7 Days · Recommended Route
Suggested 7-day Sint Maarten itinerary
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- Day 6
- Day 7
Caribbean & Bahamas
Sint Maarten Yacht Charter
Sint Maarten represents the Dutch side of the island and serves as the operational heart of northern Caribbean yachting. For visitors organising a yacht charter within the Caribbean and Bahamas region, Princess Juliana International (SXM) acts as the region's long-haul jet gateway, whilst the Simpson Bay Lagoon marinas sit directly behind it. Additionally, Port de Plaisance is established in this destination as a marina on record.
The case for the coast
Why charter a yacht in Sint Maarten
On the water
Privacy, pace, and places you cannot reach by road.
Introduction
Why charter a yacht in Sint Maarten.
01
A luxury yacht charter Sint Maarten rewards guests with a combination you cannot replicate from a hotel: total privacy, an itinerary that flexes around your party, and access to coves, restaurants and reefs that road-bound travellers simply never see. Blue Ocean Club curates Sint Maarten cruises across motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and superyachts — every option live-priced against the global live availability feed and presented with our 100% best-price guarantee.
02
Sint Maarten sits at the heart of one of the world's great cruising grounds. Days unfold at the pace of the sea: long swims off the platform, lunch at a beach club where your concierge has held the best table, an afternoon cruise to a quieter anchorage, cocktails on the bow as the light softens. The captain rewrites tomorrow's plan based on tonight's weather and your party's mood.
03
Blue Ocean Club matches each crewed yacht charter Sint Maarten enquiry to yachts whose published operating area, specifications and current availability fit the requested dates. The final shortlist is checked against the yacht's authorised charter information before contract, and route details remain subject to operating conditions and the captain's final approval.
In depth
Sint Maarten charter, in depth.
Why charter from Sint Maarten
SXM takes transatlantic and US east-coast aircraft that cannot land at St Barths, and the yacht infrastructure behind Simpson Bay Lagoon is the densest in the eastern Caribbean: refit yards, provisioning, crew agencies and superyacht berths within a few kilometres of the terminal.
A separate identity from St Martin
Sint Maarten (Dutch, Kingdom of the Netherlands) and St Martin (French collectivity) are distinct jurisdictions with separate clearance, marinas and harbour authorities. Blue Ocean Club holds them as separate destination records and connects them through verified geographic and journey relationships rather than merging them.
Season
December to April is peak. Hurricane season runs June to November and most charter fleets reposition.
What to Expect
Yacht charter in Sint Maarten — what to expect.
Season, route, hull and investment — the four things every guest asks before we lock a yacht.
01
The season
The established charter window used for planning in this cruising region is December through April. Conditions still vary by exact dates and route, so the captain's forecast and operating advice govern the final itinerary.
02
The itinerary
The strongest Sint Maarten itinerary is built from destination-specific marinas, anchorages and places that are actually available for the requested dates. The route remains flexible around weather, berth availability, local restrictions and the yacht's operating limits.
03
The yacht
The most suitable yacht for Sint Maarten depends on guest count, layout preference, draft, range, speed and the intended itinerary. Compare the verified specifications on the individual yacht listings rather than relying on a generic destination-wide yacht type.
04
The investment
Charter pricing in Sint Maarten depends on the yacht, dates, operating area and the final charter terms. Verified yacht rates are shown on individual listings when available; taxes, operating expenses, provisioning and any other booking-specific charges are confirmed before contract rather than estimated from a global template. Minimum charter duration is yacht- and date-specific.
Ashore and on the water
Things to do in Sint Maarten
Experiences
Things to do on your Sint Maarten charter.
From quiet anchorages to time ashore — a planning sample to adapt around the yacht, local conditions and verified availability.
- 01Onboard time
Swimming, dining and relaxation shaped around the facilities of the yacht selected
- 02Water activities
Use the water toys and sports equipment actually carried by the yacht, where local rules allow
- 03Shore visits
Add towns, beaches, restaurants or cultural stops when verified locally and available for your dates
- 04Private dining
Plan menus with the yacht's confirmed crew and the provisions available for the charter
- 05Flexible days
Keep the route responsive to weather, berth availability and the captain's operating decisions
Routes
Sint Maarten itineraries and nearby destinations
Cruising chart
Sint Maarten from above.
Satellite view of the coast — ports, headlands and island day-anchors that can shape a week on the water.
Facts, seasons, pricing
Sint Maarten charter facts, seasons and pricing
Best Time to Visit
When to charter in Sint Maarten.
The prime window for a yacht charter Sint Maarten runs December through April.
Getting aboard
Arriving in Sint Maarten: routes, berths and transfers
Sample Itineraries
Suggested routes for Sint Maarten.
Starting points — every itinerary is rewritten around your party, weather and the captain's local knowledge.
Private shortlist
Plan your week in Sint Maarten.
Share a few details and we will return a private yacht shortlist — availability, APA guidance and a clear next step — within one working day.
Marinas & Ports
Marinas & ports in Sint Maarten.
Hover a marker for a quick brief — click through for the full marina guide, berthing notes and nearby cruising.
- 01
IGY Isle de Sol
Berthing and yacht services at IGY Isle de Sol.
- 02
Simpson Bay Marina
Berthing and yacht services at Simpson Bay Marina.
- 03
Port de Plaisance
Berthing and yacht services at Port de Plaisance.
Stay and dine
Where to stay and dine in Sint Maarten
Restaurants
Real restaurants worth a tender in Sint Maarten.
Tables held in advance by your concierge — addresses, phones and sites below, from beachfront classics to Michelin dining rooms. Request via the enquiry form.
01
Concierge table
02
Concierge table
03
Concierge table
On the water
Anchorages, recommended yachts and insider guidance
Anchorages
Best anchorages & bays in Sint Maarten.
Hover a marker for a quick brief — click to open the approach notes below. The protected coves and roadsteads your captain will plot into your week.
Loading anchorage chart…
- Where to find it
- Captain confirms approach for Simpson Bay outer roadstead.
- Where to find it
- Captain confirms approach for Philipsburg Great Bay.
- Where to find it
- Captain confirms approach for Tintamarre (French side).
Local Insider Tips
Insider knowledge for your Sint Maarten charter.
- The Simpson Bay bridge opens on a published schedule — check the day's times before planning a lagoon departure.
- Clearance into Dutch Sint Maarten and French St Martin is separate; allow time if you are crossing the same day.
Questions
Sint Maarten charter planning detail and FAQs
Questions
Sint Maarten yacht charter FAQs.
How much does a yacht charter in Sint Maarten cost?+
The final cost depends on the yacht, dates, itinerary and charter terms. Current yacht rates are shown on individual listings when verified pricing is available, and the complete commercial structure is confirmed before contract.
What yacht type is suitable for Sint Maarten?+
The best fit depends on guest count, layout, draft, range, cruising speed and the itinerary you want to operate. Compare the verified specifications of yachts available for your dates rather than relying on a generic destination rule.
When is the best time to charter in Sint Maarten?+
Seasonality depends on the precise cruising area and dates. Where Blue Ocean Club holds destination-specific seasonal evidence it is shown on this guide; otherwise current conditions are confirmed as part of itinerary planning.
What is included in a crewed yacht charter in Sint Maarten?+
Inclusions and additional expenses vary by yacht and contract. The signed charter agreement and booking-specific quotation are authoritative for the crew, equipment, operating expenses, taxes and other charges that apply to your charter.
Can the Sint Maarten itinerary be customised?+
Yes. The proposed route can be shaped around your priorities, subject to weather, local rules, berth or anchorage availability, the yacht's operating limits and the captain's final safety decisions.
What entry or cruising requirements apply in Sint Maarten?+
Entry, customs and cruising requirements can depend on nationality, yacht flag, embarkation point and itinerary. Requirements should be checked against current official guidance for the exact trip rather than inferred from a generic destination template.
Next step
Plan your Sint Maarten charter
Why Blue Ocean Club
Why charter Sint Maarten with us.
Independent brokerage with live inventory, transparent pricing, and a concierge that works the coast before you step aboard.
- 01Speed
Real-time availability
Live availability feed across 2,000+ yachts — hold and confirm in hours, not weeks.
- 02Trust
100% best-price guarantee
We do not mark up the charter fee. The price you see is the operator's price.
- 03Integrity
Independent advice
Our recommendations follow the boat, not a commission — owners pay us, not introducing brokers.
- 04Craft
Concierge depth
Restaurants, transfers, private guides, helicopters and beach clubs handled long before you board.
Tell us your dates and party — we return three live options within the day.
Ready When You Are
Ready to charter in Sint Maarten?
Tell us your dates, party size and what makes a perfect day on the water. We reply within one working day with a curated shortlist and a transparent quote.
Why you can trust this page
How our Sint Maarten guide is compiled.
Prepared by the Blue Ocean Club editorial team from the cited destination and charter sources available for this page. This page is maintained by the Blue Ocean Club charter desk — editorial content, not an independent certification.
- Experience
Destination intelligence coverage
This guide currently connects 3 berthing options. Counts describe records available to the page, not first-hand visits or live availability.
- Expertise
Editorial provenance
Prepared by the Blue Ocean Club editorial team from the cited destination and charter sources available for this page.
- Authoritativeness
Where the facts come from
No curated citation set is attached to this destination yet. Unsupported source claims are not added as a fallback.
- Trust
Last data refresh
The underlying destination record was last refreshed 30 July 2026. A data refresh is not presented as a human verification event.
- Limitation
What we never state
We do not treat database inventory as live availability and do not present unverified operator pricing or operator terms as confirmed facts. Availability, rates, taxes, berth suitability and charter terms are confirmed for the specific enquiry.
Planning intelligence
Planning a charter in Sint Maarten
Everything you would need to decide on this destination today — seasons, suitability, yachts, aircraft, demand and booking pressure. Each line carries its confidence level, and anything we cannot support says so.
When to go to Sint Maarten
Climate, travel seasons, charter seasons and the operational wind and storm patterns that actually apply here.
Climate
- Average air temperature
- Circa 25–31 °C year roundCorroborated
- Average sea temperature
- Circa 26–29 °C year roundCorroborated
- Rainfall trend
- Driest from December to April; wettest from August to NovemberCorroborated
- Sunshine
- High year roundCorroborated
- Daylight
- Circa 11–13 hours, with little seasonal variationVerified
Travel seasons
- High season
- December to AprilCorroborated
- Shoulder season
- May and NovemberCorroborated
- Low season
- August to OctoberCorroborated
Charter seasons
- Best yacht season
- December to AprilCorroborated
- Best sailing season
- December to April, on the trade windsCorroborated
- Best diving season
- Year round, with best visibility in the dry seasonIndicative
- Best family season
- December to AprilIndicative
Operational
- Hurricane season
- Officially 1 June to 30 November, with peak activity from mid-August to late OctoberVerifiedsourceMost charter operations pause or relocate in the peak weeks.
- Trade winds
- Consistent east to north-easterly trades, typically strongest from December to MarchCorroborated
Who Sint Maarten suits
Rated on stored evidence, not opinion: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Limited or Unavailable.
Suitability
- Family
- Very GoodCorroborated
- Romantic
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Honeymoon
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Adventure
- Very GoodCorroborated
- Nightlife
- Very GoodCorroborated
- Wellness
- Very GoodCorroborated
- Diving
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Fishing
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Luxury shopping
- GoodCorroborated
- Culture
- GoodCorroborated
- Food
- Very GoodCorroborated
- Beach
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Island hopping
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Corporate retreat
- GoodCorroborated
- Ultra luxury
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Remote escape
- Very GoodCorroborated
Verified on the ground
- Fine dining
- GoodCorroborated2 restaurants verified on file for this destination.
- Ultra-luxury hotels
- GoodCorroborated1 luxury hotels verified on file for this destination.
Which yacht suits this destination
Hull types and charter formats that the cruising ground and berth infrastructure actually support.
Ideal yacht types
- Motor Yacht
- Very GoodCorroboratedComfortable between islands, though open-water legs can be lively on the trades.
- Sailing Yacht
- ExcellentCorroboratedThe trade-wind belt is one of the world’s classic sailing grounds.
- Catamaran
- ExcellentCorroboratedStability and shallow draft suit the reef anchorages.
- Explorer Yacht
- GoodCorroboratedRange is useful for the outer islands.
- Sport Yacht
- LimitedCorroboratedOpen-water crossings make small sport hulls uncomfortable.
- Mega Yacht
- Very GoodCorroboratedSuperyacht berths concentrated in a small number of ports.
Charter formats
- Week charter
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Weekend charter
- GoodCorroborated
- Day charter
- GoodCorroborated
- Crewed charter
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Bareboat
- ExcellentCorroborated
- Flotilla
- GoodCorroborated
Which aircraft can reach it
Classified from our airport graph. Runway limits are never inferred — an unknown stays unknown.
Aircraft access
- Basis
- Classified from the Blue Ocean Club airport graphCorroborated
Arrival gateways
- Princess Juliana International (SXM)
- Private-jet capableCorroborated
How busy it gets
Demand and occupancy trends rather than invented prices.
Demand
- Typical demand
- Concentrated in the December to April dry seasonCorroborated
- Peak demand
- Christmas, New Year and the February and Easter weeksCorroborated
- Quiet season
- August to October, during the hurricane peakCorroborated
- Event-driven demand
- Regatta weeks and New Year lift demand sharplyCorroborated
- Booking pressure
- Very high for Christmas and New YearIndicative
- Marina occupancy trend
- Festive-period berths in the principal ports are held a year aheadIndicative
- Airport congestion trend
- Heaviest in the festive weeksIndicative
- Hotel occupancy trend
- Peaks December to AprilIndicative
When to book
Planning horizons and waiting-list risk, confidence-labelled.
Booking
- Typical booking window
- Nine to eighteen months for the festive weeksIndicative
- Suggested planning horizon
- Twelve months, and longer for New YearIndicative
- High season recommendation
- Confirm Christmas and New Year at least a year aheadIndicative
- Last-minute suitability
- Realistic in May and November onlyIndicative
- Waiting-list risk
- Very high over New YearIndicative
Travelling with children
Described objectively — ages, access, indoor options and medical proximity.
Travelling with children
- Young children
- Short island hops, though open-water legs can be livelyCorroborated
- Teenagers
- Diving, watersports and beach days throughoutCorroborated
- Accessible beaches
- Extensive sand beaches with tender accessCorroborated
- Nature
- Reef, turtle and marine-park experiencesCorroborated
- Rainy day
- Limited indoor options outside the larger islandsCorroborated
- Medical facilities nearby
- Varies sharply by island; the larger islands hold full hospitalsCorroboratedMedical proximity is confirmed island by island before departure.
- Family transfers
- Road, tender and inter-island air transfers on recordCorroborated
Marine protection and responsible cruising
Verified reserves, eco-marina infrastructure and conservation programmes only.
Sustainability
- Protected reefs
- National marine parks with mandatory mooring buoys in several islandsCorroboratedAnchoring on coral is prohibited where park moorings exist.
- Marine reserves
- Multiple island nations operate designated marine reservesCorroborated
- Responsible anchoring
- Sand-only anchoring is the standing rule over reef groundCorroborated
- Wildlife protection
- Turtle nesting seasons restrict beach access in placesCorroborated
Decision support
Is Sint Maarten the right choice for your charter?
Why choose Sint Maarten
The Eastern Caribbean combines dependable trade-wind sailing, short inter-island passages and some of the best reef and beach anchorages in the world, inside a dry season that runs exactly opposite to the Mediterranean’s.
Who should look elsewhere: Anyone planning between August and October, when the hurricane peak makes reliable operations impossible, and guests who want dense cultural or shopping infrastructure.
How long to stay: Seven nights covers one island group. Ten to fourteen allows two groups without long overnight passages.
Luxury highlights
- Private-island beach clubs reachable only by tender
- World-class reef diving from the yacht
- New Year in the Caribbean superyacht ports
Seasonal highlights
- Peak dry-season trade winds from December to March
- Regatta season in the spring
- Quiet, warm water in May
Ideal itineraries
- The British Virgin Islands over seven nights
- St Barths, St Martin and Anguilla
- Antigua and the northern Leewards
Luxury experience
Plan the whole Sint Maarten holiday
Arrival, transfer, shore stay, embarkation, cruising, dining and departure for Sint Maarten — only the stages we can evidence.
Who is travelling
Every decision explained in order, from gateway to disembarkation.
What matters most
Selecting a profile changes the order and emphasis only. The facts, sources and confidence levels never change.
Day by day, gateway to gateway
Cruising days follow our published itinerary “5-Day Philipsburg Yacht Charter: St. Barth's & St. Maarten Luxury Escape”.
Day 1 — Arrival and shore stay
- arrival
Arrive Princess Juliana International (SXM)
Sint Maarten
- hotel
Overnight at Belmond La Samanna
The established luxury base for guests joining a yacht at Simpson Bay or Marigot.
- arrival
Day 2 — Philipsburg, St. Maarten
- cruising
Anchor at Great Bay
Your luxury Philipsburg yacht charter begins. After boarding, settle in and enjoy a welcome cocktail as you prepare for your Caribbean adventure.
- restaurants
Ocean 82
- experiences
Welcome champagne and canapés on board
- experiences
Briefing on the yacht's amenities
- experiences
Sunset views from Great Bay
- cruising
Day 3 — Gustavia, St. Barth's
- cruising
Anchor at Gustavia Harbour
Sail to the exclusive island of St. Barth's and anchor in the chic harbour of Gustavia. Explore boutique shops and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere.
- restaurants
Bonito
- experiences
Luxury shopping in Gustavia
- experiences
Visiting Fort Gustav and its lighthouse
- experiences
Relaxing at Shell Beach
- cruising
Day 4 — Anse de Colombier, St. Barth's
- cruising
Anchor at Anse de Colombier
A short cruise brings you to the pristine and secluded Anse de Colombier, often called 'Rockefeller's Beach'. This bay is only accessible by boat or a challenging hike.
- restaurants
Onboard chef's special
- experiences
Snorkelling with sea turtles
- experiences
Relaxing on the untouched white sand beach
- experiences
Kayaking in the tranquil waters
- cruising
Day 5 — Orient Bay, St. Martin
- cruising
Anchor at Orient Bay
Return to St. Martin and anchor off the vibrant Orient Bay, known for its long sandy beach and array of beach clubs.
- restaurants
La Table d'Antoine
- experiences
Watersports activities (jet skis, parasailing)
- experiences
Relaxing at a chic beach club
- experiences
Swimming in the warm Caribbean Sea
- cruising
Day 6 — Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
- cruising
Anchor at Simpson Bay Lagoon
Conclude your luxury yacht charter in the bustling Simpson Bay. Enjoy a final swim or some last-minute shopping before disembarking.
- restaurants
Skipjack's Seafood & Bar
- experiences
Watching superyachts in Simpson Bay Lagoon
- experiences
Last-minute duty-free shopping
- experiences
Relaxing on Simpson Bay Beach
- cruising
Source itinerary: 5-Day Philipsburg Yacht Charter: St. Barth's & St. Maarten Luxury Escape (5 days)
Arrival
Which gateway do guests fly into for Sint Maarten Yacht Charter?
Princess Juliana International (SXM)
Sint Maarten
Handles private-jet arrivals.
- Record: airport · verified
Shore stay
Where do guests stay the night before boarding?
Beachfront resort on Baie Longue, on the French side of the island a short drive from SXM.
The established luxury base for guests joining a yacht at Simpson Bay or Marigot.
- Record: hotel · corroborated · source
Dining
Where do guests eat ashore?
Beach restaurant on Simpson Bay beach, close to the marinas and the airport.
Casual crew-and-guest lunch minutes from the Simpson Bay berths.
- Record: restaurant · indicative
Boardwalk restaurant on Great Bay, Philipsburg.
Convenient for yachts lying off Great Bay rather than in the lagoon.
- Record: restaurant · indicative
Answered
What we can answer about Sint Maarten
Each answer is drawn from a certified record in our knowledge graph, with the evidence and its confidence shown. Where we hold nothing, we say so rather than estimate.
Planning Sint Maarten
The questions our records can answer with evidence today.
aviation · verified
Which airport is best for reaching Sint Maarten?
Sint Maarten is served by Princess Juliana International (SXM) in our graph. Princess Juliana International handles private-jet arrivals.
- Airport: Princess Juliana International (SXM) · verified
ai planning · verified
Where should I spend a week if I start in Sint Maarten?
5-Day Philipsburg Yacht Charter: St. Barth's & St. Maarten Luxury Escape runs 5 days from Sint Maarten, calling at Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Gustavia, St. Barth's, Anse de Colombier, St. Barth's and Orient Bay, St. Martin.
- Itinerary: 5-Day Philipsburg Yacht Charter: St. Barth's & St. Maarten Luxury Escape · verified
aviation · verified
Can I arrive by private jet for a charter in Sint Maarten?
Princess Juliana International (SXM) is recorded as jet-capable for Sint Maarten. Slots, handling and FBO availability are confirmed by the operator, not by us.
- Jet capable: Princess Juliana International (SXM) · verified
destination planning · verified
How many days should I plan for a charter in Sint Maarten?
Our published route 5-Day Philipsburg Yacht Charter: St. Barth's & St. Maarten Luxury Escape runs 5 days across 5 stops, which is the duration we can evidence for Sint Maarten.
- Itinerary: 5-Day Philipsburg Yacht Charter: St. Barth's & St. Maarten Luxury Escape · 5 days · verified
luxury lifestyle · corroborated
Where should I stay in Sint Maarten before boarding?
Belmond La Samanna are the shore-stay records we hold for Sint Maarten.
- Hotel: Belmond La Samanna · corroborated · source
destination planning · indicative
When is the best time to charter in Sint Maarten?
The dated activity we hold for Sint Maarten falls in March, driven by St Maarten Heineken Regatta. We do not forecast weather or sea state.
- Event: St Maarten Heineken Regatta · March · indicative
events · indicative
Which events are worth planning a charter around in Sint Maarten?
St Maarten Heineken Regatta (March) are on record for Sint Maarten. Event-week berths book far ahead; we do not hold berth availability.
- Event: St Maarten Heineken Regatta · indicative
destination planning · verified
Is Sint Maarten better for a weekend or a full week?
The route we publish for Sint Maarten is 5 days — a short charter covers it; we hold no longer documented route from here.
- Itinerary length: 5 days · verified
luxury lifestyle · indicative
What is the nightlife on record in Sint Maarten?
Ocean Lounge is on record in Sint Maarten.
- Record: Ocean Lounge · indicative
events · indicative
When is St Maarten Heineken Regatta in Sint Maarten?
St Maarten Heineken Regatta is recorded in March (regatta). Exact dates are set by the organiser.
- Event month: St Maarten Heineken Regatta · March · indicative
Arrival
Arriving in Sint Maarten
Gateways, transfer times and the door-to-deck plan — mapped against the berths you would actually use.
Sint Maarten on the map
Marinas, arrival gateways, stays, dining and family options — toggle the layers you care about.
Airports, FBOs and arrival options
Princess Juliana International (SXM)
- City
- Sint Maarten
- Private-jet capable
- Yes
FBOs: Signature Aviation Sint Maarten, Arrindell Aviation
From private jet to private yacht
Door-to-deck planning with our aviation partner Limitless Sky. Times and prices are indicative, never a quote.
Composing the journey…
Ashore
Ashore in Sint Maarten
Where our clients stay, eat and spend their days off the yacht — each entry held as a verified record, not a listing.
Hotels and resorts
The established luxury base for guests joining a yacht at Simpson Bay or Marigot.
sourceRestaurants and beach clubs
Casual crew-and-guest lunch minutes from the Simpson Bay berths.
Convenient for yachts lying off Great Bay rather than in the lagoon.