St. Martin Cruising Itinerary
A St. Martin cruising itinerary has many possibilities. You could spend a week exploring the northern Leeward Islands and sail no more than 21 nautical miles in one day, enjoying leisurely travels and sojourns ashore to shop, sightsee, and sample gourmet fare in upscale restaurants. You could also lengthen the chartering range to include a mix of long and short passages, giving you the opportunity to experience cruising farther south to the picturesque islands of St. Kitts, Nevis, and Antigua (see St. Martin maps). Combining open-water, down-island romps in fair winds with pleasant days of island-hopping a short distance to swim, snorkel, and relax in secluded anchorages is just one of many delights when cruising the Leeward Islands.
Please note: Current itinerary options may vary due to government COVID travel regulations in this destination.
Marigot
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.
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.
Facilities
Dockage, fuel, water, showers, ice, laundry facilities, provisions, Internet access, banks, taxis, and car rentals 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. Aside from its beautiful white sandy beach and the plethora of watersports, kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and the many restaurants and boutiques, the bay has a quieter side as well. If you want nude beaches and lively nightlife, it is available, however, a relaxing evening aboard in a scenic anchorage, is also a favourite. The only caveat is that Orient Bay can be difficult to enter in certain conditions. At all times, careful attention is warranted.
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
Ile Pinel is mostly secluded, though there are beachside shacks where you can rent windsurfing and other watersports equipment. Snacks and soft drinks are available, and you can arrange a ride in an ultralight aircraft for some incredible, and heart-racing, views. There are also a few restaurants and shops within walking distance of the dinghy docks. On Green Cay, nude sunbathing is popular on the eastern stretch of Orient Beach; elsewhere, swimsuits are more in vogue. Windsurfing and other watersports are popular. Rentals are available. A number of restaurants are on the waterfront and provide a good place to enjoy a convivial atmosphere.
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. Boutiques featuring world famous designer wear and jewelry vie for space with superb restaurants specializing in French cuisine, though more casual places to dine are also nestled on the picturesque streets. 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 highlight of any Eastern Caribbean yacht charter.
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
The boutiques and restaurants are the main attraction of Gustavia, apart from its picturesque town and wonderful French culture. A hike up the hills to the lighthouse at Fort Gustav is well worth it for the views. You can also climb the steps up Fort Karl.
Facilities
Water, ice, showers, garbage disposal, provisions, taxis, car rentals, and Internet access are available.
Anse de Colombier
Scenic and well protected, this horseshoe-shaped bay at the western tip of St. Barts is popular among cruisers for its beauty, beach, and snorkeling. Steep hills overlook the blue waters, where you’ll find all manner of yachts at anchor. On the southern hill is a house built by the Rockefeller family, which once owned Anse de Colombier. Now it’s part of the St. Barts Marine Reserve. The bay has no road access, but there’s a trail up the hills to the village of Anse de Flamandes, on a nearby beach. When you go yachting in Anse de Colombier, you’re sure to find the beauty and charm of the Eastern Caribbean.
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
Snorkeling is popular in the bay and is good most everywhere. In calm conditions, the rocks surrounding Ile de la Pointe, which hems in the bay to the south, are a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. South of that is an inlet where sea turtles and sea rays are sometimes observed. 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. There are a few shops in the village.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Great Bay, Philipsburg
Located on the shores of Great Bay, Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, is a busy place with all the amenities a boater could want. Marinas, waterfront stores and restaurants, a selection of casinos, and plenty of nightlife make Great Bay cruising one of the more popular adventures on the island.
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
The shops, restaurants, and casinos are the main attractions of Philipsburg. There is a small museum as well.
Facilities
Dockage, fuel, water, showers, ice, laundry facilities, provisions, Internet access, banks, taxicabs, 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.
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
Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants and bars. Johnno’s has live music on weekends. The island is large, with small hamlets and all kinds of interesting shops and restaurants spread out along quiet roads. The main settlement is The Valley. Fantastic beaches are everywhere. Consider renting a car to take an island tour. The bird watching is excellent at Caul’s Pond. Of course, dive excursions to the reefs are available, if you want a guided tour to some of the best spots, including the seven wrecks sunk on the reef to create a habitat for the myriad of tropical fish, sea fans, and corals. Anguilla is sometimes known as the wreck dive capital of the Leeward Islands.
Facilities
Provisions, propane, taxis, car rentals, and Internet access are available.
Crocus Bay
Crocus Bay cruising brings you to a peaceful and secluded anchorage with cliffs rising from white-sand beaches.
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
The snorkeling is superb from Pelican Point in Crocus Bay and the beach is excellent for swimming and sunbathing. Just north is Little Bay, which has day use moorings. The colorful 70-foot cliffs are truly splendid and the birds (including lots of pelicans) are plentiful and fun to watch. 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.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
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