10 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. 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.

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

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 shipwrecks on the reef that have create a unique 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 snorkelling 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 colourful 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.

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.

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

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, rubbish disposal, provisions, taxis, car rentals, and Internet access are available.

Basseterre

A mix of the new and the old give Basseterre, capital of the small, independent country comprised of St. Kitts and Nevis, a character unique and pleasant, chic and casual. 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 harbor is protected in northerly and easterly winds. Southeasterly winds make it uncomfortable. 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

Aside from the shops and restaurants in the old town and at Port Zante, the attractions within Basseterre include a small museum and a casino. The fort of Brimstone Hill is fascinating. 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. The island’s volcanic origins are obvious in the form of deep craters, some filled with freshwater lakes. Throughout the island are historic manor homes and plantations open to the public, and a network of roads you can hike, bike, or drive for many hours. A car rental is the best way to see all of the island’s out-of-the-way places.

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 south-eastern 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

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. There are two museums in Charlestown, the only settlement, that highlights the history of Nevis. Historic buildings line the streets, where you can browse in the shops and dine at one of the restaurants. Fantastic beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving are also popular. 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

Attractions include exploring the ruins of historic Fort Charles and visiting the Nelson Museum, which pays homage to British naval hero Admiral Horatio Nelson. The Museum of Nevis History is another fascinating destination. Horseback riding, guided hikes, island tours by taxi or rented car, a stroll through the 96-acre Golden Rock Estate, and relaxing at the Four Seasons Hotel on Pinney’s Beach are among the many delights of a visit to Nevis. Naturally, there are casual and fine restaurants to satisfy all tastes and pockets.

Facilities

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

Anse Chastanet

Sail across to Anse Chastanet for breakfast and drop anchor close to the small jetty in the bay. Anse Chastanet and Asne Mamin are the two beaches located here. With the Pitons, you can soak up mountain views and enjoy the day with this striking backdrop these two mountains create. Here the reef extends seaward from the beach displaying a beautiful array of colors and wildlife just below the surface. This is the perfect spot to snorkel and explore the natural beauty of this island.

*Please note if the wind is not favourable to overnight here, please visit as a lunch stop, and overnight an additional night at Pitons Bay or Anse Cochon, which both have safe overnight anchorages.

Mooring

Anchoring only, no mooring balls available

Things to do

Hiking, snorkeling, swimming,and birdwatching. Anchatanet beach restaurant is feet for dining or for lunch.

Facilities

There are no facilities for yachts at this stop.

Great Bay

Located on the shores of Great Bay, Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten, is a busy place with all the amenities a sailor 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 available. Anchor off the breakwaters of the inner harbour 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, taxis, and car rentals are available.