Saint Martin / Sint Maarten

Chartering a Yacht in St. Maarten / St. Martin

St. Maarten/St. Martin offers a unique dual-nation experience, blending Dutch vibrancy with French sophistication on one captivating island. Renowned for its lively atmosphere, diverse cuisine, and excellent air connectivity, it serves as a bustling hub in the Leeward Islands. This island is highly preferred as a charter starting point due to its major international airport, extensive marine infrastructure, and strategic position for accessing other Leeward Islands and even the nearby BVI and USVI.

Why go there?

A yacht charter in St. Maarten/St. Martin provides an exciting blend of cosmopolitan energy and Caribbean charm. Don't miss anchoring in Simpson Bay Lagoon, a vast protected waterway offering numerous marinas, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. Experience the thrill of planes landing directly overhead at Maho Beach, or explore the quieter, more refined beaches on the French side like Orient Bay or Grand Case. For diving and snorkeling, the marine reserves offer vibrant underwater ecosystems. Enjoy the lively nightlife in Maho or the exquisite dining in Grand Case.

Key annual events and festivals include:

• Heineken Regatta (early March): A world-renowned sailing event attracting top international crews and a vibrant party scene.
• St. Maarten Carnival (late April/early May): A vibrant celebration with parades, music, and cultural events.
• Grand Case Fête de la Cuisine (January): A culinary festival showcasing the island's gastronomic prowess.
• St. Martin Billfish Tournament (May): Attracting sport fishermen from across the globe.

How to get there?

The main international airport on the island is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. It is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, with scheduled flights arriving from North America, Europe, and numerous Caribbean islands.

Main international airlines include:

• American Airlines (from various US cities)
• Delta Air Lines (from Atlanta, New York)
• United Airlines (from Newark, Washington D.C., Houston)
• JetBlue (from Boston, New York, Fort Lauderdale)
• Spirit Airlines (from Fort Lauderdale)
• Air Canada (from Montreal, Toronto)
• WestJet (from Toronto)
• KLM (from Amsterdam)
• Air France (from Paris)
• Virgin Atlantic (from London Heathrow)

Local and regional airlines include:

• Winair (connecting to Saba, St. Barth, St. Eustatius, etc.)
• Tradewind Aviation (connecting to St. Barth, Anguilla, etc.)
• LIAT 2020 (connecting various Caribbean islands)
• Caribbean Airlines

Approaching by yacht:

St. Maarten/St. Martin is strategically located, making it a convenient hub for reaching other islands. Here are approximate distances and average sailing times (assuming a moderate cruising speed of 5-7 knots):

• From USVI (St. Thomas): Approximately 95 nautical miles (176 km) - Average sailing time: 16-19 hours
• From BVI (Tortola): Approximately 90 nautical miles (167 km) - Average sailing time: 15-18 hours
• From St. Kitts: Approximately 40 nautical miles (74 km) - Average sailing time: 6-8 hours
• From Antigua: Approximately 85 nautical miles (157 km) - Average sailing time: 14-17 hours

Marina facilities:

St. Maarten/St. Martin boasts some of the most extensive and well-equipped marina facilities in the Caribbean, particularly concentrated within Simpson Bay Lagoon and around the main harbors. They can accommodate yachts of all sizes, including those up to 24 meters and superyachts.

Main Marinas:

• Port de Plaisance Marina (Dutch Side): o Services: Fuel, water, shore power, Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, customs & immigration clearance, waste disposal, laundry, chandlery, restaurants, and hotel amenities. o Accommodation: Berths for yachts up to 24 meters and very large superyachts, with a deep draft.
• Simpson Bay Marina (Dutch Side): o Services: Fuel, water, shore power, Wi-Fi, marine services (repair, rigging, electronics), chandlery, laundry, security, and proximity to various marine businesses. o Accommodation: Berths for a wide range of vessels, including those up to 24 meters, with direct access to Simpson Bay Lagoon.
• Yacht Club Port de Plaisance (Dutch Side): o Services: Similar to Port de Plaisance, offering full services for luxury yachts including fuel, water, shore power, concierge services, and upscale amenities. o Accommodation: Caters to large yachts and superyachts, as well as smaller charter vessels.
• Anse Marcel Marina (French Side): o Services: Fuel, water, shore power, Wi-Fi, customs & immigration, waste disposal, and a more tranquil setting with resort amenities. o Accommodation: Berths for vessels up to 24 meters and larger, located in a sheltered bay on the French side.
• Fort Louis Marina (Marigot, French Side): o Services: Fuel, water, shore power, Wi-Fi, customs & immigration, and direct access to Marigot's shops and restaurants. o Accommodation: Berths for vessels up to 24 meters, and popular for catamarans and smaller monohulls.

What food to expect?

St. Maarten/St. Martin's culinary scene is one of the most diverse and renowned in the Caribbean, reflecting its dual French and Dutch heritage, along with strong Creole and international influences. Expect an incredible array of dining options. Local specialties include Johnny Cakes (fried dough), Conch and Dumplings, and fresh Seafood Creole. The French side, particularly Grand Case, is famous for its "Lolos" (local roadside barbecues) serving grilled lobster, ribs, and chicken, alongside exquisite fine dining restaurants offering classic French cuisine. The Dutch side offers a wider variety of international fare, including Dutch, Italian, Asian, and American. Many restaurants are accessible by dinghy, particularly in Simpson Bay Lagoon and along the waterfront in Grand Case and Marigot. Quality ranges from casual beachside shacks with delicious local fare to Michelin-star equivalent dining experiences, making it a true foodie destination for charter guests.

Provisioning advice:

St. Maarten/St. Martin offers excellent provisioning options, making it a prime location to stock your yacht. You can find virtually anything you need on the island.

• Dutch Side:
  • Carrefour Market (Bush Road/Cole Bay): A large, modern supermarket offering a vast selection of international and local products, fresh produce, meats, deli items, a bakery, and an extensive wine and spirits section.
  • Cost U Less (Cole Bay): A warehouse-style store for bulk purchasing of groceries, drinks, and household items.
  • Prime Distributors: A major wholesaler that also serves retail customers, good for bulk orders.
• French Side:
  • Simply Market (Marigot/Concordia): Offers a good range of French and European products, fresh produce, and a strong cheese and wine selection.
  • U Express (Hope Estate): Another well-stocked supermarket with French and international goods.

Many charter companies based on the island also offer pre-provisioning services, allowing you to order online and have items delivered directly to your yacht upon arrival. For fresh fish, inquire at local fish markets or directly from fishermen in areas like Marigot or Philipsburg.

Language and currency:

On the French side (Saint Martin), the main language is French, and the official currency is the Euro (€). On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), the main language is Dutch, but English is widely spoken by virtually everyone. The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and often preferred throughout the entire island, both Dutch and French sides.

Visa requirements:

Visa requirements depend on whether you are entering the Dutch or French side, though for most yacht charter purposes, the requirements are harmonized for ease of travel around the island.

• US Passport Holders: No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
• Canada Passport Holders: No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
• UK Passport Holders: No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days per 180-day period (French side) or 90 days (Dutch side).
• EU Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days, as St. Martin is a French overseas collectivity and St. Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

It is always advisable to check the latest entry requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before traveling, as regulations can change. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and you have proof of onward/return tickets.