7 Day St. Martin Yacht Charter Itinerary

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. Starting in Marigot sets the tone for what’s to come: effortless sailing, unforgettable food, and a front-row seat to French-Caribbean charm.

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

• Immerse yourself in the local culture of St Martin and experience the fusion of French and Caribbean influences.
• Spend your day wandering around the local stores and finding treasures to take back home with you. 
• Restaurants are the main attractions in Marigot, with plenty of delicious options on the menu, taking inspiration from traditional French and Caribbean dishes. Some of our favorites include Le Tropicana and La Terrasse Rooftop Restaurant.

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.

You’ll start your 7-day St Martin sailing itinerary on the French side, before exploring the Dutch side later in the week. Both sides of the island offer sizzling temperatures, incredible cuisine, breathtaking beaches and unparalleled culture. However, the French side is renowned for being 50% larger, having more mountainous landscapes and more secluded beaches. 

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 favorite. The only caveat is 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

• Ile Pinel is mostly secluded, though there are beachside shacks where you can rent windsurfing and other watersports equipment for a thrilling afternoon in the water. 
• For the adventurers among you, arrange a ride in an ultralight aircraft for some incredible, heart-racing views. 
• Spend the day wandering around the shops within walking distance of the dinghy docks and enjoy lunch at one of the delicious restaurants. A number of restaurants are on the waterfront and provide a good place to enjoy a convivial atmosphere.

Spotlight On…

Green Cay

Located just across from Orient Bay, Green Cay is a small, secluded island that offers a blissful escape from reality. Swim, snorkel and windsurf in the stunning azure waters, then soak up the sun on the pristine sands. On Green Cay, nude sunbathing is popular on the eastern stretch of Orient Beach; elsewhere, swimsuits are more in vogue. 

Nearby Orient Bay Beach is another favorite for relaxing, sunbathing and swimming, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “This is, without a doubt, our favorite beach. Clear water, easy in and out, soft sand and beautiful views. Throw in all of the great bars and restaurants, and you have a real winner.”

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 highlight of any Eastern Caribbean yacht charter.

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

• Spend the afternoon wandering around boutiques featuring world famous designer wear and jewelry.
• Enjoy fine dining experiences in superb restaurants near the harbor, specializing in French cuisine. For more casual places to dine, you’ll find them nestled on the picturesque streets.
• If you want an active yacht charter, taking 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.

St. Barts

St. Barts (St. Barthemey) is a relatively small island popular for the French allure of Gustavia, the main harbor and settlement. A wide mix of chic boutiques, art galleries, and superb restaurants line the streets of this scenic town tucked against the shore at the base of lush green hills. 

A short hike up to the lighthouse at Fort Gustav affords unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding islands, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “What an absolutely amazing view! […] You can see all the islands, and there is a directory at top that tells you what you are looking at.”

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, making it the ideal stop for day 4 of your St Martin sailing itinerary. 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 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

• 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, perfect for nature and marine life lovers. 
• Sunbathe on the pristine white sands, feeling your cares melt away as you look out to the breathtaking, crystalline waters.

Spotlight On…

Hiking at Anse de Colombier

Anse de Colombier is renowned for its brilliant hiking trails, showcasing the very best of St Martin’s natural beauty. 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’s also another trail that takes you along the eastern coast to the lovely village of Anse de Flamandes.

Once you’ve made your way back from exploring Anse de Flamandes or the scenic hills, cool off in the water and spend the afternoon relaxing. The beach is well-loved, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “Very swimmable with a gentle surf, clean sand, lots of interesting rock formations for pictures and many little coves to spread a blanket and chill.”

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.

The day’s sailing

3 Hr 36 mins Sailing time
18 Nautical miles

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, well worth visiting during your 7-day St Maarten sailing charter.
• Head to Great Bay Beach to enjoy the beautiful sands and calm waters that beckon you to swim, snorkel and sunbathe.
• Immerse yourself in local culture and learn about St Maarten’s rich history by visiting the small museum in Great Bay, Philipsburg.

Spotlight On…

Great Bay Beach

One of St Maarten’s longest and widest beaches, Great Bay Beach is a lively, popular hotspot on the Dutch side of the island, and a must-visit as part of your sailing itinerary. Umbrellas and chairs are available to rent, offering comfort and shade in-between swimming and snorkeling.

There’s also some fantastic bars and restaurants nearby, so you can sip cocktails or taste fresh local cuisine after exploring the calm waters, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “The beach itself was breathtaking, with soft sands and sparkling turquoise waters. It was the ideal spot for a relaxing and memorable day. We stopped for food at the Blue Bitch Bar, and it didn’t disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious, and the beachside setting was unbeatable.”

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.

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

• Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants and bars. Johnno’s has live music on weekends if you’re looking for a vibrant, lively night out. 
• The island is large, with small hamlets and all kinds of interesting shops and restaurants spread out along quiet roads.
• If you’re a nature lover,  bird watching is excellent at Caul’s Pond. 
• 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.

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 mix of quiet anchorages and towns with a variety of restaurants and bars has 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

Crocus Bay cruising brings you to a peaceful and secluded anchorage with cliffs rising from white-sand beaches. The main settlement on Anguilla, The Valley, is within walking distance of the beach at Crocus Bay, so there’s plenty of fantastic facilities around that will make the final day of your 7-day St Martin sailing itinerary comfortable and convenient.

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

• The snorkeling is superb from Pelican Point in Crocus Bay, and the beach is excellent for swimming and sunbathing. 
• 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.

Spotlight On…

Little Bay

Just north of Crocus Bay is Little Bay, which has day use moorings. This quiet, secluded cove is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience serenity and tranquility to the fullest. The colorful 70-foot cliffs are truly splendid, and the birds (including lots of pelicans) are plentiful and fun to watch.

A renowned snorkeling spot, you’ll come face to face with majestic marine life and you explore the underwater treasures of Little Bay, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “This was a great spot to go snorkeling! Within about 30 seconds of getting in the water I found a small green sea turtle (plus two more later).”

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.