Yacht Charter in St Martin Guide

St Martin Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in St Martin

St Martin is unlike any island in the Caribbean. At just 87 square kilometres, it is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two sovereign nations: France (Saint Martin, 53 km² to the north) and the Netherlands (Sint Maarten, 34 km² to the south). The border, established by the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, is entirely open – no passport checks, no customs posts, just a modest monument on the hillside road marking the line. You can have a croissant and café au lait on the French side at breakfast, be duty-free shopping in Philipsburg by midday, and sit down to a five-course dinner at Grand Case’s famous restaurant row by evening – all without showing an ID. For yacht charter guests, this dual identity is the island’s greatest asset: two cultures, two cuisines, two sets of traditions, and a combined marine infrastructure that ranks among the best in the eastern Caribbean.

The island’s centrepiece for yachting is Simpson Bay Lagoon – one of the Caribbean’s largest enclosed waterways, covering 8.8 square kilometres on the Dutch side. The lagoon is accessed through drawbridges that open on a published schedule, and inside you’ll find full-service marinas (Isle de Sol accommodates vessels up to 90 metres, IGY’s Simpson Bay Marina handles yachts to 75 metres), fuel docks, provisioning services and yacht maintenance facilities. On the French side, the Marina Fort Louis in Marigot offers 150 berths with bridge-free access and customs clearance on site. Whether you’re starting a Leeward Islands charter, stopping for provisions en route to St Barts, or spending a week exploring the island’s 37 beaches and offshore cays, St Martin is the operational hub of the northern Caribbean.

Beyond the marinas, St Martin offers some of the finest dining in the Caribbean (Grand Case alone has more than 80 restaurants), world-class snorkelling at Créole Rock, Pinel Island and the Tintamarre nature reserve, duty-free shopping in both Philipsburg and Marigot, and one of the most unforgettable spectacles in aviation – commercial jets passing barely 30 metres above Maho Beach on their approach to Princess Juliana Airport. Enquire with Boatcrowd for yacht or catamaran availability and pricing on our St Martin fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in St Martin

Two Nations, Two Cultures, One Island

The French north delivers refined Creole-French cuisine, open-air markets in Marigot, quiet anchorages at Anse Marcel and Grand Case, and a laid-back Gallic charm that extends to everything from the bakeries to the beach bars. The Dutch south offers world-class duty-free shopping in Philipsburg’s Front Street, a livelier nightlife scene, mega-yacht marinas in Simpson Bay Lagoon, and the one-of-a-kind experience of watching 747s land over Maho Beach. Your captain can deliver both worlds in a single day, and your chef can provision from French boulangeries in the morning and Dutch supermarkets in the afternoon. No other Caribbean island offers this kind of cultural range within walking distance.

World-Class Marina Infrastructure

Simpson Bay Lagoon is the operational heart of Caribbean yachting. Isle de Sol Marina accommodates vessels up to 90 metres with 20-foot draft, and offers grade-A fuel, satellite TV, high-speed internet and a full concierge service. IGY’s Simpson Bay Marina handles yachts to 75 metres across 126 slips. Yacht Club Port de Plaisance offers 90+ slips for vessels up to 80 metres with 24/7 gated security. On the French side, Marina Fort Louis in Marigot provides 150 berths with 12-foot draft and bridge-free access from the open sea – no drawbridge timing required. Between them, the island’s marinas can accommodate virtually any vessel in the yacht charter fleet, with fuel, provisioning, customs clearance and technical support all within easy reach.

Grand Case: The Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean

This tiny French fishing village on the north coast has earned a reputation that far outstrips its size. More than 80 restaurants line the beachfront strip, from casual Creole “lolos” (open-air barbecue shacks) to some of the finest dining in the Caribbean. Le Pressoir, housed in a restored 19th-century Creole house, has been named Caribbean Restaurant of the Year four consecutive times and holds a place on the Caribbean Fifty Best list. Spiga serves creative Italian fine dining with homemade pasta and fresh seafood. La Villa delivers French-Caribbean fusion in a family-friendly setting. Anchor in Grand Case Bay (5–10 metres over sand, within a tender distance of every restaurant) and let your crew handle the reservations.

Exceptional Snorkelling and Marine Life

Créole Rock, a submerged rock formation just offshore from Grand Case beach, is one of the Caribbean’s finest shallow-water snorkelling sites – colourful reef fish, sea turtles and rocky drop-offs in just 2–5 metres of water. Pinel Island, a short yacht tender ride from Cul-de-Sac, is a protected marine reserve with a designated snorkelling trail marked by white buoys. Tintamarre, an uninhabited island 3 nautical miles off the north-east coast, is a nature reserve where green turtles, spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays cruise over seagrass beds in crystal-clear water. The variety is remarkable for such a compact cruising ground.

French Saint-Martin vs Dutch Sint Maarten

The Treaty of Concordia, signed on 23 March 1648 between France and the Dutch Republic, divided the island peacefully after both nations joined forces to expel a Spanish garrison. The border has shifted 16 times over the centuries but always returned to the original division. Today it is entirely open: no passport controls, no customs checks, and locals cross back and forth daily for work, shopping and family. For yacht charter guests, the practical differences are worth knowing:

Currency – The French side uses the euro; the Dutch side officially uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder, though US dollars are accepted everywhere on both sides. Credit cards work island-wide.
Language – French is the official language on the north side, Dutch on the south, but English is widely spoken across the entire island. Your crew and restaurant staff will speak English fluently.
Dining – The French side is the culinary powerhouse, with Grand Case’s restaurant row and Marigot’s waterfront bistros. The Dutch side offers more casual, American-influenced dining and a livelier bar and nightlife scene.
Shopping – Both sides are duty-free. Philipsburg’s Front Street on the Dutch side is the headline shopping strip (Cartier, Rolex, Dior, with savings of up to 50% on retail). Marigot’s open-air market (busiest on Wednesdays and Saturdays) is the place for local produce, spices and handmade crafts.
Marinas – The Dutch side has the larger yachting infrastructure (Simpson Bay Lagoon, Isle de Sol, Port de Plaisance). The French side offers Marina Fort Louis with bridge-free access and a quieter, more intimate mooring experience.

Key Destinations Near St Martin

Grand Case – The island’s gastronomic heart on the French north coast. A single beachfront strip packed with over 80 restaurants, from Creole lolos to Caribbean fine dining. Anchor in 5–10 metres over sand and tender ashore for dinner. Créole Rock, just offshore, offers outstanding snorkelling.
Pinel Island – A tiny, car-free island off the north-east coast, reached by a short tender ride from Cul-de-Sac. A protected marine reserve with a marked snorkelling trail, two beach restaurants, and powdery sand fringed by sea grape trees. Calm, shallow water makes it ideal for families.
Tintamarre Island – An uninhabited nature reserve 3 nautical miles off Orient Bay. Outstanding snorkelling over seagrass beds rich with green turtles, spotted eagle rays and stingrays. The abandoned 1950s airstrip on the island makes a fascinating shoreline walk. No facilities – bring everything aboard.
Maho Beach – The Dutch side’s most famous attraction. Commercial jets descend barely 30 metres above the beach on their final approach to Princess Juliana Airport – KLM from Amsterdam, Air France from Paris, American from Miami. Anchor offshore and watch from the aft deck, or tender ashore for a drink at Sunset Bar (which displays the day’s flight timetable on a chalkboard).
Simpson Bay Lagoon – One of the Caribbean’s largest enclosed waterways (8.8 km²), home to several of the region’s finest marinas. A practical stop for fuel, provisioning and crew rest, but also a pleasant cruising ground in its own right, with calm water and waterfront restaurants.
Happy Bay – A secluded beach on the French north coast, accessible only by boat or a short hillside hike from Friar’s Bay. No restaurants, no facilities, no crowds – just pristine sand and turquoise water. Your crew drops anchor and sets up a picnic on the shore.
Baie Longue (Long Bay) – The longest stretch of white sand on the French side, backed by the exclusive Belmond La Samanna resort. Calm water, breathtaking views, and a sense of space that most Caribbean beaches cannot match.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in St Martin

Peak Season: December to April

The dry season brings warm, settled weather (25–30°C / 77–86°F), steady north-east trade winds of 10–25 knots, and virtually no rain. Water temperatures hover at a comfortable 26–27°C. This is the busiest period for Caribbean charter, and the island’s marinas and anchorages are at their liveliest. Grand Case’s restaurants run at full capacity, and the best charter yachts book out months in advance. February and March are the driest months and among the best for sailing conditions in St Martin.

Shoulder Season: May to July and November

May through July offers warm weather (28–31°C), calmer seas as trade winds ease slightly, and noticeably fewer boats in the anchorages. Charter rates are typically 15–25% below peak season, and the island’s restaurants remain open. November, at the tail end of hurricane season, typically brings settled conditions with warm seas (28–29°C) and excellent visibility. Both periods suit guests who prefer a more relaxed, less crowded experience.

Hurricane Season: August to October

The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak risk window in August, September and October. Major hurricanes are relatively rare (approximately one every 20 years), but the risk is real – Hurricane Irma caused devastating damage to both sides of the island in September 2017. Most charter yachts reposition out of the hurricane belt during these months. For the best combination of weather, availability and value, aim for December through April or late November.

Signature Experiences

Dinner at Le Pressoir, Grand Case – Tender ashore from your anchorage in Grand Case Bay to what many consider the finest restaurant in the Caribbean. Classical French technique meets Caribbean ingredients in a restored 19th-century Creole house. The tasting menu with wine pairing is unforgettable.
Jet Watching at Maho Beach – Anchor off the Dutch south coast and watch commercial 747s, A340s and 777s pass barely 30 metres above the sand on their final approach to Princess Juliana Airport. Your crew serves cold drinks on the aft deck while you film the spectacle from a front-row seat.
Snorkelling Tintamarre – Cruise to this uninhabited nature reserve and slip into water alive with green turtles, spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays gliding over seagrass beds. The abandoned 1950s airstrip on the island adds a touch of mystery to the morning.
Pinel Island Beach Day – Tender to this tiny marine reserve off the north-east coast for a morning of snorkelling along the marked trail, then lunch at one of two beachfront restaurants. Calm, shallow water makes it perfect for young swimmers and first-time snorkellers.
Marigot Market Morning – Visit the French-side open-air market on a Wednesday or Saturday morning for tropical fruits, fresh-caught seafood, Creole spices and handmade crafts. Climb the short path to Fort Louis for panoramic views over Marigot Bay and Anguilla on the horizon, then return to your yacht with bags full of provisions for your chef.
Loterie Farm Rainforest – Tender ashore on the French side and visit this former sugar plantation (dating to 1721) beneath Pic Paradis, the island’s highest peak. Hike through the last surviving patch of virgin rainforest, try the treetop zip-line course, and cool off in the natural pool. Lunch at the Jungle Room – locally inspired dishes beneath the canopy.

Yacht Types Available

Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – Agile and quick, perfect for covering St Martin’s varied coastline and hopping to St Barts or Anguilla in under an hour. All-inclusive crewed charters with water toys, chef and full service. Weekly rates start from around $50,000–$120,000 depending on season.
Superyachts (100’+) – St Martin’s marinas are purpose-built for superyachts. Isle de Sol and Port de Plaisance accommodate vessels up to 90 metres. A superyacht charter in St Martin pairs world-class marina facilities with easy access to the island’s dual-culture dining and shopping scene. Weekly rates from $150,000–$300,000+.
Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Stable, spacious and ideal for groups and families. Shallow draft allows access to anchorages and bays that deeper yachts cannot reach, including the inner reaches of Simpson Bay Lagoon and the shallow reef-protected waters off Pinel Island. Weekly rates from $35,000–$70,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in St Martin cost?

Crewed motor yachts (55’–99’) start from around $50,000–$120,000 per week during peak season (December–April). Superyachts (100’+) typically range from $150,000–$300,000+ per week on MYBA terms (plus Advance Provisioning Allowance of 25–35%). Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from roughly $35,000–$70,000 per week. Shoulder-season rates (May–July, November) are typically 15–25% lower. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a quote tailored to your dates and group size.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in St Martin?

Yes. Boatcrowd’s Caribbean fleet includes premium power catamarans from Sunreef, Lagoon and other top builders in the 55’–80’ range. These vessels are ideal for St Martin thanks to their shallow draft (perfect for reef-protected bays and lagoon cruising), exceptional stability, and generous living space. Catamarans are fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess, and are especially popular with families and groups who value space and comfort.

Can I charter a yacht in St Martin for a film or TV production?

Absolutely. St Martin and Sint Maarten have served as filming locations for productions including Bravo’s Below Deck, Speed 2: Cruise Control and various lifestyle and travel shows. The island’s dual nationality gives production teams access to both French and Dutch filming permit systems. Maho Beach’s jet-landing spectacle is one of the most filmed locations in the Caribbean. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters and coordinate with local authorities for permits and logistics.

Is St Martin good for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone celebration?

St Martin is an outstanding choice. Your crew can arrange a sunset proposal at a deserted beach on Tintamarre (complete with champagne and a photographer arriving by tender), a honeymoon itinerary that weaves between candlelit French restaurants and private anchorages, or a milestone birthday dinner at Le Pressoir followed by aft-deck cocktails as Maho’s planes roar overhead. The island’s range – from refined French elegance to fun, high-energy Dutch-side nightlife – means celebrations can be as intimate or as lively as you choose.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Absolutely. St Martin’s sheltered bays, calm lagoon waters and family-friendly snorkelling spots make it ideal for multi-generational groups. Pinel Island’s shallow, protected waters are perfect for young swimmers, and Grand Case’s restaurants cater to all ages. Catamarans offer the widest, most stable platform for families, with easy swim-platform access and plenty of space for everyone. Crews are experienced with guests of all ages and can organise treasure hunts, snorkelling safaris and kid-friendly menus.

Can I combine St Martin with St Barts and Anguilla in one charter?

Yes, and it’s one of the most popular yacht itineraries in the Caribbean. St Martin sits at the centre of a tight triangle: 12 nautical miles to St Barts, roughly 10 nautical miles to Anguilla. A 5-day charter can comfortably cover all three islands, while a 7-day voyage adds time for offshore cays, hidden anchorages and longer stays. The cultural contrast – French St Martin, French St Barts, British Anguilla, and Dutch Sint Maarten – makes this one of the most varied short itineraries anywhere in the world.

Do I need to go through customs when crossing the French–Dutch border?

No. The border between Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten is entirely open. There are no passport checks, no customs posts and no formalities for visitors. You can drive, walk or take a taxi between the two sides freely. However, if you are arriving by yacht from another island, you must clear customs and immigration on whichever side you enter first – Marigot on the French side or Simpson Bay on the Dutch side. Your captain will handle all clearance procedures.