Day two on Vieques was the only day of our entire trip we had any itinerary! Donnie had never been sailing and knew I wanted to snorkel, so he planned a sailing, snorkel trip, and booked with Marauder's Sailing Charters. The boat is owned and operated by Nathan Marr, originally of Boston. I love a good finding your niche in life story, and Nate certainly has a wonderful one to share. We met up with him on the beach in Esperanza and headed out for a day of sailing and snorkeling. We were the only two on the boat and I cannot imagine a better way to spend a birthday! His first mate, Nacky, helped us aboard the Marauder and we headed toward Sun Bay. These guys were excellent. Nacky tolerated Donnie's obnoxious humor and Nate provided me with information about sailing. I think we are probably a lot to handle, but these two were wonderful. Despite his fear of water and sharks, Donnie did join me snorkeling yet again! The water temperature in Vieques is perfect for swimming and the water is nice and clear for good quality snorkeling. They provided snorkeling gear, towels, sunscreen etc, so there was no hassle of having to take our own. We set off for the reefs and I immediately checked out. I have a tendency to find a fish and just follow it, unintentionally breaking my promise not to leave Donnie! The coral was stunning, and we saw many colorful fish. I caught a quick glimpse of a turtle, but never managed to find him again. Nacky pointed out lobster and I followed him over to check them out. He was an excellent snorkeling guide. The perfect balanced approach: not letting me wander off too far, and leaving me alone to explore. I would have felt completely comfortable having our children in the water with him. Donnie went back to the boat early for a homemade pina colada! I think it is safe to say he likes pina coladas. The Marauder has an open bar and serves an amazing lunch. We had chicken pinchos, rice, and local mango chutney, all excellent. The drinks and meal were the best we had in Vieques. They also have plenty of "local water", too. Modelo light, which is the local beer of choice, cheaper than water, and well, disgusting. That being said neither of us drink or like beer, so try it for yourself! On the way back, I had the best nap of my life! I literally slept the entire second half of the trip and have no regrets about doing so. That day was the most relaxed I had been in a very long time. We cannot say enough good things about our day with Marauder's Sailing charters. You simply cannot go to Vieques and not sail with them! Our full review and photos are at www.wannabenomads.com read more

For the first time, our family vacationed away from family over Christmas. I was a bit concerned that we might regret our choice come Christmas morning. I should not have worried. Our morning on the water was just spectacular in every way. Weather dictated that we needed to leave earlier than expected and Capt. Nate gave us a heads up two days ahead so we could readjust our schedule if needed. We were lucky enough to get to sail with both Capt. John and Capt. Nate. The boat was beautiful and comfortable with plenty of shade. Capt. John led my husband and girls on a snorkeling expedition that they will not soon forget. Spiny lobster, a nurse shark and a barracuda were just a few of the things they saw that morning. Meanwhile, Capt. Nate kept me company on the boat where I found out that being a captain is just one of the many things he does. After hurricane Maria swept over the island in 2017, Nate saw just how unprepared many of the islanders were for such a disaster. He formed a non-profit which seeks to build emergency stations in the 7 sectors of the island. The first one had just recently been opened. He is invested in his community and it shows. Please check out www.viequesready.org to find out more. (this is an unsolicited plug. I was just so moved by this story that I had to share). Meanwhile, when the snorkeling was done, Capt. John kept us entertained with stories and history of Vieques while Nate prepared lunch. Homemade white bean humus and rosemary bread, salad with avocado grown in his backyard, freshly made chicken salad and to finish, sliced mango (again, from his back yard). Maybe it was the setting but we all agreed it was some of the best food of our trip. I can't recommend Capt. Nate and Capt. John enough. The trip was the perfect way to spend our Christmas morning. Thank you Nate and John. We will never forget it! https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g2091641-d2097448-r643394910-Marauder_Sailing_Charters_Private_Tours-Esperanza_Isla_de_Vieques_Puerto_Rico.html# read more

We spent two weeks on Vieques and used one of our last days here sailing aboard the Marauder...and LOVED it! The crew was incredibly knowledgeable and experienced in sailing which was obvious from the beginning--it instantly made everyone feel at ease. We enjoyed learning about the important history of Vieques and getting their expert advice for things to do during our time here. The crew was also very accommodating and truly professional throughout our trip. And then there was the food (and cocktails)! A round of snacks consisting of fresh guacamole and salsa was served an hour after we set sail then we had lunch an hour and a half or so later. Lunch was grilled honey coconut chicken pinchos (OMG!! so good), a black bean pasta salad (OMG!! so good), and a coconut mango chutney (OMG!! so good). The cocktails were freshly made and out of this world! Brian, the first mate, is also a professionally trained chef! The value of the charter was truly outstanding considering the professionalism, lunch, beverages, and overall experience that was included. It really is a great deal! We highly recommend spending time aboard the Marauder to anyone visiting Vieques--experienced sailors, first-timers, families, couples--everyone! We can't wait for our next trip to Vieques where we will definitely spend another day aboard Marauder with Captain Nate and his crew! read more

Nate and crew really made our trip to Vieques. We did the full day trip, and couldn't have been happier. They were super attentive, worked with our schedule, and provided everything we could have needed. The drinks and food were excellent, and the sail was invigorating. It was a perfect day with relatively calm seas. Nate is an excellent captain, and extremely skilled sailor. We're both amateur sailors, and felt like we learned a lot about skippering just from watching. We sailed around the west part of the island due to a nice Southerly, and we got a beautiful swim near Punta Arenas, or "Green Beach." There wasn't much on the bottom but turtle grass and fire urchins, but we were really there for the sailing foremost. We did our snorkeling on other days, and there is nothing like floating off the boat and having a beer/mixed drink in the caribbean sea! Sailing off Vieques is an incredible way to see the island. It gives you a perspective completely unattainable by just swimming the beaches, and driving around. Honestly, after a day on Marauder, we felt like we had sailed with good friends. We can't recommend them enough. We'll be back to sail with them again for sure. Do yourself a favor and go on the full day trip; the end of the day comes way too soon. read more

My husband and I had an amazing morning with Captain Nate, and his two crew, Edgardo and Izekio. The boat can take up to six guests but we were the only ones who had signed up, so we basically had a private boat tour. Nate picked us up at 8:30 where we then went under sail and sailed to a beautiful reef not too far away. On our way we saw some flying fish and, amazingly some whales breeching in the distance. I was a little weary of the reef being a bit ho-hum as I've been to some spectacular ones in Belize, however, I was so pleasantly surprised. Nate and Izekio led us all around the reef where we saw hundreds of colorful fish, sea urchins, some squid and a bunch of sting rays. It was truly one of the best snorkeling experiences I have had. I also would like to mention that the equipment was top-rate. After our snorkeling adventure we had lunch on the boat - homemade breads and dips along with cheese, meats and fruit. We also had the best rum punches we have ever tasted. Sailing back was relaxing as we lounged on the comfy couches and pillows. As I've said before, it was the best day of our trip. read more

Jack H. My wife and I went out for the full day trip on Marauder and had a great time! We both have experience sailing on Long Island Sound so being out on the open ocean with a good breeze and in beautiful Caribbean water was truly an adventure. Captain Nate's Cal 34 sail boat is in great condition, provides a comfortable cockpit area for guests, and has been very well maintained. Nate and his crew are very helpful, informative and just plain fun to be with. Oh, and did I mention great chefs! The food and drinks were delicious and went beyond our expectations. There was also plenty to eat after the appetite we worked up snorkeling off the beautiful beaches of Vieques. We were amazed at the amount of aquatic sea life we could see snorkeling these waters. This trip was by far the best part of our vacation and we enjoyed all of our time spent in Vieques. We are looking forward to a return visit to PR and another trip out on Marauder read more

Great time had by all--mom, dad, an 11 and 18 year old. That is a pretty wide group for all to have enjoyed, but between the sailing, snorkle, enjoying a great grilled lunch with locally grown foods--generous with the drinks, homemade pina colda's (the best I have ever had) I can say we would recommend Nate and Kevin to anybody with no reservations. I could see this being a great trip for couples and friends also. The boat is comfy, well shaded with optional sun, a captian and first mate who really CARE about your experience and making sure the conditions are perfect. Nate has been sailing since age 8, and you can feel his comfort with the boat and being on the ocean, and Kevin, who is also from Vieques, has the heart and spirit of the Carribean. A great team, a great time, and a lovely boat. I recommend the full day/8 hour sail. You will not regrett it!! read more

Cap'n Nate and his intrepid crew were absolutely amazing. Not only did my fiancee and I enjoy a day of sailing and snorkeling, but Nate shared tales of the high sea / Viequean-history/geography and was an all around entertaining and capable captain. Nate will attempt to tell you he isn't a great chef before your go off to dive. When you return to the boat a little while later, you will realize it's all been a ruse, as the smell of delicious food hits your nose. We *inhaled* his food. It was delicious. And then he gave us seconds. Also, Nate and his crewmate Naki make one hell of a Pina Colada. And the bar is very much open. If you like that sort of thing. Biggest issue: Nate should move to New York City and take us sailing on a weekend-ly basis. Then my life would be complete. read more

We chose to do a sunset cruise with Maradaur Sailing Charters and were not disappointed! Starting off with the booking process, Capt. Nate was detailed, organized and responded to all questions and concerns. When we showed up for our sailing, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that we'd be having a private sail as the other four spots never were booked. Unlike other tour companies, Capt. Nate realizes the disappointment of clients if their tour is cancelled due to lack of spaces being booked. He guaranteed us a great time and that we had! The two person crew, Capt. Nate and Matt pointed out sites of interest, while ensuring we were safe and our drinks were never empty! Overall, an enjoyable and memorable trip! We can't to go back and do another sail with them! read more

This tour was fantastic! I would highly recommend it for those who want a relaxing and luxurious day on the water. Captain Nate and his crew-mate Matt were personable, knowledgable, and all around great hosts. As soon as we got on the sailboat, we were handed drink menu's (the pina colada was amazing). Then we set sail for about an hour (beautiful views of the island), then anchored to go snorkeling. We saw a lot of coral and but few fish. While we were snorkeling, Nate prepared us a delicious lunch of grilled chicken skewers with a mango reduction, Spanish dirty rice and beans, salad and fruit. We were quite impressed to be cooked a gourmet meal on a boat. Overall, we had a wonderful day and if we ever make it back to Vieques we would book this tour again! read more

Fantastic Day! A truly perfect day sailing with Capt. Nate and his crew. We booked the full day sail and loved every minute of it because it gave us a lot of time to relax, snorkel, eat, soak up the sun and enjoy the water from a different vantage point. The boat was very comfortable and roomy, you could tell every detail was thought out and everything you could possible want or need was right there. The food and drinks were out of this world, so fresh and beautifully prepared. Capt. Nate's sailing expertise, culinary skills and personality are the perfect combination for a "great day at sea" and an absolute MUST DO when on the island. We're booking our next trip for January 2015. read more

This was my first time on a sailing charter and I left very satisfied and impressed. Nate is a fantastic, personable guy. He is very knowledgeable about the island and has a lot of experience sailing. His first mate, Annette, was very attentive to us as well. She made the drinks and helped here and there while Nate steered the boat. About two hours into our day, we went snorkeling while Nate made lunch. Annette led us around an island until it was time to eat. The food was AMAZING. A salad with avocado, coconut rice with grilled chicken, mango, watermelon, and pineapple. Lunch, Nate's fantastic pina coladas, clear water, and a sunny day made the trip absolutely perfect. read more

Amazing experience with Captain Nate and his crew. Definitely made our trip a memorable one. We were fortunate to be the only guests on the boat for a half-day tour. Captain Nate is very professional and personable with loads of knowledge about Vieqes Island and its people and culture. Great snorkeling and unbelievable home-made lunch and rum punch. Got some Marauder koozies to take home as souvenirs. I would recommend Marauder Sailing for anyone looking for a relaxing sailing/snorkeling trip with Captain Nate and his crew, we could not have asked for a better time! read more

We did a sunset sail with Marauder & everything from the crew to the food & drinks (Pina Coladas - SO delish) was just spectacular! The sailboat is beautiful and it a great way to see around the shores of the island. Captain Nate & his crew are so welcoming and knowledgeable it was the perfect way to kick off our stay on VIeques. Strongly recommend them if visiting Vieques - it's an experience that won't soon be forgotten. Looking forward to visiting the island AND the Marauder again in the future! read more

My wife and I did a half-day sail and snorkel on our honeymoon in Vieques and had a great time. Captain Nate and Kevin were skilled sailors and also great sources of information about the history of the island itself. The views were incredible and the food was awesome - not to mention the fresh piña coladas. We had a blast and would highly recommend booking one of these excursions! read more

Great day with Captain Nate and shipmate Kevin on sail/snorkel excursion in Vieques. The lunch that they prepared while we snorkled added a special touch and the outing was the highlight of our trip to Vieques. A sail advertised as 4 hours was actually closer to 5. We plan on having their sail on every future trip to the island. Joe And Theresa, Falls Church, VA read more

Absolutely the best crew to go with in Vieques! Went out for a full day of sailing and right from the startmeeting them at the dock, Nate and Carlito were great! Great boat, tunes, guides and sights. We had a blast and such an excellent day of sailing, snorkeling and fun! I would strongly recommend this to anyone looking to get out on the water around Esperanza. read more

Marauder Sailing Charters was without a doubt the highlight of my trip to Vieques. Everything was excellent; the crew was accommodating, friendly and incredibly helpful. The food that was served on board was one of the best meals we ate while on our trip, and the pina coladas were undoubtably the best pina coladas I've EVER had. All in all, worth every penny!! read more

My girlfriend and I spent 2 weeks in Vieques and visited Nate and his crew twice, that's how much we liked it. Once for a full day of sailing and snorkel and once for a sunset sail. This is a must do if you go and visit. Try their Pina coladas too! Great food, amazing beauty and great people. We could not have asked for more. Thanks guys. See you soon. read more