Why Go Sailing in Saint Martin?
Charter your yacht on St. Martin and hop between islands. Here, sailing is excellent both for beginners and advanced sailors, so you can opt for a bareboat charter in St. Martin worry-free. Saint Martin is, along with the BVI, one of the most popular sailing destinations in the Caribbean due to perfect weather conditions it boasts. Two different cultures, French and Dutch, perfectly complement each other on this unique colonial island. Whether you are into relaxation and luxury on the French side, or partying on the Dutch side, you will enjoy your St. Martin sailing holiday wherever you are. Saint Martin is a paradise on Earth full of magnificent coral reefs, excellent anchoring spots, casual beach bars, and many activities to do while at sea.
Choose Your Perfect Boat in Saint Martin
Sailing Conditions in Saint Martin
The Caribbean Island of Saint Martin is known for its beautiful sunny and warm weather and ideal sailing conditions throughout the year, but the prime time to charter a yacht in St. Martin is from December to May. This is because the hurricane season begins in June and lasts until November, which can affect sailing conditions. Though hurricanes and storms are not a common occurrence in Caribbean weather, it is important to keep in mind when planning a sailing trip. The climate of Saint Martin is tropical, with both sea and air temperatures averaging around 25 °C to 33 °C year-round.
Saint Martin is in the trade wind belt, which means that there are consistent trade winds blowing from the east. These winds provide excellent sailing conditions for those looking for a bareboat charter in St. Martin. The island's location also means that tides are minimal, making it an ideal sailing destination.
Important Info for Sailing in Saint Martin
Best Time to Sail
December - April
Weather/Climate
Tropical
Sailing License
Not required, only adequate sailing resume (experience is recommended)
Currency
Euro, Netherlands Antillean guilder
Spoken Languge
English, French, Dutch
Top Attractions
French side: Marigot Bay Port, Orient Bay Beach, Anse Marcel, Grand Case Beach, Pinel Island, Tintamarre Island, Paradise Peak, Fort Louis, Butterfly Farm; Dutch side: Maho Beach (the Airplane Beach), Town of Philipsburg, Great Bay Beach, Little Bay Beach, Mullet Beach, Kim Sha Beach, Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, Parotte Ville Bird Park, Fort Amsterdam
Top Reason to Visit Saint Martin
Opt for a yacht charter in Saint Martin and spend time on any of the 37 public unspoiled beaches that range from quiet to livelier ones. You might choose Maho Beach where planes fly low over the ground. Make sailing in Saint Martin a romantic escape where you can enjoy spa treatments and massages, sip cocktails while watching the sunsets, having dinner on the beach or on your charter catamaran. Your taste buds will thank you if you put Grand Case on your St. Martin sailing itinerary, the capital of gastronomy that offers excellent food choices in world-class restaurants ranging from traditional French to modern Caribbean. If it sounds like fun, surround yourself with superyachts on the ritzy island of Saint Barthelemy or you can be active on the wind protected island of Pinel where you can freely enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking.
Saint Martin, known as the “Friendly Island”, is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two different nations – the French and the Dutch. When you charter a boat in St. Martin, you will find two very different cultures. On the French side, visit the best French restaurants, cafes and bistros, as well as luxury resorts. Stay in touch with the latest French fashion in a very relaxed atmosphere. On the Dutch side you will find casinos and night clubs with a more party atmosphere. The famous Heineken Sailing Regatta takes place in early March, and you wouldn’t want to miss it.
