Saint Martin
Yacht Charter & Sailing Vacations

Saint Martin • Where to go • When to go • What you should know • How to book

The Friendly Island

St. Martin is the best charter destination to experience two countries in one trip.  This peaceful friendly island nation is split –the north, known as Saint-Martin is French, and the south, known as Sint Maarten, is Dutch.  It’s an island known for its dual personality; casinos, rum drinks, stunning beaches, snorkeling, shopping, nature, culture, peaceful beaches, and an exciting night life.  Whether you prefer the glitter and glam of the Dutch side or the more laid back relaxed European atmosphere on the French side, a charter in St. Martin is not to be missed.

What is a sailing vacation, yacht charter, etc..? Learn more here ›

Saint Martin tropical beach scene with palm trees, yellow umbrellas, and boats on turquoise water. Perfect vacation spot.
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ST. MARTIN YACHT CHARTER SUMMARY

We’ve been there!

We have chartered in Saint Martin (twice, actually) and so should you!  Discover its magic as it seamlessly blends Caribbean allure with a touch of French and Dutch charm. Set sail amidst turquoise waters, navigating between secluded coves and vibrant coral reefs that beckon snorkelers and divers alike. From exquisite cuisine to the lively local culture, Saint Martin and its surrounding isles offers a captivating fusion of relaxation, exploration, and the sheer joy of cruising its picturesque coastline.

Sailing Requirements

St. Martin Bareboat charter requirements:

✔ Sailing Resume

✖ Certification

✖ License

Learn more at Yacht Charter Resources ›

Sailing Skill Level

Knowledge – Skills – Experience:

✔ Intermediate

*The sailing area of Saint Martin, with its relatively protected waters, well-marked channels, and moderate distances between islands, offers an ideal balance for intermediate sailors. While some open-water passages might provide a bit of challenge, the prevailing trade winds and generally predictable conditions create a conducive environment for sailors with a moderate level of experience.


Sailing Skill Levels ›

When to go?

St. Martin is a year- round sailing destination.  The best weather falls in the dry season from December – May; though even in the rainy season, the precipitation is minimal.  The peak chartering months are typically January to March when the weather is at its driest and most pleasant. August and September are hurricane season.

Climate

The climate in Saint Martin is tropical and typically Caribbean with warm weather and minimal rainfall. Consistent temperatures range year-round from lows of mid to high 70s F and highs in the 80’s with water temperatures being similar.

Culture

The two country island dates back to 1648 when the Dutch and the French officially split the island with the signing of the Treaty of Concordia. It is the smallest landmass shared by two countries.

It’s also known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and its cuisine is a mix of various cultures with specialties including oxtail stew, Johnny Cake, fried fish, and crab and rice.

Must See & Do

Both sides of Saint Martin (French (north side))/Sint Maarten (Dutch (south side)), as well as the various nearby islands, offer their own distinct charm.

  • Visit Marigot, the charming capital of the French side, known for its boutique shops, markets, and vibrant Creole architecture. Here you can hike Fort Saint Louis.
  • Eat your way through Grand Case, renowned as the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean,” which a delectable array of French and Caribbean dining experiences.
  • Explore Pinel Island and enjoy the beach and water activities
  • Witness airplanes flying low over Maho Beach for that Instagram photo op.
  • Explore Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, and enjoy its boardwalk, colorful building and shopping.
  • Navigate Simpson Bay, the largest lagoon in the Caribbean
  • Enjoy the nightlife on Sint Maarten’s Dutch side with beachfront bars, waterfront restaurants and casinos.
  • Visit the historic Fort Amsterdam for a bit of history and stunning views.
  • Sail to and enjoy St. Barts (also known as Saint Barthelemy) which is known for its upscale ambiance and beautiful beaches. Relax in the gorgeous bays including the Bay of St. Jean, Anse de Saline and Anse de Colombier.
  • Sail to and enjoy Anguilla, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, which offers stunning beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, quiet bays, and casual charming villages. Not to mention some fabulous snorkeling!

How to get there?

There is only one international airport on the entire island –  split  Princess Juliana Airport International (SXM). The airport is on the Dutch side but whether the charter base is on the Dutch or French side, you’ll still fly into SXM.  Most major US cities fly direct into SXM.

Customs & Immigration

To get more time ont the water and less time standing in Customs and Immigration as you sail between St. Martin, St. Barts, and Anguilla, we recommend you use a professional clearing agent.

For Anguilla use: https://docksidemanagement.net/

For St. Martin & St Barts use: https://axayachtservices.com/

Saint Martin Bareboat Charter Sample Itineraries

Where to go on a Saint Martin sailing vacation?

Scroll below for sample itineraries or use the map to explore.

Sample Itineraries:

Click the left top box in the map to select the different itineraries.  Enjoy!

NauticEd Saint Martin Customer Experiences

Doug N. Tacoma, WA: Just wanted to let you know that we had a PHENOMENALLY AWESOME bareboat charter  out of Sint Marteen!!! All of us ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!! The Captain, Eric, was great in every way and shared a lot of knowledge and was a great mentor.

Thank You for all your support and patience with all our questions and inquiries. We’re already thinking of another charter!

  • Outdoor beach bar with wooden stools and tropical decor, offering a relaxed atmosphere for drinks by the sea.
  • Beachfront seating with ocean view, perfect for relaxing while watching sailboats on a sunny day. Ideal for vacation vibes.
  • Red mini car with a canopy driving down a street, surrounded by stone walls and parked vehicles.
  • Two scuba divers practicing safety techniques in calm blue ocean water.
  • Sailboat gliding through calm turquoise waters near rocky shore under a clear sky, perfect for serene sailing adventures.
  • Tranquil Caribbean beach with turquoise water and lush greenery under a clear sky.
  • Coastal view of white buildings surrounded by greenery and sandy beach under cloudy skies, seen from the ocean.
  • Man fishing on a sailboat with sunny weather and calm seas.
  • Sailboats anchored in a picturesque Caribbean bay with lush hillside villas in the background.
  • Catamaran docked at marina, viewed from a shaded wooden deck with tables, highlighting a scenic sailing destination.
  • Tropical beach with palm trees, yellow umbrellas, and calm turquoise water under a bright blue sky. Ideal sailing spot.
  • Man laughing and rolling on a sandy beach with turquoise water, enjoying a carefree day under the sunny sky.
  • Pristine sandy beach with turquoise ocean waves under a clear blue sky, perfect for a serene sailing escape.
  • Person kayaking on calm waters near a tropical shoreline with colorful buildings in the background.
  • Woman in floral dress walking by a marina with colorful boats and mountains in the background on a sunny day.
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Saint Martin Sailing Vacation Related Blog Posts

A SAINT MARTIN YACHT CHARTER SOUNDS AMAZING!
I’D LIKE TO…

BOOK A SAINT MARTIN
SAILING VACATION EMAIL NAUTICED
WITH QUESTIONS

NauticEd are expert Saint Martin yacht charter agents. We don’t charge you a fee and can more than likely save you money on all your sailing vacations. We search the world’s databases for over 8,000 yachts in 55 destinations. We give expert advice on where and when to go – likely, we’ve been there. Make an inquiry and book your sailing vacations through NauticEd Sailing Vacations.

Additional Notes

Sailing Skill Levels

Local Knowledge + Education: as Sailing Vacation Experts, NauticEd’s team has chartered and sailed in almost all these locations – providing you with the “local knowledge” you need when planning a sailing vacation. And, as the leader in sailing education, NauticEd assigns different skill levels based on the knowledge-theory and practical/experience needed for chartering in different sailing locations.

Recommended Knowledge-Theory Courses for chartering: Bareboat Charter Master Bundle (six bareboat and near coastal courses), Catamaran Sailing Confidence (if chartering a Cat), Yacht Charter Crew Course (for your crew).

Skill Levels notably emphasize the overall practical experience and competency that is required to sail in certain areas. Of course, the “devil’s in the details” on specifics, and we recommend you contact us when planning a sailing vacation. We’ll save you money on your vacation – which is great – but being prepared to have safe fun experiences that will last a lifetime is priceless!

• Intermediate = Near Coastal <5nm within sight of land, some navigation hazards (always be aware), and generally mild weather conditions. Good seapersonship (i.e., “seamanship”) skills, knowledge, and experience apply.

• Intermediate +Plus = Near Coastal <15nm, within sight of land in clear atmospheric conditions, moderate navigation hazards, and/or challenging weather. Good seapersonship skills, knowledge, and experience apply.

• Advanced = Near Coastal <20nm, within sight of land in clear atmospheric conditions, many navigation hazards, and/or potentially difficult weather. Expert seapersonship skills, knowledge, and experience apply.

*Atmospheric conditions: from the deck of a sailboat, your “visible horizon” is about 12nm on a clear day (considering typical freeboard + your height). Visibility is decreased by haze, fog, rain, smoke, and similar atmospheric considerations. Navigating by line of sight is obviously greater if your destination has features such as mountains, lighthouses, tall buildings, etc…

*Navigational hazards may include features such as rocks, shoals, rough inlets or anchorages, challenging tides and currents, lee shores, commercial traffic, etc…

*Weather: examples of challenging or difficult weather include thunder/lightning storms, areas prone to high winds, or even seasonal risks such as excessive heat.

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Author

  • Grant Headifen

    My vision for NauticEd is to ensure that families and friends get out on the water not only safely but with true COMPETENCE, confidently savoring every moment of their valuable time.

    Achieving this means being the pinnacle of sailing and boating education—offering comprehensive multi-media theoretical instruction coupled with hands-on, on-the-water training through our global network of American National Standards Instructors. We steadfastly avoid becoming a mere certification mill; our focus is on delivering genuine competence, ensuring our students are well-prepared for enjoyable, real-world boating experiences.

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Last updated on February 19th, 2025
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