Marigot

Marigot is the capital of the French side of St. Martin. With plenty of shopfronts to explore, it lends itself well to a 10-day St Martin sailing itinerary. Marigot is the capital of the French side of St. Martin. The waterfront is attractive, the shops and boutiques plentiful, and the selection of restaurants varied and known for quality French cuisine. Of course, casual eateries also abound, as do lively bars with live entertainment. Cruising in Marigot is a wonderful way to ease into a St. Martin yacht charter.

The day’s sailing

• 12 mins Sailing time
• 1 Nautical miles

Mooring

No moorings are available. The anchorage is south of Marina Fort-Louis. There’s plenty of space and the holding is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Restaurants and shopping are the main attractions in Marigot.The best things to do in Marigot as part of your St Martin sailing itinerary include:

• Shopping. The attractive waterfront is home to plenty of shops and boutiques to explore. At the end of Rue de la République, you can find Marigot Market, a fantastic market that runs every day except Sundays and is packed full of gorgeous handicrafts and delicious local produce. 
• Eating. From fine dining restaurants serving high-quality French cuisine, to casual Caribbean eateries offering up local delicacies, you’re guaranteed to eat well in St Martin. 
• Sightseeing. Structures like the Old Marigot Prison and Durat Bridge are incredible one-of-a-kind attractions, but you can go anywhere on this island to soak up the colonial history. Walk around the neighborhoods to take in the unique atmosphere.

Spotlight on: St Martin

The island of St. Martin has two spellings since half of it is French (St. Martin) and the other half is Dutch (St. Maarten). More than one million visitors arrive every year to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the duty-free shopping, the hundreds of restaurants, luxury hotels, and the dozen or so casinos. For sailors the annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta held every March and the Classic Yacht Regatta in January are major events. Marine parks on the island offer superb swimming and snorkeling, and the beaches are fantastic.

We recommend reading veteran Moorings charterer Shane Kenny’s Top 10 Tips for Sailing St Martin before your vacation, as well as our Travel Information & Planning Guide.

Facilities

Dockage, fuel, water, showers, ice, laundry facilities, provisions, Internet access, banks, taxis, and car rentals are available.

Road Bay

The main port of entry to the British island of Anguilla, Road Bay, is one of the nicest anchorages in the northern Leewards. A beautiful white sandy beach runs along the shore, where you’ll find numerous casual restaurants and bars. Laid-back and unpretentious is the rule on Anguilla, one of the chief appeals of Road Bay yachting.

The day’s sailing

• 4 Hr Sailing time
• 20 Nautical miles

Mooring

No moorings are available in Road Bay. Moorings are placed throughout the marine park and are available as part of the cruising permit fee on a first come, first served basis. In Road Bay, there is ample room to anchor, except near the ship dock (keep clear of it). Holding is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Things to do in Road Bay as part of a St Martin sailing itinerary could include:

• Enjoying an evening out. Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants and bars – Johnno’s is a favorite here, and offers fantastic live music at the weekends.
• Shopping. The island is large, with small hamlets and all kinds of interesting shops spread out along quiet roads. We recommend visiting Sea Spray, for example, a wonderful independent shop selling goods from local artisans. 
• Diving. Anguilla is sometimes known as the wreck capital of the Leeward islands – take a guided tour of the best diving spots, including the seven wrecks sunk on the reef to create a habitat for the myriad of tropical fish, sea fans, and corals. 

Spotlight on: Anguilla

Known for its beautiful beaches, numerous coves and bays, as well as its marine park, low-lying Anguilla is laid-back Caribbean charm at its best. The quiet anchorages and towns, with a variety of restaurants and bars, have long attracted sailors. The snorkeling on the reefs where colorful tropical fish abound is excellent in many locations, and scuba diving on the seven wrecks sunk deliberately on the reef to create a thriving habitat for sea life is some of the best in the Caribbean.

Facilities

Provisions, propane, taxis, car rentals, and Internet access are available.

Crocus Bay

To end your St Martin sailing itinerary in style, Crocus Bay cruising brings you to a peaceful and secluded anchorage with cliffs rising from white-sand beaches.

The day’s sailing

• 24 mins Sailing time
• 2 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available in Little Bay during the day, but not for overnight stays. The anchorage in Crocus Bay is south of Pelican Point. Holding is good.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available. Beach the dinghy.

Things to do

Things to do on the final day of your St Martin sailing itinerary could include:

• Snorkeling. Crocus Bay might be the best place to go snorkeling in Anguilla – you can spot a lot of interesting fish here, including butterfly fish, surgeons and groupers.
• Visiting The Valley. The main settlement on Anguilla, The Valley, is within walking distance of the beach at Crocus Bay. The Savannah Art Gallery, which you’ll pass on the way, has a selection of beautiful paintings to admire (or buy). Next to the gallery is Koal Keel, an upmarket restaurant and a good choice for dining ashore.

Taking in the sights. Make the most of your last day on the yacht and sail around the coastline, taking in secluded coves dotted everywhere, the towering 70-foot cliffs in Little Bay, and the flocks of pelicans overhead.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

Orient Bay

Situated on the northeast coast of French St. Martin, yachting in Orient Bay is popular among sailors cruising the northern Leeward Islands. Orient Bay is just off the coast of Green Cay and near Ile Pinel, an idyllic island within St Martin’s protected nature reserve.

Be aware that Orient Bay can be difficult to enter in certain conditions. At all times, careful attention is warranted.

The day’s sailing

• 1 Hr 24 mins Sailing time
• 7 Nautical miles

Mooring

No moorings are available. Orient Bay is wide open to the east. However, there are two good anchorages. The small anchorage on the west side of Ile Pinel is snug and quiet at night with good holding, and far from the hustle to the south at Green Cay.  At Green Cay, the anchorage is also on the west side. Holding is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available at Ile Pinel and Green Cay.

Things to do

Things to do in Orient Bay as part of your St Martin sailing itinerary include:

• Watersports. First, moor at Ile Pinel – the beautiful white sandy beach (one of the best beaches in St Martin) is only the first of its attractions. There are a plethora of watersport options you can rent equipment for, including kite surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking. 
• Sunbathing. Over in Green Cay, there are a lot of the same watersport options available, as well as nude beaches on the eastern stretch that are perfect for sunbathing.

Enjoy the nightlife. If you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere, there are also a lot of excellent nightlife options in Orient Bay. Whether you decide to spend the night enjoying a lot of coconut rum or having a relaxing evening on board in a scenic anchorage, you can’t go wrong in Orient Bay. 

Facilities

Ice is available.

Gustavia

The main port of entry on St. Barts is the scenic and chic harbor of Gustavia, situated on the south side of the island near its western end. Snug and protected, this harbor is a favorite among wealthy owners of superyachts.

The red roofs of many of the buildings give Gustavia a distinct character – some sailors call it the Riviera of the Caribbean. Cruising in Gustavia waters is a real highlight of any St Martin sailing itinerary.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 15 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available for a fee. The anchorage is extensive and often crowded at the peak of the winter season. The bottom is weedy in some places. Make certain your anchor is well dug.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Things to do in Gustavia as part of your St Martin sailing itinerary could include:

• Sightseeing. If you’re a fan of a hike, we highly recommend climbing up to the lighthouse at Fort Gustav, or the steps up to Fort Karl. Both offer unforgettable views of the island.
• Shopping. There are some wonderful chic boutiques in Gustavia – we personally recommend visiting Kalinas & Tainos, who specialize in pearls of every color. You can buy some truly one-of-a-kind jewelry here.

Eating. Gustavia offers a number of superb restaurants – you can visit restaurants specializing in French cuisine, or hunt for more casual places to dine hidden away on the picturesque streets.

Facilities

Water, ice, showers, garbage disposal, provisions, taxis, car rentals, and Internet access are available.

Basseterre

A mix of the new and the old give Basseterre, capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, a unique character. The country’s rich history, with French and British influences, is in evidence on the attractive streets of the waterfront town, with quiet plazas and colorfully painted shutters on some of the buildings. A museum, a fort, numerous shops and restaurants, and marina facilities make Basseterre yachting popular among charterers.

Mooring

No moorings are available. The best anchorage is either off the Deep Water Port, near the Coast Guard station, or off the marina at Port Zante. Most charterers opt to stay at the marina, which is secure, comfortable, and well maintained. A seawall ensures that you’ll have a restful night in a southeasterly wind.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available for a fee at Port Zante.

Things to do

Things to do in Bassterre include:

• Soak up the history. There’s a small museum you can visit. Throughout the island are historic manor homes and plantations open to the public. You could also visit the Fort of Brimstone Hill – this historic hilltop offers gorgeous panoramic views.
• Take the scenic railway. Head further into St Kitts, and you’ll find a 20th-century train dating back to 1912, offering scenic rides through small villages and farms.

Go hiking. Hiking trails lead up the nearly 3,800-foot peak of Mt. Liamuiga through a rain forest inhabited by African vervet monkeys (also called African green monkeys or greenbacks), tropical birds, and all manner of tropical plants.

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, showers, garbage disposal, provisions, laundry services and laundry facilities, propane, Internet access, taxis, as well as bicycle and car rentals are available.

White House Bay

At the southeastern end of St. Kitts, you’ll find two beautiful bays adjacent to each other that offer excellent protection. White House Bay and Ballast Bay are popular anchorages, making cruising in White House Bay waters an experience not to be missed.

Mooring

No moorings are available. Both anchorages are protected. White House Bay is smaller than Ballast Bay. The best holding is closer to shore; it gets rocky farther out. Ballast Bay has plenty of room and good holding just about everywhere.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available. Beach the dinghy.

Things to do

White House Bay is within easy walking distance of the road at the southeastern end of St. Kitts. It’s possible to arrange a tour of the island, with White House Bay as the pickup location. The beach is pleasant for swimming and sunbathing. Ballast Bay isn’t near the road, which makes it more isolated. The beach is stony. Nearby is a large salt pond populated with numerous wading birds. It’s worth taking a short stroll to see it.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

Charlestown

Serene and picturesque, Charlestown is a wonderful location a short distance from St. Kitts. Charlestown yachting is a journey into the rich history of the Eastern Caribbean.

Mooring

No moorings are available. There is ample room to anchor off Charlestown. The anchorage off Pinney’s Beach is excellent (look for the Four Seasons Hotel). Holding is good in sand.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

• Learn about local history. There are two museums in Charlestown that highlight the history of Nevis – firstly the Nelson Museum, which pays homage to British naval hero Admiral Horatio Nelson. The Museum of Nevis History is another fascinating destination. We also recommend exploring the ruins of historic Fort Charles.
• Take a stroll. The 96-acre Golden Rock Estate is a beautiful place to slow down the pace and go for a relaxed walk.
• Relax at the Four Seasons. The Four Seasons Hotel on Pinney’s Beach is among the many delights of a visit to Nevis – if you want to stay in for a night, you can book a luxurious room and get access to wellness activities, golfing, complimentary watersports, and so much more.
• Exploring more of Nevis. Guided hikes, horseback riding, island tours by taxi or rented car – there are many ways to see more of Nevis if you have the time!

Spotlight on: Nevis’ History

The island of Nevis has a historic past. The first attempts to establish a settlement occurred in 1628. France and Britain fought over the island on a regular basis, as was the case with other islands in the Leewards and Windwards when both nations sought a foothold in the New World. Perhaps the most famous person associated with Nevis is Alexander Hamilton, who was born on the island in 1755 (or 1757; sources aren’t really sure). Raised in the British colonies in America, he became an important figure in early United States history, serving as an aide to General George Washington during the American Revolution, then as Secretary to the Treasury.

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice (sometimes), provisions, Internet access, as well as mountain bike and car rentals are available.

Anse de Colombier

Scenic and well-protected, this horseshoe-shaped bay at the western tip of St. Barts (another of the best St Martin beaches) is popular among cruisers for its beauty. Steep hills overlook the blue waters, where you’ll find all manner of yachts at anchor. When you go yachting in Anse de Colombier, you’re sure to find the beauty and charm of the Eastern Caribbean.

The day’s sailing

• 24 mins Sailing time
• 2 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available at no charge. There is plenty of room to anchor. Holding is good in sand.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available. Beach the dinghy.

Things to do

Things to do in Anse de Colombier as part of your St Martin sailing itinerary could include:

• Snorkeling and/or scuba diving. Snorkeling is popular in the bay and is good almost everywhere. In calm conditions, the rocks surrounding Ile de la Pointe, which hems in the bay to the south, is one of the best spots for both snorkeling and scuba diving. South of that is an inlet where sea turtles and sea rays are sometimes observed.
• Exploring. At the north end of the beach, you’ll find stairs leading to the top of the hills and a scenic trail that meanders through patches of fragrant lilies and cactuses. This is one of the loveliest ways to explore Anse de Colombier.

Relaxing on the beach. Rockefeller Beach (named so because David Rockefeller owned the hills surrounding the beach for years) is one of the best beaches in St Martin, perfect for some leisurely sunbathing or an afternoon picnic with your family.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

Great Bay

Located on the shores of Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, Great Bay is a busy place with all the amenities a boater could want. If you want to stop in a livelier place on your St Martin sailing itinerary, then this is it. 

To book a scenic St Martin yacht charter with The Moorings, start building your quote now.

Mooring

No moorings are available. Anchor off the breakwaters of the inner harbor and north of the cruise ship docks. Holding is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Things to do in Great Bay as part of your St Martin sailing itinerary could include:

• Enjoy the beaches. Great Bay Beach and Maho Beach are both great places to kick back and relax, or try your hand at a variety of watersports like jet-skiing (which you can rent equipment for).
• Explore the boardwalk. Once you’ve had your fill, wander along the boardwalk and explore the selection of waterfront stores and restaurants. You could also take a look around Front Street, the main street of Philipsburg.

Test your luck. If you’re feeling lucky, Great Bay has a number of casinos to add some spice to your evening, as well as plenty of other ways to enjoy the area’s nightlife.

Facilities

Dockage, fuel, water, showers, ice, laundry facilities, provisions, Internet access, banks, taxis, and car rentals are available.

From island-hopping to barefoot comfort, St. Martin delivers. Ready to cruise the Leewards in style? Start planning your crewed charter today.