Essential St Martin & Surrounding Islands Travel Information

Welcome to St. Martin, the dazzling dual-nation gem of the Leeward Islands where French refinement meets Dutch vitality. Divided between French Saint-Martin in the north and Dutch Sint Maarten in the south, this vibrant island serves as the ultimate gateway for a Caribbean yacht charter. Surrounded by turquoise anchorages, pristine nature reserves, and effortless access to nearby treasures like Anguilla and St. Barths, a private yacht charter here offers an unmatched blend of secluded beach hopping and world-class shoreside experiences.

Destination:

There is so much to discover and explore in St. Martin and its surrounding cruising grounds! Known as the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean," St. Martin pairs its exceptional gastronomic scene with 37 white-sand beaches, rolling green hills, and bustling harbor towns. Beyond its immediate coastlines lies a yachting playground: a short sail brings you to Anguilla’s pristine reefs, St. Barths’ high-end boutiques and harbor, or the peaceful marine reserve of Île Tintamarre. Whether you choose to relax on deck, enjoy water sports in calm cays, or sample world-class dining onshore, a private yacht provides the ultimate freedom to experience the best of these Leeward Islands.

Culture

The culture of St. Martin is uniquely rich, shaped by over 350 years of peaceful coexistence between two nations and enriched by vibrant Caribbean traditions. Despite the lack of a physical border between the French and Dutch sides, each half retains its distinct personality.

• A Friendly Greeting: Island culture is polite and welcoming. Greeting locals with a warm "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" before asking a question or ordering is standard etiquette across both sides of the island.

• The French Side Flair: Saint-Martin reflects a relaxed, sophisticated French lifestyle. Dining is an art form; meals are unhurried, wine is appreciated, and a leisurely pace is celebrated.

• The Dutch Side Energy: Sint Maarten is energetic and friendly, heavily influenced by international travel and duty-free commerce, offering a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.

• Island Dress Code: Casual resort wear is the norm. Bathing suits belong strictly on your yacht or at the beach; please put on a shirt or cover-up and shoes when entering shops, towns, or casual restaurants. Fine dining venues in Grand Case or Gustavia call for elegant island attire (smart casual).

• Respecting the Environment: Many surrounding anchorages, including the St. Martin Nature Reserve and Anguilla's marine parks, are strictly protected. Charter guests are encouraged to practice reef-safe habits and respect marine life.

Travel and Customs

Airport & Airlines

• Primary Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side is the main hub for starting itineraries in the region, accommodating direct flights from major North American and European hubs.

• Regional Airport: L'Espérance Airport (SFG) in Grand Case on the French side serves regional inter-island flights, including short hops to St. Barths and Guadeloupe.

• Major Airlines: SXM is serviced by major international carriers including Air France, KLM, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and Air Canada.

Ground Transfers

Upon arrival at SXM, private pre-arranged transfers or passenger vans offer the smoothest connection to your marina. Uber and other ride-sharing services do not operate on St. Martin. Traditional local taxis are widely available outside the airport terminal; they operate on a flat-rate zone system, and carrying physical cash (USD or EUR) is recommended.

Note: Private airport transfers can be seamlessly arranged by our charter team prior to your arrival.

Customs & Immigration

A valid passport is required for all international visitors, and it is recommended that passports do not expire within 6 months of your travel dates. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, and Australia generally do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days.

Because your yacht itinerary may cross maritime boundaries between Sint Maarten (Dutch), Saint-Martin (French), Anguilla (British Overseas Territory), and St. Barthélemy (French Overseas Collectivity), your yacht captain will handle all vessel clearance and guest entry procedures during your charter.

Traveling with Children

Any person under the age of majority (depending on destination) is considered a minor. If a minor is traveling alone, with only one parent, or with friends/relatives, they should carry a signed and notarized travel consent letter. The specific rules and cut-offs for minors traveling with or without consent vary depending on the destination and the transportation method.

Marinas

Our primary meeting and embarkation locations in the St. Martin area include:

• Simpson Bay & Lagoon (Sint Maarten): IGY Simpson Bay Marina, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, and Palapa Marina.

• Marigot Area (Saint-Martin): Marina Fort Louis, located right below the historic Fort Louis overlooking Marigot Bay.

• Porto Cupecoy (Sint Maarten): Marina at Porto Cupecoy, offering a Mediterranean-style village setting near the French border.

The exact yacht meeting location will be confirmed by your broker approximately two weeks prior to your charter.

Currency & Banking

• Currency Accepted: 

Dutch Side (Sint Maarten): The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but the US Dollar (USD) is universally accepted everywhere and serves as the practical daily currency.

French Side (Saint-Martin & St. Barths): The official currency is the Euro (EUR). US Dollars are widely accepted at most establishments, though exchange rates offered in small shops may vary slightly.

• Best Way To Exchange Money: Most charter guests find little need to exchange large sums of currency, as USD and major credit cards are accepted across both sides of the island. ATMs dispensing both USD and Euros are widely available near major marinas and primary towns. 

• Card Vs Cash: Major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at almost all luxury hotels, fine dining establishments, upscale boutiques, and marinas. However, carrying cash (USD and EUR) is essential for small beach bars, taxi drivers, local markets, and tipping.

• Tipping: 

  • Restaurants: 10% to 15% is standard. Always check your bill first, as some French-side restaurants include a service charge (service compris), though adding a modest extra tip for great service is appreciated.

  • Taxis: 10% to 15% of the fare is customary.

  • Yacht Gratuity: For luxury crewed yacht charters, an industry-standard tip of 15% to 20% of the base charter fee is customary, scaled based on your satisfaction with the crew's service.

Electrical and Communications

• Power

Dutch Side (Sint Maarten): Uses standard North American Type A and Type B outlets (110V / 60Hz).

French Side (Saint-Martin & St. Barths): Uses European Type C and Type E outlets (220V / 50Hz).

Most modern charter yachts carry universal adapters or onboard transformers to support all guest electronics. Let your broker know in advance if you have medical devices (such as CPAP machines) requiring specific power configurations.

• Connectivity

Cellular coverage across St. Martin, Anguilla, and St. Barths is generally strong near shore. Check with your cellular provider before departing to activate an international roaming plan or day pass.

"Internet speeds can sometimes be weak in certain cruising areas, so it's best to download any important and necessary files ahead of time, such as music and videos. If you plan to use your phone's cellular roaming, you may want to consider purchasing an e-sim, which is usually much less expensive than your phone provider's roaming fees. Airalo is an e-sim provider, and if you use the code TCYC9670 when you sign up, you will receive a $3 credit. Tip: it's best to turn off cellular file syncing, such as photos, so the files only sync when you have a Wi-Fi connection."

Weather:

• December to April (Dry Season / Peak): Postcard-perfect weather with comfortable temperatures averaging 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F). Steady easterly trade winds ("Christmas Winds") provide ideal sailing conditions and refreshing evening breezes.

• May to June (Shoulder Season): Warm and pleasant with daytime temperatures averaging 27°C to 30°C (80°F to 86°F). Seas are calmer, anchorages are quieter, and the weather remains predominantly dry.

• July to November (Summer / Green Season): Warmer and more humid, averaging 29°C to 32°C (84°F to 90°F). While this season coincides with Atlantic tropical activity, it brings glassy, calm seas ideal for water sports.

Best Time to charter:

For lively energy, brisk sailing breezes, and vibrant nightlife, November  through April is magnificent. If your ideal vacation involves quieter anchorages, seamless restaurant bookings in Grand Case, and glassy, calm waters ideal for paddleboarding and snorkeling in Anguilla, the late spring and early summer months of May to  July  offer an exceptional balance of perfect weather and peaceful cruising.  August to October are also possible, but hot temperatures, less wind, and the chance of hurricanes make it a less desirable time to charter.

Marine Life:

The Leeward Islands surrounding St. Martin are home to rich, protected marine ecosystems. Snorkeling around Rocher Créole (Creole Rock) off Grand Case offers clear views of parrotfish, spotted eagle rays, and vibrant sea fans.

At nearby Île Tintamarre, charter guests can swim alongside wild green sea turtles grazing in shallow seagrass beds. Further north off Anguilla, Prickly Pear Cays and Sandy Island offer pristine coral gardens teeming with reef fish, spiny lobsters, and friendly nurse sharks resting in shallow sandy alcoves.

Packing Tips

• In addition to our main packing tips, we suggest the following for this destination:

  
  

• Strictly Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Help protect the fragile marine ecosystems around Tintamarre and Anguilla by packing strictly mineral-based, reef-safe sun protection.

• Smart Casual Evening Wear: Chic dresses, linen shirts, and smart footwear for dining onshore at high-end restaurants in Grand Case or St. Barths.

• Rash Guard / UV Shirt: Essential for long hours of snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding under the intense Caribbean sun.

• Soft-Sided Luggage: Strictly mandatory for yacht life, as hard suitcases cannot bend to fit inside cabin storage lockers.

Your Journey Awaits:

We want your yacht charter to be absolutely flawless. If you have any questions about this destination or need assistance fine-tuning your arrival logistics, we are always happy to help. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time!

For more destination highlights, official travel updates, and local events, you can also visit the official St. Martin Tourist Board at:  https://www.st-martin.org/ 

Frequently Asked Questions