St Martin Yacht Charter

This page provides useful planning, pre-departure and travel information. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your vacation smooth and care free. 

We suggest you read the following information carefully several weeks prior to departure and also print a copy to take with you.

Before You Travel

Time Zone 
UTC/GMT-4 hours

Tourist Information Center 
Office du Tourisme 
Port de Marigot  
97150 St. Martin  
Tel: (590) 590-87-57-21, (590) 590- 87-57-23  
Fax: (590) 590-87-56-43

General Information
Area: 37 sq. miles (96 sq. km.) 
Population : 77,000  
Official Name: St. Martin, French West Indies / St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles 
Capital City: Marigot on the French Side / Philipsburg, on the Dutchside  
Nationality : French & Dutch Citizens  
Official Languages: French, Dutch, English  
Ethnic groups: Creole (mulatto), Black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia), White, East Indian  
Religion : Roman Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, Protestant, Hindu 
Government : Dutch Department Territory on the Dutch side/ On the French side: Collectivité de St Martin  
Industries : tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry. 
Tipping : If the gratuity is not included in the final bill, then a 10 to 15 % tip is standard. In St. Maarten and St. Martin, airport porters generally expect a tip of about $1 USD per bag, taxi drivers usually get a $0.50 USD to $1 USD tip depending how long a taxi trip was taken, and if they handled any luggage. 
Currency:  The local currency is the Euro and United States Dollar (USD) & Dutch guilders. 

Festivals & Holidays  
New Year’s Day (Dutch & French)  
Abolition of Slavery (French): May 27th  
Abolition of Slavery (Dutch)  
Ash day (French)  
Kings Day (Dutch)  
Queens Birthday (Dutch)  
Labor Day (Dutch & French)  
Victory Day (French): May 8th & November 11th  
Victory Day (French)  
Bastille Day (French)  
St. Maarten Day (French)  
Concordia Day (French)  
Christmas Day (Dutch & French)  
Boxing Day (Dutch)

Moveable Public Holidays  
Good Friday  
Easter  
Easter Monday  
Whit Monday

(Back to Top)

How to Get There

Three ways to get to St Martin:

1. Fly to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport; take a taxi to the base; distance is approximately 20 minutes
2. Fly to St. Martin’s Grand Case Airport (in Grand Case, French side); take a taxi to the base; distance is approximate 20 minutes.
3. Take a ferry from Anguilla to Marigot Port, capitol of the French side of St. Martin. (Every 30 min. From St.Barths to Marigot daily 7:30am, 11:30am and 5:00pm

Airport  
Princess Juliana Airport located on the Dutch side 
Grand Case Airport, located on the French side, is used for local traffic.

Air France  
Liat  
K L M  
Continental Airlines  
American Airlines  
US Airways  
British Airways  
Delta  
Jet Blue  
Insel Air  
Air Caraibes  
Coppa Airline  
Seaborne Airlines via Puerto Rico (a Delta Airline Affiliate, you may fly with Delta to Puerto Rico and on to St Martin with Seaborne without having to recheck your bags)  
Winair 

Flights 
Due to the number of flights we organize, the Moorings can offer some great rates to many destinations. Please make sure you contact our inhouse flight specialist at 0330 332 1513 before you book your flights.

Private Charter Flights 
Through our partnership with a number of reputable airlines The Moorings can arrange private charter flights to St. Martin and any other of our Caribbean destinations. Contact our in-house flight specialist at 0330 332 1513 for more details.

Transfers  
The Moorings does not offer prepaid airport transfers from Juliana Airport to the base – however, the base still organizes the taxi company Transco to meet and greet the guests and drive them to the base and take them to Customer Service. An additional benefit is that if a client arrives late (outside of regular hours) the taxi company representative will guide the guests to their boat. 
Transfer cost: $35 for 1-3 pax and additional $10 for 4 pax and beyond. 

Car Rentals 
Rental agencies are located at both airports and at the major hotels. Available are Explorer, Avis, Budget, Caribbean Auto Rental, Diamond Jeep and Car Rental, Hertz, Lucky Car Rental, Opel Car Rental, and Risdon Car Rental. Motorcycles and mopeds are also available for rent. 
Driving is on the right side of the road; most of the roads are in fairly good condition.Taxi 
Taxis are not metered; the government sets rates. Authorized taxis display stickers of the St. Maarten Taxi Association.  
Fixed fares apply from Juliana International Airport and the Marigot ferry to the various hotels and around the island. Charges are based on carrying two passengers per trip and on the destination. A fee is added for each additional passenger. Approx cost from Juliana Airport to Moorings base US$30.

Ferry Services

Ferries run to Anguilla and St. Barts 
Anguilla – Tel: 05 90 87 57 21 
From Anguilla to Saint-Martin/ Saint-Martin to Anguilla available from Marigot every 30 minutes. 
Ferries SXM to St. Barts are available from Marigot. 
St. Barts – Tel: 05 90 87 10 68 
From St. Bart to St. Martin/ St. Martin to St. Bart

(Back to Top)

Boarding Time/Check Out

Boarding Time Procedures 
Charter Boarding Time: 12:00 noon or 6:00 pm (with a Sleep Aboard).  
Briefing Times: 9:00 am for noon starts and 2:30 pm for a Sleep Aboard 
All skippers must attend the briefing and everything you need to know will be covered from customs regulations, use of the radio, making dinner reservations, how to get help etc.. Please save all questions of this nature until then. The Moorings operations manual will be on board your yacht for your use throughout yor charter. 

Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more will be covered during the boat briefing at 11AM on the chart plotter of the boat.

Late Arrivals  
The Customer Service Desk is open till 4:30 pm. If clients arrive after office hours, a message will be left on the front door indicating where their boat is on the dock.

Check Out Procedures
Charter End Time: All charters end at 11am at which time the boat must be returned and ready for debriefing and checks.

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time.

(Back to Top)

What’s on Board

Mobile phones  
Your mobile phone may work in the Caribbean and we recommend checking with your service provider before leaving home, for international services.

Music/iPods  
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity
Dutch Sint Maarten: 
The electricity runs at 110 volts at 60 cycles, and outlets will accept the standard two and three pronged plugs found in the USA.  
French St. Martin
Voltage runs at 220 volts at 60 cycles and outlets use the Standard European two cylinder plugs. 
Yachts
S tandard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts.  In order to use electronic equipment that is 110v or 220v, you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter. This is not available at the St Martin base. The base provides step down transformers (220 to 110) for a refundable deposit of 20$ USD. All yachts with a generator, offer 110 volt outlets.Wi-Fi 

Free Wi-Fi access available at the marina lobby only.

Important: We do not offer free Wi-Fi on our boats in St Martin.

At the base, we can help with Wi-Fi access by renting a Wi-Fi hub at the base. 50.00 USD payable in cash only. We have limited stock. You can connect at least 5 devices on the box. The network will be only available on Saint Martin French side and St Barthelemy. You would have to go online or on a hotline to purchase extra data.

We highly recommend you contact your personal phone/internet providers before traveling to see if you can get a reliable connection during your sailing trip.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

(Back to Top)

What to Bring

Customs & Immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

A valid passport (for each passenger) and crew list is compulsory for clearance. Expiration date must be no earlier than 6 months after your planned return. A customs declaration form must be completed at the port of entry. 
Departure Tax: The airport departure tax is $35 pp – payable in USD at Princess Juliana Airport. (Esperance Airport: No departure tax). Typically, the departure tax is included in the price of your flight, please check with your airline. 

Customs & Immigration Fees (prices are subject to vary depending on time of year)

• On the French side in Marigot, the office opening hours are 9:00am to 11:30am and 2:00pm to 4:00pm. The fee will be between 10 and 15 Euro depending on the size of the boat. Office located opposite The Moorings marina.
• On the Dutch side, Philipsburg or Simpson: For clearance out, they ask for the paper of the clearance in from Dutch side. Fee: approx. $20USD in Simpson Bay. On Sunday, overtime charges will apply.
• Anguilla: $2 USD per person and may stay at port of entry free of charge. Cruising permits to outer islands cost: 5-20 tonnes $40 USD + $2 USD per person. 20 tonnes + $60 USD + $2USD per person.
• St. Barts: $7 USD for yachts 35-45ft. Minimum 20 Euros for a catamaran and 2 Euros/passenger for “la réserve Naturelle”
• St. Kitts & Nevis: EC$20

Cruising Licenses

Luggage & Packing List 
Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. We have no facilities for holding luggage at the base. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-coloured, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

Drones
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit  https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-sint-maarten/ 

Currency 
Accepted Forms of Payment: 
Euros, US Dollars and US travelers checks are used on both side of St. Martin and surrounding islands. Only Visa and Master Cards are accepted at The Moorings St. Martin Base.  Visa, Master and Amex cards are accepted in most of the larger restaurants and Boutiques in St. Martin and surrounding islands.

Gratuity  
If the gratuity is not included in the final bill, then a 10 to 15 % tip is standard. In St. Maarten and St. Martin, airport porters generally expect a tip of about $1 USD per bag, taxi drivers usually get a $0.50 USD to $1 USD tip depending how long a taxi trip was taken, and if they handled any luggage.

Taxes & Fees
You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards. Please see our Base Notes for additional information.

For visitors leaving St. Maarten on international flights the departure tax is $35. Typically, this tax is included in the price of your flight.  For domestic flights from other islands within the Netherlands Antilles (Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius), the tax is $35. Sometimes the airport tax is included in the cost of your air ticket.

Security Deposit 
A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

(Back to Top)

Health & Safety

Vaccination and Immunization Information
This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease.

You are advised to be up-to-date with your Tetanus, Hepatitus A & B and Typhoid vaccines. However, please consult your GP for the latest immunisation information before you travel. An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory. Visit cdc.gov  for the latest information.

Travel Advice   
Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov.

 Swim Safe 

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board. 

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a holiday, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 

Travel Insurance 
The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings holiday.

Medical Information 
There are many doctors on the island. 
A hospital is located in Marigot (Tel: 590-590-29-57-57) and another in Philipsburg (Tel: 00-599-543-11-11). 
Hotels will assist visitors in contacting English-speaking doctors (if requested). Pharmacies carry prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. In Marigot, a green cross marks the pharmacies. 

(Back to Top)

Whether this is your fifth trip or the first of many, we want you to feel at home when you’re at a Moorings base.

About the Marina

Address  
The Moorings 
Marina Fort-Luis  
Baie de Marigot 
Marigot 97150, Saint Martin

The base is located at Marina Fort-Luis in Marigot on the French side

Base Hours  
8:30am – 4:30pm, 7 days a week 
Season: Due to Hurricane Season, this destination is closed to charter vacations between September 1st through 30th.

Marina Facilities 
Restaurants 
Boutiques 
Water 
Electricity 
Wifi 
Showers (2 Euro) 
Laundry (additional cost) 
Flower shops 
Many more nearby restaurants and shops

Dock Facilities
A listing of sites is covered in the chart briefing

(Back to Top)

Cruising Grounds

Experience Level
A sailing qualifiactions is not mandatory to charter here – but you must demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and ability. If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Moorings skipper to travel with you – at your own expense. Please ensure you have completed a Sailing CV or a Power CV to ensure you have the necessary experience required.

Cruising Information 
All charterers are free to sail the complete ground from the BVI in the north (one way only) to Grenada in the south, subject to prior approval and the restriction of St. Martin boats going to Martinique and Guadeloupe. 
Charters that are booked for a one-way drop-off at Guadeloupe will go to “Marina Bas-du-Fort” in Pointe-a-Pitre. Web: www.marina-pap.com 
The cruising area includes St. Martin, Anguilla (to the west), and St. Barts (to the southeast). There are over 20 protective anchorages in this area and miles of sandy beaches, as well as beautiful reefs for snorkelling, diving, and exploring. Sailing distance between the islands is about 2-4 hours.

Please note: Current itinerary options may vary due to government COVID-19 travel regulations in this destination.

Cruising Area Restrictions  
Several zones in The Caribbean have been restricted by The Moorings for the client’s security. These are reviewed in the briefing and include:

• The dock in Gustavia, except briefly for water only – you may only briefly go on the dock in Gustavia for water only.
• Oyster Pond due to hurricane damage 
• Saba and Barbuda without checking with Customer Service
• East coast of Antigua; parts of St. Barts; Anguilla (limited number of anchorages; areas on East coast of St. Martin
• Northwest coast of Nevis
• Pinel Island 
• Montserrat Island

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Nighttime Sailing  
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power CV for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Cruising Permits & Taxes
Cruising permits are not required in St. Martin

Moorings Fees & Taxes

• Tintamrre: $3 USD per person, per day.  Payable in cash only to the St. Martin natural parks officials or at the base.
• Anse de Colombier & Fourche Island: Fee is now included in the Harbor fee of Gustavia

(Back to Top)

Experience Level
A formal sailing license is not mandatory to charter here. A completed Sailing or Power  CV is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.

Cruising Area
Sailing lanes are generally open; however, the National Parks Trust protects a number of reefs and sailing areas. Download The Moorings’ St. Martin Charter eGuide here.

Cruising Area Restrictions   
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require a two-person minimum on board.

Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Nighttime Sailing  
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power CV for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Cruising Permits & Taxes
Cruising taxes and a Marine Parks permit are included in your yacht charter cost. 

Please Note: If you enter The Baths by land, you must take your permit from your charter documents with you or you will be charged an additional entrance fee of $3 USD for adults and $2 USD per child.                 

Moorings Fees & Taxes
Moor Seacure Ltd. manages moorings balls throughout the BVI. Mooring fees are charged nightly (typically $30 USD per night). Boaty-Ball.com also manages reserved mooring balls in select BVI destinations. Please visit Boaty-Ball.com to check availability.

Marinas 
Fuel, waste and oil disposal services are normally found at larger harbors and marinas, such as: Nanny Cay, Road Town, Hodges Creek, Leverick Bay, and Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. Other outlets that provide water, ice and a wide variety of provisions can be found at Cane Garden Bay, Trellis Bay, Penn’s Landing, Jost Van Dyke, and other locations throughout the islands. Note: Moorings yachts at the Tortola Base are provided with navigation charts for the British Virgin Islands cruising area only.

Nanny Cay Resort and Marina 
Penn’s Landing 
Marinas – Virgin Gorda 
Leverick Bay Resort 
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour

(Back to Top)

Around the Base

Accommodations
French Side
Fantastic Hotel – close to the marina 
Centre Hotel – close to the marina 
Golfe Hotel – close to the marina 
Adam & Eve – Orient Bay 
Shamrock – Orient Bay 
Columbus Hotel – Oyster Pond 

Dutch Side 
Holland House – Philipsburg 
Atrium – Simpson Bay 
Mary’s Boon – Simpson Bay 
Atrium – Simpson Bay 
Princess Heights – Oyster Pond

Banks
Banking Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30am to 3:30pm. Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Bank hours depend on the individual back.  On the French side, banks are closed Wednesday afternoons.  On the Dutch side, banks usually close at 2 or 3pm. 

ATM: There’s currently limited ATMs available. Please bring the cash you will need for your entire stay as some businesses can only accept cash. In Marigot (French side) clients will find several banks: Banque des Antilles Françaises, Banque Française Commerciale, La Poste, each with an ATM cash dispenser. In Philipsburg (Dutch side) clients will find several banks: Leeward Island Bank, ABN Amro Bank, Nova Scotia, each with an ATM cash dispenser.

Post Office  
There is a Post Office in Marigot. Postage stamps can be purchased at post offices (hours are irregular and lines can be long and slow), cafés-tabacs and at hotel newsstands or souvenir shops. 

Dining
O’Plongeoir – close to the marina 
The Yacht Club Restaurant – located at the marina 
L’Arhawak – 5 minute walk from the marina

(Back to Top)

Provisioning

The Moorings Provisioning
This destination offers the convenience of The Moorings Provisioning Service!

Let The Moorings take all the hassle out of provisioning your yacht with the highest quality beverages, fresh foods, and non-food items. Order complete packages when booking online or over the phone. Or choose to order online from our Online Provisioning Store which also offers all packages and an extensive a la carte inventory. We’ll coordinate the details and guarantee that everything is aboard your yacht when you arrive. Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more. Provisioning must be ordered 7 days prior to the start date of the charter for this destination. 

Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation. Additional items are available to be purchased and delivered directly to your yacht. Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more.

Supermarkets

Open daily, closed on Sunday afternoon and holidays on both sides of the island.

Super U: 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi from the marina; Regular full-service grocery store: large selection of fresh produce, canned, frozen, and baked goods. Open from 8AM – 8PM Mon-Sat, 8AM – 12.45PM Sun. 

Fresh Market: On the Dutch side; Regular full-service grocery store with a wide variety of goods. Open from daily: 8AM – 8PM Mon-Sat, 9AM – 2PM Sun.

CadisMarket: 10 minutes walking distance downtown. Open daily 7AM to 8PM.

Monoprix: 5 minutes driving distance, open 8AM to 7PM

Carrefour: On the Dutch side. Regular full-service grocery store with a wide variety of goods, also has bakery, deli. Open from: 8AM-8PM Mon-Sat, 9AM-2PM Sun.

Please note all shops are Duty Free!

(Back to Top)

Things to Do

Hiking
For those who want to experience the natural beauty of the island on foot, there are 25 miles of clearly defined footpaths running through the mountains and along the shore, revealing some truly spectacular panoramas. 
Loterie Farm 
Tel: 590-590-87-86-16  
Offers organized hikes of varying degrees of difficulty.  
Musee de Marigot  
Tel: 590-590-29-22-84

Horse Riding
Most equestrian centers offer organized rides by the hour or for half of a day. 
Ranch Gallion: daily trails and beach rides – +590 690769624

Interesting Sites
Please visit the Itinerary Page for more of the best places to visit on your trip. While you are in St. Martin take the opportunity to visit these other cultural attractions.

One of the things that set the dual-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin apart from a typical beach destination is the incredible variety of sporting and adrenalin-charged activities available to visitors. Whether you get your thrills zipping across the waves on a Jet Ski, exploring the mysterious wonder of the ocean depths, or hiking or biking to the top of a windswept peak for a breath-taking view of the Caribbean, St. Maarten/St. Martin has something to please your sporting taste. 

(Back to Top)

Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

Diving  
Can be rented at The Scuba Shop, situated in Simpson Bay near the international airport. 
Octopus diving is operating now in Philipsburg, they might move back soon to Grand Case 
Shoal Diving is available in Anguilla 
Serial diving and St Barts Plongée are open again in Gustavia

Water Sports  
Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards can be added to your charter contract. Windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, and jet skiing are activities that are regularly offered at the more popular beaches and in the inland lagoons. Rental and instruction tend to be fairly inexpensive.

Fishing
Can be rented at the base at 60$ per week payable in cash only. No license is required. 
Ciguatera is a BIG problem. Don’t eat any fish you have caught before checking with a local fisherman.

(Back to Top)

Cruising Conditions

General Conditions

During the winter months (Nov. to Jan) the wind is from the northeast at 15-20 knots. The Christmas winds can produce 25-30 knots for several days at a time. In February the winds move to the east and by June it changes to the southeast at 10-15 knots. September & October the trade winds are at its weakest and the weather can be less settled. By November the high pressure system around Bermuda starts to stabilize and 15-20 knot breezes become the norm.  Local seas are “relaxed” seas and generally in the 3-4 foot range.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):

Month	°F Max	°F Min	°C Max	°C Min	Avg. #Wet Days	Avg. Wind Speed
January	83	75	28	24	3	NE 15-25 kts
February	83	75	28	14	2	E 15-25 kts
March	83	75	28	24	2	E 15-25 kts
April	84	77	29	25	3	E 15-25 kts
May	86	78	30	26	4	SE 15-20 kts
June	88	80	31	27	3	SE 15-20 kts
July	88	80	31	27	3	SE 15-20 kts
August	88	80	31	27	5	SE 15-20 kts
September	88	80	31	27	5	SE 5-15 kts
October	87	80	31	27	4	SE 5-15 kts
November	85	78	29	26	5	NE 5-20 kts
December	83	76	28	24	4	NE 15-25 kts

Tides
In the British Virgin Islands, the tide range is very small: 12 inches – 18 inches (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.

Weather Forecasts  
Client can obtain the weather situation at any time by listening to the maritime weather forecasts. Weather updates are given hourly during severe weather.

• ZBVI 780 kHz AM 8:00am daily and up-date every hour on the ½ hour.
• V.H.F. WX 03 (not available in all areas)
• WVWI 1000 Khz AM 7:55 a.m. daily
• FM99 99.5 Mhz AM 7:55 a.m. daily
• WOSO 1030 Khz AM every hour daily
• Weather Fax call 284 496 6900

(Back to Top)