Are you planning a St. Martin sailing trip or would you like to start your Caribbean sailing tour from here? St. Martin is a true Caribbean gem: the island’s specialty is that it has both a French and Dutch atmosphere, while the sea around it shines in dazzling shades of blue. St. Martin can be an ideal destination if you love a diverse environment and a unique cultural mix, as the island has something new to offer everyone. Sailing around the island, every bay and harbor shows a completely different face. This article is for those who are considering a sailing trip from St. Martin and want to embark on a Caribbean adventure prepared but focused on experience. We show you some of the featured sailing destinations around St. Martin, tailored to suit a variety of styles and preferences.

Here’s what the article will cover:

• 5 reasons, why St. Martin Island is good for sailing?
• What is the best month to sail St. Martin?
• How can you get to St. Martin Island from abroad?
• Where can you sail to from St. Martin Island? – ports and islands
• Sailing in St. Martin – itineraries

5 reasons, why St. Martin Island is good for sailing?

• Reliable trade winds
  The northeast trade winds are generally reliable, especially between December and May, when there are steady, moderate winds. However, during the summer months, the winds can weaken, resulting in calmer sea conditions. This is exactly the kind of wind that makes sailing enjoyable and predictable: not too much, but not boring either. Beginners can feel safe, while experienced sailors can enjoy more vigorous sailing.
• Beautiful bays and anchorages
  Around the island, you will find peaceful, turquoise bays where you can anchor for the night. Marigot Bay, Orient Bay or Tintamarre all offer a different atmosphere: one with a bustling life, the other with untouched nature. This diversity means that you can always find the right destination, whether it’s a short day trip or a longer sea voyage.
• Excellent marinas and services
  St. Martin is a real center for sailors: Simpson Bay Lagoon is lined with world-class marinas, where you can find everything from supplies to boat repairs. You don’t have to worry about where to get anything you need for your trip. What’s more, the marinas are full of life – you can easily run into other boaters here and there is a good chance that you will make friends during an evening in port. Rent a yacht in St. Martin and explore the island’s most beautiful bays and coastline!
• Unique cultural mix
  St. Martin is special because it is both a French and a Dutch world. One day you can enjoy the flavors of French cuisine in Marigot, the next you can immerse yourself in the bustling life of the Dutch side in Philipsburg. This duality is a real plus for sailing – you can explore not only the sea, but also the local culture.
• Nearby Islands
  St. Martin is the perfect starting point for island hopping. Anguilla, St. Barths or even Saba are all within a few hours of sailing. You don’t have to take long, tiring journeys, but there are always new experiences waiting for you, even if you wake up on a different island every day.

What is the best month to sail St. Martin Island?

December to May is generally the ideal time to sail, mainly due to reliable weather and pleasant winds. However, personal preferences, such as quieter periods or lower prices, may make other months more attractive. If you want to avoid the crowds but still want great conditions, March to May is the golden mean. September to November, on the other hand, is more for experienced sailors who don’t mind dealing with all the unpredictability of hurricane season.

Winter (December to February)
Winter is one of the most popular times to sail around St. Martin. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 25 degrees Celsius, and the trade winds blow reliably, usually at 12 to 20 knots. This is ideal: strong enough for dynamic, yet comfortable sailing. Be prepared for this peak season, meaning marinas and bays fill up quickly – it’s a good idea to book in advance if you want a secure berth.

Spring (March – May)
Spring is considered by many to be the best time of year. The weather is still sunny and dry, a little warmer, and winds range from 10 to 18 knots, perfect for calm, enjoyable sailing. Plus, there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy popular spots like Simpson Bay or Orient Bay in a much more intimate setting. The water is also crystal clear – snorkeling is a wonder here.

Summer (June – August)
Summer is hotter and more humid, and the trade winds are weaker, around 8 to 15 knots. This is more of a time for calm, comfortable sailing than for racing. Short showers or quick storms can occur, but they usually pass quickly. If you like calm bays, warm waters and fewer boaters. Summer is a time for peaceful, comfortable sailing with fewer boats, warmer water, and calmer bays. However, you should also expect hot, humid weather and occasional weather disturbances.

Fall / Hurricane Season (September – November)
This period can be risky, as it is part of the Atlantic hurricane season. During this time, you can expect longer calm days, but tropical storms or even hurricanes can strike at any time. If you do sail in the fall, it is important to monitor weather forecasts, take out adequate insurance and choose ports that offer safety in case of storms. Many charter companies suspend operations during this period, and marinas also have limited service.

How can you get to St. Martin Island from abroad?

If you want to get to St. Martin, fortunately, it is relatively easy, as the island has two international airports, and there are direct or connecting flights from most major cities.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) – Dutch side
This is the main airport, and perhaps one of the most famous in the world, mainly due to the famous approach, when planes land almost over Maho Beach. Direct flights depart from here from North America (New York, Miami, Atlanta, Toronto) and Europe (Paris, Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt). Once you land, you can easily get to your hotel or port by taxi, bus or rental car.
L’Espérance Airport (SFG) – French side
This smaller airport mainly receives flights from nearby Caribbean islands, such as Guadeloupe, Martinique or Saint Barthélemy. If you are coming from the area, this option is really practical and fast.

Where can you sail to from St. Martin Island? – ports and islands

Simpson Bay Lagoon

Simpson Bay Lagoon is St. Martin’s premier yacht and charter hub, making it a great place to start your week. The marinas are a great place to stock up on water, fuel and food, as well as excellent equipment shops. The lagoon’s sheltered, mirror-clear waters are ideal for your first manoeuvres or a peaceful overnight anchorage. If you’re looking for a secure base for your trip and a comfortable start, this is the place to do it all.

Marigot Bay

The iconic bay on the French side, Marigot Bay, is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a peaceful, cultural mooring. The sheltered bay offers stable anchorages, so you can safely spend the night here. Once ashore, you can easily do your shopping at the local market or sample Caribbean-French cuisine. It’s an ideal resting place before heading north or east.

Orient Bay

Orient Bay is one of the best places on the island to sunbathe, swim or do water sports while anchoring. The wide, sandy beach offers stable anchorage, but be careful of the wind direction as the trade winds can pick up in the afternoon. There are beach restaurants and bars along the shore, so you can enjoy a leisurely lunch on a short dinghy ride. It is a particularly good choice for a relaxing day at the beach.

Tintamarre Island

Tintamarre is a favourite stop for charter guests looking for a quiet, unspoilt environment. The shallow, crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkeling, and turtles often swim around the boats. Anchorage is usually stable, but it is worth arriving in good time as the bay fills up quickly due to its popularity. It is an ideal place for a full day of swimming and relaxing, without any coastal noise.

Anguilla

Anguilla is approx. It is 20 km away, making it easy to reach with a pleasant half-day sail. Road Bay is the main anchorage for boaters, where you can swim, SUP or sunbathe in the clear water. The island’s beaches are famous for their pristine nature – they give charterers a real “private paradise” feel. The perfect destination for an overnight stay or even a full day of relaxation.

St. Barths

St. Barths is one of the most popular charter stops in the area due to its luxurious atmosphere and well-kept bays. Standing on a buoy in Gustavia Harbor and walking along the shore is a real experience: excellent restaurants, bars and boutiques await you. The clear, protected water around the island is also ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you are looking for an elegant port and want to spend an evening in stylish surroundings, this is the perfect stop.

Pinel Island

The small island of Pinel is a great daytime anchorage with shallow, turquoise waters and calm sandy beaches. It is a popular spot for boaters for its easy snorkeling, and there are two cozy little restaurants on the shore, which can be reached quickly by dinghy. The water here is particularly calm, making it ideal for families with children. A short, comfortable stop for a relaxing afternoon at the beach.

Grand Case

Grand Case is the “gastronomy capital” of St. Martin, so it is a must-stop for boaters for a gourmet dinner. The nearby anchorage is relatively calm, with good hold, so you can safely leave the boat while you eat on the shore. The sunset from here is particularly beautiful, which is why many charter guests time their evening mooring here. It is a perfect place to end a day or set off along the north coast of the island.

Sailing in St. Martin – itineraries

7 days St. Martin siling trip

Day 1: St Martin – Tintamarre

7 km (4 nm), sailing time: 1 hour You can take the first day easy: just a few miles, so you have time to get a taste of the Caribbean sailing atmosphere. Tintamarre is a small, uninhabited island, where the water is crystal clear, and the boat glides almost weightlessly between the coral reefs. It is worth going out into the water to snorkel, the schools of fish and the colorful coral world are simply stunning.

Day 2: Tintamarre – St Barth, L’Anse de Colombier

25 km (13 nm), sailing time: 2 hours The second day is more challenging, but the view makes up for it. L’Anse de Colombier is one of the most secluded bays in St. Barth, which can only be reached by boat or on foot. The shore is lined with palm trees and wildflowers, and the water is so blue you’ll almost believe it’s real.

Day 3: St Barth, L’Anse de Colombier – Gustavia

4 km (2 nm), sailing time: 0.5 hour Just a short, leisurely ride to Gustavia. Gustavia is the island’s capital, full of narrow, cobblestone streets and colorful, French-style buildings. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the beachside cafes and local bakeries – a croissant and coffee pair perfectly in the morning light.

Day 4: Gustavia – Marigot

28 km (15 nm), sailing time: 3 hours This day is a more strenuous stretch, but the sea and views are worth every bit of effort. Marigot is the pearl of the French side, with a harbour full of charming shops, markets and restaurants. It’s worth taking a walk along the shore, breathing in the salty air and sampling the fresh shellfish – the Caribbean flavours really come to life here.

Day 5: Marigot – Prickly Pear

25 km (13 nm), sailing time: 2 hours Prickly Pear is a small, sheltered bay for nature lovers. As an uninhabited island, it’s perfect for peace and quiet, with anchoring in the sheltered, clear waters making it a special place. It’s ideal for a day of relaxation: you can swim in the quiet lagoon or just lie on the sandy beach to the monotonous music of the waves.

6. Day 1: Prickly Pear – Bébé Requin Bay

25 km (13 nm), sailing time: 2 hours Bébé Requin Bay is a small, secret cove on the east side of St. Martin. The coast here is untouched, and the atmosphere is more intimate than in the larger tourist centers. If you love nature and tranquility, this day is all about immersing yourself in the wonders of the sea and the island.

Day 7: Bébé Requin Bay – St Martin

27 km (15 nm), sailing time: 3 hours The final leg takes you back to the main port of St. Martin. Enjoy the slow sailing on the way back. It’s worth stopping for a last swim or photo before returning the boat – this part of the Caribbean really leaves lasting memories.

Day 1. St Martin – Tintamarre 6,81 km (4,23 nm), Day 2. Tintamarre – St Barth, L’Anse de Colombier 25,29 km (15,71 nm), Day 3. St Barth, L’Anse de Colombier – Gustavia 4,00 km (2,49 nm), Day 4. Gustavia – Marigot 45,57 km (28,31 nm), Day 5. Marigot – Prickly Pear 25,65 km (15,94 nm), Day 6. Prickly Pear – Bébé Requin Bay 25,76 km (16,01 nm), Day 7. Bébé Requin Bay – Pinel Island – St Martin 27,83 km (17,29 nm)

sailing itinerary around St. Martin

Day 1. St Martin – Anguilla 29,75 km (18,49 nm), Day 2. Anguilla – Prickly Pear Cays 12,90 km (8,02 nm), Day 3. Prickly Pear Cays – Philipsburg 36,43 km (22,64 nm), Day 4. Philipsburg – Gustavia 25,71 km (15,98 nm), Day 5. Gustavia – Colombier 3,73 km (2,32 nm), Day 6. Colombier – Ile de la Fourche 6,01 km (3,74 nm), Day 7. Ile de la Fourche – Tintamarre – St Martin 25,88 km (16,08 nm)
What if your next sailing adventure wasn’t about organizing? Sounds great, right? St. Martin is waiting, the sea is calling and we take care of every little detail: the yacht is prepared, the paperwork is done. Request a quote, fill out the form below and head to the sunny bays – an unforgettable experience is guaranteed!