Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten is a favourite yachting destination in the Caribbean. Boosted by the trade winds, the island offers up the perfect conditions for sailing, safe anchorages and the best in marine businesses.
MARIGOT BAY
18°04.01’N - 63°05.43’W
Located on the northern part of the island, Marigot Bay offers a pleasant and well protected anchorage area, except in the event of a northern swell. Anchoring is prohibited in the bay within 50m of the coast, except within the mooring area (ZMEL in French). Port of Saint-Martin has installed 75 white mooring buoys (mooring fee charged) for yachts up to 20m long and 20t. Mooring buoys should be booked online at least 48 hours in advance. Beyond 50m from the coast outside the ZMEL, boats can anchor, subject to payment of a fee (Useful info section/Mooring fees).
YACHT SERVICES
Customs clearance can be done at the Ferry Terminal in Marigot, the Commercial port in Galisbay, Island Water World at Marina Royale, and Ile Marine at Sandy Ground. Custom and port procedures within the administrative limits of the Port can be done also online: https://clairance.portdemarigot.com.
Most kinds of yacht work can be managed around the marina/mooring areas - in Marigot and Sandy Ground. There are also excellent facilities for yacht provisioning.
Marina Fort-Louis (+ 590 590 77 31 26) - Opening out onto the ocean, easily accessible from the sea and just a few steps away from downtown shops and restaurants, the marina offers 150 slips with 12ft draft for yachts up to 260 ft. The Harbor Master’s Office and the water/power connections are fully renovated.
Island Water World (+ 590 590 51 32 06, accessible by dinghy) - Specializing in yachting equipment and fittings in the Caribbean for more than 40 years, Island Water World welcomes you into its store, covering an impressive 210m2, in Marigot, just a stone’s throw from the Marina Royale. Valérie and her team are on-hand to advise you on a huge range of fittings. You can find two other IWW stores in the Dutch side, in Cole Bay and Philipsburg. Duty-free purchases. Delivery to Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Polypat Caraïbes (+ 590 690 58 58 20) - Located next to the Sandy Ground bridge on the lagoon side, Polypat Caraïbes is the oldest shipyard on the French part of the island. With a 20-ton lift, Fred and his team are on-hand for the maintenance, repair, storage of your boat during the hurricane season. A Flexiteek agent for the Lesser Antilles.
Geminga (+ 590 690 88 59 49) - Located inside the lagoon, SW of Marina Port La Royale, Geminga Boat Yard, has been serving boaters since 1996 with a 30-tons capable trailer with many onsite recommended service, refit & repair companies (diesel and outboard, polyester/epoxy, dinghy, refrigeration. There is also a yacht broker and a commercial diver.
Caraïbes Diesel Services (+ 590 690 76 96 52) - Official Volvo Penta and Cat Marine Power agents on the northern islands for more than 20 years, Erwan and his team specialize in marine mechanics and are on-hand to help you with the installation, maintenance or repairs for your diesel engine (including MAN, Perkins and Yanmar) and Northern Lights generators. A huge inventory of spare parts available in their workshop on Geminga boat yard.
Sunshine Sailing (+ 590 690 88 49 44) - Located in Geminga, David specializes in marine refrigeration
and electrical systems and will install and repair your fridges, air-conditioning and watermakers onboard.
MIB Yacht Services (07 49 42 89 57) is a member of the Sunbird International Yacht Sales network. Vincent, responsible for the Caribbean area, assists you in the sale or purchase of your boat - second-hand and new C-Cat.
Yacht Rigging (+ 590 690 47 88 18) - Patrick, a rigging specialist (located at Geminga boat yard) takes care of sales, installation and repair of masts, booms and roller furling systems, as well as wire swaging up to 16 mm and mast surveys/rigging inspections.
SHOPS AND SERVICES
Super U (+590 590 29 54 32) - This vast supermarket open 7/7 is a great place for all your provisioning needs with only the highest quality. They stock a complete range of U products, air-flown seafood from France, a range of French meats and the whole range of U organic products. Delivery service available with major orders on request. A second Super U store in Hope Estate (+590 590 52 23 60), is a practical spot for boaters around the Grand-Case and Anse Marcel anchorages.
Au Tour de la Ferme (+590 590 27 51 85) - For specialist meats and local produce (originating from the south-west of France and St. Martin), as well as high-quality regional produce at great prices. Deli and rotisserie aisle. Delivery points accessible by dinghy.
Le Goût du Vin (+590 590 87 25 03) - 2,000 wine and spirit references from around the world, with great range of prices, can be found in this wine cellar in Marigot (seafront), just a stone’s throw from the marina and in Hope Hill, near the anchorage in Grand-Case. Free delivery to yachts.
BAY OF GRAND-CASE
18°06.24’N - 63°03.54’W
Located a little further north of Marigot, this bay which opens out onto the ocean, is lined with a long beach of golden sand. You can anchor to the SW of the dock, at a depth of 5 metres.
YACHT SERVICES
Clearance can be done on-line via Port de Saint-Martin’s web site:
https://clairance.portdemarigot.com.
SHOPS AND SERVICES
Near the anchorage of Grand-Case, there is the Saint-Martin Grand-Case airport for regional flights (Martinique, Guadeloupe) and Hope Estate/Hope Hill commercial areas with many stores for yacht provisioning including Super U and Le Goût du Vin.
ANSE MARCEL
18°06.94’N - 63°02.49’W
Deep in a sheltered cove of crystalline water surrounded by lush green hills, Anse Marcel is a natural haven of calm and serenity. You anchor at 3 metres, in the SE corner of the bay, opposite a white sand beach with the Secret Resort & Spa in the background.
YACHT SERVICES
Anse Marcel Marina (+ 590 590 27 79 82) - In a secluded, tranquil cove in Anse Marcel Bay, this well- protected marina offers 120 slips of which 30 for visitors with 8,85ft draft, a gas station with a convenience store and clearance. Many bars, restaurants, stores, fun activities in and around the marina.
Premium Marine Gas (+590 690 770 087) - In the very heart of Anse Marcel Marina, this fuel station is supplying boaters with Premium Gasoline and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and has a convenience store where you can stop for refreshments and more.
SHOPS & SERVICES
Blue Sail Hotel (+590 590 58 24 77) - This charming hotel has 8 fully equipped rooms with private terraces and all amenities close by (restaurants, grocery store, activities, etc.). Ideal for spending a few days on land with a good view of your boat, or for simply relaxing before your Atlantic crossing.
Le Petit Casino (+590 690 736 653) - This small supermarket, conveniently located inside the marina compound, offers a great choice of fresh fruit & veggies together with selected gourmet items, cold cuts, cheeses, wines and spirits.
Galerie Les Acacias- Make the most of your stopover in Anse Marcel to discover this essential new shopping address including 19 stores, a real concentration of chic and charming fashion, luxury or bohemian, trendy or casual... Designers and safe values are always on offer.
WINE & DINE
Del Arti Ristorante (+590 690 73 66 53) - In an intimate setting, this trattoria at the heart of the marina offers 100% authentic, homemade Italian cuisine, with incredible pizzas and transalpine specialties on the menu which are washed down stunningly with a good Chianti or Prosecco.
Blue Sail Snack Bar (+590 590 58 24 77) - It’s on this terrace that sailors and other sea-lovers come together morning, noon and even at sunset to relax with a good drink in hand.
ILET PINEL
18°06.32’N - 63°00.98’W
Pinel Island is a sandy gem, very popular amongst tourists and locals alike. It is part of the Marine Park which means that jet skis and fishing are not allowed.
Access to Pinel by boat is tricky and you must use the passage between Green Cay and Pinel. 15 permanent yellow moorings are available for boats up to 40 feet or 10 tons. Boats under 33ft are allowed to drop an anchor, but only on a sandy bottom.
The Ecosnorkeling path let you discover the world of protected underwater flora and fauna. Ashore, you can stroll along a nice botany path. The village of Cul-de-Sac is at a 10-minutes walking distance from the jetty. You’ll find there a grocery store and a pharmacy.
TINTAMARRE ISLAND
18°07.20’N - 62°58.80’W
On the east coast of St. Martin, facing Cul-de-Sac Bay, this little piece of paradise is part of the Nature Reserve and accessible only by boat.
The anchorage is located on the southwest of the island, in front of a beach of soft white sand and crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkeling. There are 17 yellow moorings available for boats up to 50 feet. Boats under 33 feet are allowed to drop an anchor, but only on a sandy bottom.
SIMPSON BAY LAGOON
18°02.81’ N - 63°06.41’W
The Simpson Bay lagoon is one of the finest anchorages in the region and the French/Dutch border runs right through the lagoon. Entering with a vessel can be done via the lift bridge in Simpson Bay on the Dutch side or, via the Sandy Ground Bridge on the French side.
The lagoon is home to most of the island’s nautical activity, with boat yards, numerous marinas and excellent facilities for most kinds of yacht work.
Close to the marinas are several restaurants, provisioning facilities, laundries, car rental companies.
YACHT SERVICES
FRENCH SIDE - Check MARIGOT BAY.
Dutch side, Cole Bay
Clearance
Budget Marine (+1 721 544 3134) - offers the largest selection of marine products in the Caribbean including the CARIB MARINE products, exclusive to the Group: dinghies, solar panels, lifejackets, fenders,... the best quality at unbeatable prices.
Island Water World (+1 721 544 5310) - A must-visit shipchandler for your duty-free purchases of fittings and other yachting equipment (see details in MARIGOT BAY).
FKG Marine (+ 1 721 544 4733) - Your trusted partner in the Caribbean for all your rigging, hydraulics and fabrication needs. Recognized for high quality advice and service. Suzuki Marine authorized dealer.
WINE & DINE
Lagoonies Bistro & Bar (+ 1 721 523 0115 ) - is the spot where visiting yachties and residents alike can rub shoulders, sharing good vibes around breakfast, lunch, dinner or a night cap. Happy hour 5pm to 6pm, live music Thursday through Saturday night. Monthly Saturday nautical & flea market.
SHOPS & SERVICES
The Business Point (+1 721 544 4159, at Lagoon Marina) provides business services, Mobile Internet Access, USA and St Maarten shipping address, Mailing forwarding, Car Rental, Storage. Authorised DHL Agent.
GREAT BAY
18°01.13’ N - 63°02.90’W
Great Bay is the main commercial port of St. Maarten. This is where you should anchor if you want to visit Philipsburg.
YACHT SERVICES
You can anchor in the bay or dock at Bobby’s Marina to the northeast (small boats).
Clearance - You can clear in/out in Philipsburg.
Island Water World, at Bobby’s Marina - For your duty-free purchases of fittings and other yachting equipment (see details in MARIGOT BAY).