The catch: you need to give 24 hours notice if you want the sandwich option.

For a day that’s mostly about being on the water, this matters. If you forget to line up lunch and you’re hungry midday, you’ll feel it. If you know you’ll want something reliable, do the sandwich add-on in advance. If you prefer your own food, pack something that won’t melt instantly when it’s warm and you’re moving around.

How the day feels on the water: expectations for a 7.5-hour charter

This trip is designed for people with moderate physical fitness. You’ll be on a boat for a long stretch. You’ll likely need to shift your stance, reel in, and stay steady while fishing. If you’re comfortable on the water and can manage basic movement, you’ll be fine.

Fishing is also weather-driven. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In other words: you’re not paying for a fantasy day. You’re paying for time offshore, with a real chance of success when the conditions cooperate.

Price and value: what $1,225 per group gets you

Let’s talk real value. The price is $1,225 per group (up to 2). That’s not “cheap,” and it’s not meant to be. But it’s also not just paying for time on a boat. You’re paying for a specific kind of fishing day:

• Going up to 30 miles offshore
• A private setup where the crew focuses on you
• All fishing gear included (rods, reels, tackle)
• Unlimited alcoholic drinks during the trip
• Keeping what you catch for personal consumption, plus cleaning included

If you were to add up private boat time plus gear rental plus buying drinks plus paying someone to fillet/clean your catch, you start to see why the price can make sense—especially for couples or a parent and child.

If you’re only two people, the “per person” cost drops dramatically compared to sharing a charter with strangers. If you want the most fishing time with the least logistical hassle, this private format is the value play.

One more tip: this charter tends to get booked ahead. The average booking window is 46 days in advance, so lock your date early if you have a trip schedule.

Who should book this (and who should think twice)

This charter is a great match if you:

• Like fishing and want real effort toward bigger catches
• Prefer private attention over shared boat chaos
• Want gear included and a relaxed onboard setup with unlimited drinks
• Are okay treating the catch as a meal on the island, since shipping/pacing help isn’t included

Think twice if:

• You’re hoping for a “catch guaranteed” day. Even with great planning, the ocean has moods.
• You need help with packing/shipping fish home. Cleaning is included; shipping logistics are not.

Should you book Coconut Reef’s Deep Sea Fishing?

If you want a fishing day that’s serious about reaching productive zones offshore, I’d book it. The private, up-to-30-miles approach changes the odds in a way that matters. You also get the practical win of gear included, unlimited local beers/alcohol, and fish cleaning, which saves you time and hassle.

Just plan around the one real limitation: be ready for the catch to stay local. If that fits your travel style, this is a strong value buy for a memorable day on St. Maarten’s water.

FAQ

How far offshore does this deep sea fishing charter go?

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

What’s included in the price?

The charter includes rods, reels, tackle, unlimited alcoholic beverages (local beers included), and you can keep the catch for personal consumption within reasonable limits.

Can I bring my own fishing gear?

Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own equipment if you’re more comfortable with it, though gear is provided.

Is lunch included?

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

Where do we meet, and when does the trip start?

You meet at 58 Well Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. The start time is 10:00 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

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