Paper Boat Charter — Fast Powerboats from Anse Marcel Marina to Three Islands
A Donzi 35-foot (45 knots) and AXOPAR 37 departing from Anse Marcel Marina — customizable private charters to Anguilla, St. Barths, and around St. Martin.
Why Go
Paper Boat Charter brings speed and French-side style from Anse Marcel Marina. The Donzi 35-foot with twin 300hp Mercury engines hits 45 knots — making it one of the fastest charter boats on the island — while the AXOPAR 37 Suntop adds a luxury dimension. Up to 10 passengers, full customization, and a crew that lets you decide the itinerary.
The Experience
The Anse Marcel departure is a differentiator. While most charter operators leave from Simpson Bay or Philipsburg on the Dutch side, Paper Boat starts from the French side's northern marina, which puts Anguilla and the northern coves of St. Martin within shorter reach. The Donzi's 45-knot capability means Anguilla is a 30-minute crossing, and the French-side's best snorkeling spots — Tintamarre, Creole Rock, Happy Bay — are reached in minutes rather than the hour-plus that southern departures require. The fleet offers two moods: the Donzi 35 for raw speed and excitement, with twin 300hp Mercurys that pin you to the seat during acceleration, and the AXOPAR 37 Suntop for a more refined experience with its Scandinavian design philosophy. Both accommodate up to 10 passengers. The captains — Elliot, Etienne, Jean Claude, and others — bring French-Caribbean warmth to the experience: professional, knowledgeable, and happy to let you drive the itinerary while they handle the boat. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, seabed exploration, dolphin and turtle watching, towed buoy rides, paddle boarding, and beach games. The open bar and Caribbean cuisine options (including lobster and ribs) elevate a boat day into a floating feast.
What to Try
Book the Donzi for the fastest crossing to Anguilla — 30 minutes of exhilarating speed before a day on pristine beaches. Try the AXOPAR for a more relaxed luxury cruise along the northern coastline. Request lobster for the onboard lunch — it is fresh-caught and prepared Caribbean-style. Ask the captain to include Tintamarre for the best snorkeling and the chance to see sea turtles.
Insider Tip
The Anse Marcel departure means you reach the northern marine reserve and Tintamarre before the Simpson Bay boats arrive. Morning snorkeling at Tintamarre with Paper Boat often means you have the reef to yourself for the first hour.
The Practical Stuff
Departing from Anse Marcel Marina, French side (97150). Fleet: Donzi 35ft (twin 300hp Mercury, 45 knots, up to 10 pax), AXOPAR 37 Suntop. Private charters: full-day, half-day. Activities: snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, towed buoys, dolphin/turtle watching. Inclusions: open bar, Caribbean cuisine. Destinations: Anguilla, St. Barths, Tintamarre, Happy Bay, around St. Martin. Price range: premium ($$$).
Pair It With
- Blue Sail Hotel Anse Marcel Guide — Anse Marcel hotel adjacent to the marina departure point
- Ristorante Del Arti Guide — Anse Marcel restaurant for dinner after a day on the water