Saint-Martin Yacht Charter

The types of boats to rent in Saint-Martin

Depending on your budget and your sailing plans, there are different types of boats available to you:

• Monohull sailboat charter: this is the most affordable option and is best suited to experienced sailors! The size of this type of boat will make it easier for you to access coves and anchorages. The sensations of sailing are also unique to monohulls with heeling over.
• Catamaran charter: for those looking for comfort and space. The catamaran offers greater stability as well as more living space on board. It is the ideal option if your budget allows and if you want to spend a relaxing vacation.
• Motor yacht charter: more accessible and cheaper, this option is ideal for a day charter.

Services offered for your yacht charter in Saint-Martin

Here are the different services we offer for renting a boat in Saint-Martin: 

• Bareboat yacht charter: if a member of your crew has sailing experience, they will be able to manoeuvre the sailboat. The boat will be entirely private and you can enjoy your cruise in Saint-Martin with family or friends.
• Yacht charter with skipper: this is the ideal option if no one can skipper the boat or if you want to enjoy a relaxing vacation. The professional skipper will take care of maneuvering the boat and you will benefit from his knowledge of the area to take you to the best anchorages and restaurants.
• Crewed yacht charter: this type of service will be included on luxury yachts over 20 meters. It will be optional for catamaran charters in Saint Martin between 10 and 20 meters. A crew generally consists of a captain, a cook and a hostess. The crew will take great care of you and make sure you have an unforgettable cruise!
• Cabin cruise: you book one or more cabins on the side of a high-end, people-sized boat, which you share with other travelers. A professional crew takes care of navigation, cooking and hotel service throughout the day, allowing you to fully enjoy your experience. This option is ideal if you want to go as a couple or if you don't have the budget to privatize the boat. Discover our different cabin cruise offers for an unforgettable adventure at sea.

How much does a yacht charter in Saint-Martin cost?

The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for aweek's charterin Saint Martin. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model, age of the boat, etc

The price includes: the yacht charter and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, Wi-Fi, dinghy, bedding and outboard engine).

The price does not include: insurance, port and anchorage fees, the skipper, hostess, cleaning (which is often included in a compulsory package), extras (kayak, paddle sup, etc.) and provisions taken on board.

Why opt for a sailboat charter in Saint Martin?

A catamaran charter in Saint Martin will allow you to discover the cultural and gastronomic richness of the island. The archipelago is divided in two, with the French part in the north, where you will find colorful villages and mountainous landscapes (with the Pic du Paradis, which rises to 427 meters and offers a unique point of view), and the Dutch part in the south, with numerous beaches hauled in from the sides of the boat by palm trees. In addition to the French and Dutch influences, Saint Martin is home to the Caribbean Creole culture, offering a surprising mix to boaters visiting the island.

The peaceful coves and small paradise islands of Saint Martin will offer you a dream setting as you sail along the coast. We recommend a catamaran charter with a skipper in Saint Martin to take advantage of the variety of sailing itineraries possible from the archipelago. In just a few days of sailing, you can reach the British Virgin Islands by catamaran, as well as Anguilla, Antigua and Saint-Barthélemy. You can also go from island to island, for example, sailing towards Martinique.

Where can you sail in Saint Martin?

Several anchorages and sailing areas are accessible around the island and in the surrounding area.

• In Saint Martin itself, sailors can explore popular spots like Grand Case Beach, ideal for its crystal clear waters and its proximity to the bustling town of Marigot, where there is a main base for yacht charter.
• Further south, Baie Longue and Maho Beach are popular anchorages, close to Princess Juliana International Airport, offering a unique spectacle with low-flying planes.
• To the east, anchorages such as Anse Marcel and Tintamarre offer unspoiled natural landscapes and peaceful waters.
• Nearby, Anguilla offers idyllic anchorages such as Rendezvous Bay and Sandy Ground, perfect for a quiet stopover.
• Further south, Saint-Barthélemy (Saint Barts) welcomes boaters with exclusive anchorages such as Anse du Gouverneur and Baie de Saint Jean, famous for their chic charm and fine sandy beaches.

What are the best anchorages to try out during your yacht charter in Saint Martin?

• Pinel Islet: A majorattraction on the island, Pinel Islet offers magnificent diving spots. If you have opted for a sailboat charter in Saint Martin over 10 meters, we recommend that you anchor your boat far from the coast and go there by dinghy. The beach is sheltered from the wind and offers turquoise, very clear and calm waters. If you berth on the island, take advantage of the magnificent, well-marked hiking trails that will give you access to numerous points of view towards Orient Bay.
• Grand Case: Moor your rented boat, sailboat or catamaran from Saint Martin in Grand Case and discover its French gourmet restaurants and art galleries. You will also find colorful houses and the heavenly beach of Anse Heureuse, where you can enjoy the sun.
• Simpson Bay: Renowned for its impressive lagoon, Simpson Bay offers its visitors a protected environment with a very rich flora that you can admire from your yacht charter, sailboat charter or catamaran charter in Saint Martin.
• Tintamarre: Located less than 2 nautical miles northeast of Saint Martin, Tintamarre is a wild and uninhabited island whose coastline is part of the Saint Martin National Nature Reserve. Take a catamaran charter from Saint Martin (French side) and stop off at the beautiful beach of Baie Blanche on the west of the island. You can also visit the tropical forest that covers most of the island and is home to many species of sea birds and turtles.
• Marigot: The largest city in the French part of Saint Martin. Leave your boat, sailboat or catamaran at the anchorage and visit Fort Louis, which dominates the bay and offers a beautiful view of the Leeward Islands. Some luxury stores have also set up shop in the city, so you can take a look if you like!

When to visit Saint Martin?

Unlike the neighboring islands, Saint Martin does not really have a rainy season. The temperatures are mild all year round (between 22°C and 30°C) with a tropical climate, making it an ideal destination for a catamaran cruise in Saint Martin. On the windward side, the trade winds blow from June to August and from December to March and are very rarely stronger than force 6. If you are wondering when to go to Saint Martin, we advise against sailing during the hurricane season from September to November.

Here is an average of the temperatures experienced in recent years in Saint Martin:

The documents required to rent a boat without a skipper in Saint-Martin

The coastal boat license is not necessary if you opt for a bareboat yacht charter in Saint Martin. To charter a catamaran of 45 feet (14 meters) or more or a monohull sailboat of 62 feet (19 meters) or more without a skipper, you will need the offshore license or equivalent.

Useful information for your yacht charter in Saint-Martin

What language is spoken in Saint Martin?

In Saint Martin, two main languages are spoken depending on the part of the island: French on the French side, and English on the Dutch side. However, English is widely understood in both parts of the island, facilitating communication with international visitors.

Which currency should be used in Saint Martin?

On the French side, the Euro (EUR) is the official currency, while the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) is used on the Dutch side. However, the US dollar (USD) is widely accepted throughout the island, making it convenient for visitors.

How to get to Saint Martin?

The island of Saint Martin is well served with direct flights from Paris to Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. This airport is close to the main sailing areas, making it easy for pleasure boaters to access their departure bases. From France, three airlines offer flights to Saint Martin (Air France, Corsair and Air Caraïbes).

How do I finalize the booking of my boat in Saint Martin?

Once we have received your charter request, an advisor will contact you by telephone to understand your sailing plans. They will then send you a list of suggested boats by email. Once you have found a boat, you can pay a deposit via your customer area to confirm the charter and reserve the boat.

Where is the Saint-Martin marina?

The marina is located in Marigot Bay (the French capital of the island) and has a modern and well-equipped marina very close to the city center, which will make it easier for you to stock up. A catamaran charter in Saint Martin with or without a skipper will allow you to choose from a range of sailing itineraries depending on the duration of your cruise. In a week or more, you can sail to Saint Barth, Anguilla, or the British Virgin Islands, depending on your sailing preferences.

Can you go by boat to the British Virgin Islands from Saint Martin?

If you rent a boat from Saint-Martin, it is absolutely forbidden to go to the British Virgin Islands, under penalty of immobilization of the boat and a heavy fine. This territory has decided to prohibit access to foreign yacht charters in order to encourage charters from local charterers. If you wish to sail in the British Virgin Islands, we recommend renting a boat directly in the islands.