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Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Yacht Charter, Caribbean

Why choose the Sint Maarten's/Saint Martin's cruising grounds?

Sint Maarten (or Saint Martin as the French spell it) and its surrounding yacht charter region can only be described as a tropical paradise - the volcanic nature of the islands has created fertile farmland and lush rainforests that cover towering mountains. With a unique blend of European sophistication and Caribbean hospitality, St. Martin is an intriguing Caribbean delight.

The French and Dutch lay equal claim to this territory filled with stunning sandy beaches and sparkling waters that surround majestic green peaks, and the two cultures live in perfect serenity whilst sharing the smallest landmass ever to be divided between two nations. Despite their close proximity, both cultures have retained the individuality of their homeland, which makes the settlements rich environments to explore for shoppers, culture lovers and food fanatics alike.

A St. Maarten/St. Martin luxury yacht charter offers it all - with over 37 pristine beaches and many historical sites to explore, vineyards, casinos, roaring nightlife, duty-free shopping, hiking and nature trails in the hills, great diving, and if you are a golfer then make sure to fit in a game or two at the golf club.

Whether you intend to stop by at St. Maarten as one of many destinations in your cruising itinerary or spend all of your time within the region, there are an abundance of spots for sunbathing and water sports such as jet skiing or kite surfing: Kilometre-long crescents of golden sands surround the airport alone, and to the north east both the coast and the cays often sit alongside wildlife reserves.

To the south visitors will find the striking island of St. Kitts, while to the north Anguilla is the unrivalled 'wreck dive capital' reef. The large southern island of Guadeloupe is often a termination point for luxury yacht cruises as there is so much to do on land after exploring the seas: Make one last use of the sail boats, kite surfers and wind surfers in the steady breezes, then snorkel and Scuba dive around reefs and lagoons to witness the countless marine species living in close proximity to one another. Canyoning and jungle treks await those who want to explore the island interior and observe among other things the colourful bird species and endemic flora.

If you find the scope of choice all too much, there's no need to do anything at all: Instead of trying to pack everything in, enjoy the atmosphere of St. Maarten's restaurant and club scene. With so many cultural influences, St. Martin is renowned for delectable cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Surrounding the cosmopolitan areas are superb anchorages, great snorkelling, and wide-open sailing.

5 quick reasons to visit St. Martin:

Scenic French villages, Lively Dutch settlements, Extensive coral reefs, Numerous sandy beaches, Duty-free shopping across the island

More about this part of the Caribbean

As part of the Leeward Islands, Saint Martin is not just a desirable destination within the Caribbean luxury yacht charter grounds, but is also situated close to some of the most stunning and entertaining destinations within the region. Saint Barths to the east hosts the annual St Barth's Bucket regatta and is one of the most popular places to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Once you have embarked on your charter yacht, nearby islands you can explore include Anguilla, Saba, St Eustatius, Nevis and St. Kitts. All these islands are unique from each other and they have their own separate beauty.

To the north, the British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands also have the distinction of being party hotspots during the festive season, and a cruise through the Leeward Islands could easily include their bustling towns and untouched natural wonders at the start or end of an itinerary.

Guadeloupe is also considered a great location or begin or end a luxury yacht charter, boasting a score of dive sites along the western side of the island alone, including the Jacques Cousteau's Underwater Reserve, where visitors can swim with turtles.

Saint Martin Yacht Charter Experiences

St. Martin is a beautiful island located in the Leeward Island of the Caribbean. The 87 square kilometres is divided roughly to 60 percent France to the north and 40 percent Netherlands to the south. Both sides share beautiful beaches, hilly terrain and a host of coves and bays. However, the pace and personality of each side differs tremendously: St. Maarten’s Dutch side has a larger population and is peppered with art galleries, jewellery stores, casinos and nightlife. The French side is quainter and hosts the village of Grand Case offering plenty of great restaurants. St Martin locals speak and understand English and the other official languages are Dutch and French.

The best way that you can explore the picturesque island of St. Martin is by hiring a luxury charter yacht, and the marina facilities provide for both motor yachts and sailing yachts. There are a number of excellent hotels, beach resorts and villas on the island also to extend your stay before or after a luxury yacht charter, allowing you to explore the interiors by e-bike or car; a four wheel drive is normally recommended since the topography can become quite rugged.

Some recommended excursions on St. Maarten/St. Martin while on your yacht charter include a visit to the Sunset Bar & Grill or the Driftwood Boat Bar, both located right at the beginning of the runway of St. Maarten's international airport on Maho Beach. Nowhere in the world will you ever be that close to large jets taking off and landing as here!

Your group should also schedule some time to shop in Philipsburg along the southern coast - here you will find everything from jewellers to designer clothing all located on ‘Front Street’ - and is mostly duty free. The casinos in Maho and Cupecoy Bay (in particular Atlantis World Casino) feature award-winning restaurants such as Rare, as well as plenty of entertainment alternatives to gambling for a satisfying evening with or without heart-stopping thrills. Be sure to visit Baie Longue, the beach to the rich and famous. St. Martin also hosts several Regattas and festivals such as the famous St. Martin Heineken Regatta.

Grand Case to the north is a hot spot for fine dining when you want a change of venue from on board your luxury yacht or along the beaches, and L'Auberge Gourmande, Bistrot Caraibes and La Villa Restaurant in particular come highly recommended.

Loterie Farm is one of the most famous attractions on the island, where there Fly Zone Xtreme St. Maarten zip line and obstacle course is located. Adrenaline seekers and families with older children can spend the afternoon flying through the trees while surrounded by the calls of the colourful native parrots. If you spend the night anchored in Concordia Marina, nearby Fort Louis has spectacular view of the town and sapphire blue waters beyond.

St. Maarten provides a mix of Caribbean style beaches with European food and flair…The types of yacht charter available in St. Maarten or St. Martin include motor, sailing, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, luxury yachts and superyacht charters.

Things to Consider:

Yachting Seasons & Climate:

January until May is the driest time to visit, with temperatures averaging around a high of 29°C/85°F and a low of 23°C/73°F. Northeast trade winds take off some of the heat and make ideal conditions for wind-based water toys.

Although rainfall is lower in the winter season, sudden storms can happen throughout the year and clear up just as suddenly as they started. These can be avoided by cruising on to cloudless cays, or simply spend the time inside enjoying the spectacle in the heavens.

Clothing to Pack For Your Charter:

Along with beachwear, holidaymakers take with them smart casual clothing for strolling around town and glamorous evenings in the restaurants and casinos. Indoor air conditioning may create a stark contrast with the hot outdoors and a light layer is recommended to keep off the cold. Sudden cloud bursts are likely throughout the year and an umbrella or waterproof layer is recommended for guests spending long periods outdoors on the move.

Main Ports and Marinas:

Philipsburg Port, Marigot Port, Galisbay Port, Grand Case Marina, Ilet Pinel Marina, Baie Orientale, Oyster Pond Port

Famous Restaurants & Clubs:

Sunset Bar & Grill, Driftwood Boat Bar, L'Auberge Gourmande restaurant, Bistrot Caraibes restaurant and La Villa Restaurant

A Must See Attraction:

Loterie Farm, Fort Louis, Atlantis World Casino

Best beaches to visit in your yacht:

Maho Beach, Baie Lounge, Mullet Bay Beach, Happy Bay, Pinel Island Beach

Local Yacht Events:

Classic Yacht Regatta, St. Martin Heineken Regatta

Best time to go:

The winter season running from November through to April tends to be the driest, and this is also when the majority of festivals and regattas take place.

Further Charter Information

Yacht Rentals Available: Go here for the current list of yacht rentals in St. Maarten.

Full Caribbean Charter Guide: Go here for the essential Caribbean yacht charter guide.

St. Maarten Itineraries: Here is a selection of broker itineraries for St. Maarten.

News: Read the latest superyacht news about St. Maarten.