The Best St. Martin/St. Maarten Yacht Charter Guide for 2024-2025
Discover the highlights of the Caribbean's Leeward Islands onboard a luxury yacht in French St. Martin and Dutch St. Maarten
St. Martin Yacht Charter | Marinas | Getting There | Climate | History | Culture | Shopping | Cuisine | Things To Do | Our St. Martin Charter Yachts
The culturally divided island of French Saint Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten is the perfect place to begin any Caribbean charter adventure. The island is at the center of the Caribbean yachting industry, hosting super-yachts and world-famous regattas like the 12-meter America's Cup on Great Bay in Philipsburg, and the Heineken Regatta on Simpson Bay in St. Maarten. But even more than alluring than the yachting atmosphere of the island, is its mixed French and Dutch cultures. Whether you are looking to explore the town and taste fresh pastries from French bakeries, or to venture into the Dutch clubs, St. Maarten and St. Martin have something for everyone.
If you are looking to venture out into the rest of the Leeward Islands, St. Martin's proximity to its neighboring islands of Saint Barthelemy (St. Bart's), Anguilla, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts, and Nevis means you can escape almost anywhere. Our Charter Experts are available to help you plan your bespoke charter experience in these stunning islands.
St. Martin Yacht Charter Types
Motor Yachts
Luxury Motor Yachts are a fantastic option for those seeking a high-speed charter in the Caribbean. Any motor yacht will power through the surf and as you cruise between islands and get to see as much of this beautiful area as possible. It is hard to match the luxury of these yachts anywhere, with jacuzzis, pools, fly decks, bars, and professional staff all available to make your charter as memorable as possible.
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Sailing Yachts
Experience the art of sailing in a way few people get to on a sailing yacht in the Caribbean. Known for its rich boating history, there is no better way to connect with the intrepid spirit of these waters than to sail them on a monohull. Sleek and elegant, monohull sailboats draw attention wherever they go, and being on board will bring a fresh sense of class and style to your St. Martin charter.
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Catamarans
Kick back and relax on your spacious catamaran charter. Perfect for slowing down a little bit and exploring the shallows, a crewed catamaran charter is one of the most comfortable ways to explore these waters. Their wide frame and large decks provide superior stability and plenty of space to lounge after snorkeling, while your crew prepares some freshly caught fish and a glass of wine.
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Bareboats
If you are looking to take control and sail these waters at your whims, then a bareboat charter is perfect for you. Take the helm and explore the tranquil waters and sandy beaches of this amazing destination by yourself. Anchor wherever you want, and whenever you want. On a bareboat charter, the world is your oyster.
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Marinas
Simpson Bay Marina
The largest lagoon in the Caribbean is Simpson Bay Lagoon. Only a few miles from the Princess Juliana International Airport, you will find a high-class, luxury marina village incorporating lavish villas, chic shops, office spaces, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and distinctive restaurants. This is the perfect place to begin any bespoke charter experience in the Leeward Islands.
Oyster Pond
Oyster Pond is a picturesque town and harbor right on the eastern coast of the island. It is well protected from the Atlantic Ocean, and the popular waterfront hotel and restaurant, Captain Oliver’s is located right on the water.
Marigot
Once a small fishing village, Marigot was named during the reign of King Louis XVI. Today it is a classical Caribbean town with sidewalk bistros, gingerbread houses, and fresh food markets open every Wednesday and Saturday making it a perfect stop for any charter.
How to get there
Flying from the U.S
Fly directly from all main U.S airports (New York, Miami and San Juan, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, etc.) to Princess Juliana International Airport.
Fly directly from Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Halifax) to Princess Juliana International Airport.
Flying from Europe
Fly directly from Amsterdam or Paris to Princess Juliana International Airport.
From other European cities, take a direct flight to New York JFK and then a connecting flight to St. Martin.
There is also a smaller airport on the French side of the island called L'Espérance Airport for small jet and propeller planes servicing the neighboring Caribbean islands.
Climate and Weather
St. Martin is pleasantly sunny and warm year round reaching temperatures of 27°C (82°F). The island does have two somewhat distinct seasons, the pleasantly calm dry season (December to April) and the rainy season, or hurricane season (June to November). Despite the potential for rain during the summer months, these islands are still a stunning getaway with sun almost every day no matter the season.
History of St. Martin
In 1493 as he sailed past this stunning isle, Christopher Columbus named it St. Martin in honor of Saint Martin of Tours. From then until 1648, the island was repeatedly contested, and the presence of European powers in the Americas brought all kinds of trade to the region. In 1648, the French and Dutch agreed to split the island and as legend has it, the split was decided by two representatives from each country, who starting back to back, proceeded to walk in opposite directions around the coastline of the island until they met again. From there, they simply drew a line between the two points and called it a border. According to the story, the French side is larger than the Dutch side because the Frenchman drank wine before the race and the Dutchman drank beer. Apparently, the ‘restorative’ effects of wine were what allowed the Frenchman to walk faster than the Dutchman!
Early on, the economy of St. Martin was based on plantations, salt production, and slave labor. In 1843 the French side of the island abolished slavery and the Dutch side in 1863. Later, during WWII the island was host to an American Airbase, now the location of Princess Juliana International Airport. After the war, American and European tourism helped turn the island into the tropical getaway it is today.
Most recently, the islands were hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017. While the storm caused extensive damage to the entire region, the islands have since recovered and are more vibrant and welcoming than ever.
Culture
The French side, St. Martin, is known for its emphasis on comfort, elegance, and luxury. Secluded beaches lined with sophisticated luxury resorts, the latest in French fashions, and a mix of French and West Indian cooking are all combined in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The Dutch side, St.Maarten, on the other hand, is known for its more developed and festive approach to life. You'll find a lively nightlife culture, active beaches, casinos, and exotic cocktails made with native rum-based guava-berry liquors.
Shopping
The island is regarded as a ‘shopper’s paradise’. Philipsburg, the main town on the Dutch side, is the best place for finding duty-free goods. Some popular items include local arts and crafts, jewelry, liquor, tobacco, leather goods, exotic foods, and designer goods that are often up to 40% cheaper than in the US. It’s important to note that different currencies are used in each part of the island. St. Martin uses the Euro, while St. Maarten uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder. The US Dollar is, however, also widely accepted in either section.
The Excellent Cuisine of St. Martin
St. Maarten offers the greatest variety of cuisine of the Leeward Islands. With a wide variety of worldwide cuisine available, the food is a true reflection of the island's multiculturalism. With over 300 restaurants on this tiny island, you can choose anything, from local BBQ and tex-Mex to tablecloth French and Italian or Thai and Chinese cuisine. This is truly a foodies' paradise, not to mention the extensive wine and cocktail menus with local specialties galore.
Tips on tipping:
On St. Maarten (Dutch side) the restaurants follow the American system for paying their waiting staff, providing a very low base salary expecting customers to tip at least 15% of the bill. However, there are a few establishments that confuse the matter by using US bill slips which have a line for tax, yet there is no tax on St. Maarten and if a charge appears here it is the service charge.
On St. Martin (French side) the restaurants have to abide by European law, which states that the service charge has to be included, meaning that the menu price includes service and there is no obligation to pay more. However, most restaurant owners rely on the American system and expect some tipping on top of the bill.
Things to Do in St. Martin
Butterfly Farm – Stroll through hundreds of colorful butterflies under a tented mesh on the eastern side of St. Martin during a fun family day out. The farm is situated on Rue du Coconut Grove.
Pic du Paradis – The highest point on the island has two viewing areas with great views of the western coastline. The road is steep and isolated so a 4x4 is recommended, or go as part of an excursion or tour. If you are feeling like getting in a good walk, you can park your car at Loterie Farms before you start your trek up the mountain in a pair of good hiking shoes.
Loterie Farm – A 150-acre reserve with an excellent restaurant and lounge which is also open in the evening for a romantic and secluded meal. During the day, the farm offers hikes, eco-tours, and obstacle courses on the ground and in the trees, featuring zip lines and rope zones. On the Rte. de Pic du Paradis.
Casinos – The casinos on the island are known for being high-class and Vegas-like, located on both sides of the island. Some of the main ones are Atlantis World, Casino Royale, and Paradise Plaza.
Map of St. Martin
Top Rated St. Martin Yachts
There are hundreds of yachts for charter in St. Martin, so how do you tell which one is the best for you? Our Charter Experts are happy to help you find the boats that best meet your needs.
But do not just rely on us! Check out some of the testimonials and ratings left by many of our previous clients for inspiration!
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