Saint Martin Yacht Charter - Luxury Caribbean Yachts & Sailing Tips

Reserve a week aboard a private catamaran with a seasoned captain and a skilled chef in anguillas to secure the best year-round relaxing itinerary. A dedicated hostess handles provisioning, chilled drinks, and shore logistics, delivering ease from the moment you depart Road Bay to the final sunset at Shoal Bay East. You cant miss it.

Where you anchor depends on wind and tides; options for sheltered stops include Meads Bay, Little Bay, and Sandy Ground, each offering good snorkeling and safe mooring. Onboard your crew can arrange hand-delivered meals ashore or regale you with a nice dinner at the capital The Valley, just a short tender ride away.

details you should check in advance: the most reliable plan is a fully crewed craft with a captain, a chef, and a hostess; decide on a provisioning list, and confirm that the rate covers licenses, taxes, and port fees. For your route, consider a loop along the region coast and include at least two days to prepare meals on board; this keeps the crew focused on safety and comfort.

Budgeting matters: you can choose from options that include private-vessel arrangements with a captain and a chef, or fully staffed platforms with additional deckhands; before booking, compare net rates and what is included so you know enough about moorings, fuel, and shore-side transfers.

In the region near The Valley and Maundays Bay, a wave-friendly climate keeps seas manageable year-round; the most reliable winds come from the northeast at 12–22 knots in winter and 16–25 knots in spring, making catamarans a stable choice for families and couples seeking a relaxing escape. Bring a concise packing list so you prepare enough clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a compact reef set; you can before departure organize a shopping run with a local host. The Dutch-linked netherlands presence in nearby islands means you may find provisioning on shore and easy access to fresh seafood, premium produce, and signature local dishes prepared by a hostess or resort chefs, which makes your on-board meals extra awesome.

To wrap up, select a fully crewed package, map a flexible two- to four-stop route, and reserve shore-side experiences in advance to maximize each day. After planning, you’ll know enough to glide between bays with ease, enjoying a blessed balance of privacy and social options in the near shore waters around anguillas.

Practical Guide to Saint Martin Yacht Charter and Marina de Lonvilliers

Secure a short-term berth at Marina de Lonvilliers to minimize transfers and ensure beachfront access.

• Permits: Confirm mooring permits and local clearances with the marina office; carry digital copies for their quick checks by authorities.
• Vessel and provisioning: Choose a compact oceanis model to maximize space and handling; bring a bottle of fresh water per crew member for the first days; plan to stock essentials without overloading the vessel.
• Crew and safety: Assign a responsible captain and a second in command; run a brief safety briefing before any leg; keep a simple log for things like maintenance and life-jacket checks.

1. Weather and timing: june rainfall begins to rise; check real-time forecasts daily; know your hurricane plan and have a shelter route mapped out; avoid busy bays when storms threaten.
2. Location and exploring: the greater arc around the islet includes anguilla as a nearby option; plan trips to anguillas for calmer anchorages and to the fort louis area for a scenic stop; this adds meaning to your voyage and boosts the experience.
3. Beaches and experiences: the place features nice beaches and quiet coves; anchor offshore and use a tender for beach days; stroll the beachfront to find restaurants and shops for a quick break.
4. Deals and timing: june often brings favorable deals for short stays; monitor the real-time availability board from the marina; the final week of june can offer the best rates for midweek slots.

About planning: the location makes exploring most of the coast practical; when you know forecast details and permit requirements, you can craft a plan that minimizes risk and maximizes experiences. Blessed winds and sheltered coves await, but always bring rain gear and a map; bring your crew's confidence up by sticking to safety procedures. The meaning of a great voyage is simple: respect the sea, prepare in advance, and enjoy the moments at the waterline (and a bottle at sunset). Whether you opt for a short hop to anguilla or a longer circuit to nearby islets, you’ll return with a nice experience and a stronger sense of responsibility for their environment.

Choosing the right luxury yacht for Saint Martin waters: size, layout, and crew options

For saint-martin waters, the ideal start is a 50–60 ft catamaran with a professional crew, offering 3–4 cabins and two lounging areas. It accommodates 6–8 guests, keeps handling simple in marinas, and uses a tender for shore visits along beachfront sights. This size delivers the right blend of stability and space, while remaining efficient in added costs and weather-driven routing.

Layout matters: aim for a main-deck master or a midship suite, generous lounges, and an outdoor dining area with easy flow to the cockpit. A broad foredeck and level indoor-outdoor access improve cruising scene transitions, making exploring ports and beaches thoroughly comfortable. Ensure at least one full-beam bathroom and ample storage so friends can unpack without clutter, and look for a vessel with 3–4 cabins that can be converted to twin berths if needed.

Crewed options are preferred for effortless cruising where conditions can change quickly. A standard crew includes a captain, chef, and stewardess, plus a tender for island hops and snorkeling, allowing you to maximize beachfront time and exploring without handling lines yourself. For anchoring near fort louis or other scenic sites, a capable crew makes the difference between a rushed day and a pristine, unhurried scene.

Budget matters: expect a weekly rental that covers the vessel, fuel, and provisioning groundwork, with added costs for port dues, marina fees, and gratuity. Most guests allocate 10–15% of the base rate as gratuity for the crew, paid at the end of the trip, and the total cost can shift with weather, where plans may adjust to ensure safe cruising and a smooth peak-season experience. When planning, consider the island’s marinas, week-long itineraries, and the possibility to blend beachfront days with island-hopping to keep the experience balanced and safe for all.

Top sailing itineraries around Saint Martin: coves, beaches, and sunset routes

Route A – Western loop: start from maho, head toward juliana, and roll along simpson bay, past the harbor square. This short, relaxing leg suits a world-class, crewed vessel, with water that stays calm in protected bays. Drop the tender for a snorkel near friar's bay and anchor off grand case for a sunset onboard. Onshore, dine at local spots and pay with credit cards at most venues. The sequence offers adventures that work well for both first-time guests and seasoned travelers, and it has been more than casual sightseeing, setting a true tone for a voyage that blends ease with local flavor.

Route B – Coves and beaches: from maho, sail to baie rouge for a crisp swim in clear water, then drift to anse marcel for lunch on a sheltered beach. The tender lets you reach intimate coves and shore cafés for a quick bite. In the afternoon, visit tintamarre for a palm-fringed walk and a snorkel along the reefs; the scenery varies from white sands to turquoise water. This circuit is ideal for those who want a balance of relaxing spots and adventures, with options that vary by wind and sea state. For guests from maarten or anguilla, the crossing offers a bridge between two cultural hubs. This has also been a favorite for both families and couples.

Route C – Sunset run along the windward coast: depart anse marcel, glide past orient bay, and return toward grand case as the sun sinks beyond the horizon. The water lights up with copper tones; this must-do leg is a true must for romantics and photographers. The route connects world-class bays and hidden spots, offering incredible views over the region and a chance to dine on deck while watching the light fade while the hills glow in silhouette.

Route D – Anguilla loop and back: cross to road bay for lunch on meads bay, then cruise around to sandy island for a quiet swim in crystal water. Tender calls bring you ashore for a brief tour and a bite, after which you return toward maho and juliana as the last light drapes the hill and water. This leg is a favorite for both sun-seekers and long-day wanderers, with the shores offering a mix of beaches and intimate spots.

Practical notes: choose a crewed vessel with flexible deals; yacht4less offers suited options with tender support and well-equipped crews. Rates vary by season, with the most stable windows in the late winter and spring. US guests from stateside often join, and credit facilities are widely accepted at onshore eateries. The voyage between islands brings adventures, local flavors, and a true sense of the region, with windward breezes adding a pleasant push toward the horizon.

Marina de Lonvilliers docking and port procedures: berths, fees, and check-in steps

Reserve a berth at least 24 hours ahead by calling the Lonvilliers office and sending vessel details (name, LOA, beam, draft, ETA). On arrival, head to the west quay and check in with the dock master on VHF 16; the berth assignment will be answered promptly and you can begin mooring without delay.

Berths run along the main pier and a lagoon-side section labeled lagoon62. Spots range from about 10 m to 40 m, with 50A and 100A power pedestals where available; water taps are near the gangways; free potable water is sometimes provided; fenders and mooring lines are normally on board or supplied by the dock. If you prefer shelter, request the west-side berths near the hill; sailors aboard skippered vessels will appreciate calmer conditions and amazing views at dawn. The look-out point above the square offers another vantage for photos.

Fees for transient arrivals are posted at the office: roughly EUR 2.5–4.5 per metre per night, plus utilities (electricity €0.50–€0.75 per kWh when used). A refundable security deposit (€100–€300) is collected on check-in; payments accept cash and major cards; a small services fee may apply. Before arrival, ask for a formal quote to avoid surprises.

Check-in steps: 1) call ahead to confirm ETA; 2) dock at the assigned spot; 3) present documents for the vessel, crew list, passports, and insurance; 4) sign the guest register; 5) receive a gate key or power code; 6) a staff member named louis will assist and verify lines; 7) verify mooring lines and fenders; 8) if you won’t use power, arrange disconnection at checkout; 9) confirm returncontinuing voyage plans with the desk; 10) note anchor location if needed and follow all local rules; 11) monitor conditions throughout your stay for safety.

Practical notes: packing light speeds provisioning; a short taxi ride takes you to maho for a quick supply run or beach stop. Local cuisine spans Creole, French, and seafood; lonvilliers offers a compact main harbor with square access and views over the waters. For cruising between spots, the capital area provides shops and fuel, with short hops that keep you within a comfortable cruising rhythm. Arrange transport or pre-booked taxis to explore lookout points on the hill. throughout your stay, sailors and crew should monitor conditions; returncontinuing voyages run smoother when you plan ahead and keep the quote in mind. youre encouraged to carry spare lines and fenders, and to keep an anchor ready for quick adjustments.

Provisioning, onboard service, and itinerary planning for a Caribbean charter

Book provisioning from Marigot two weeks before departure to lock in fresh produce and seasonal pricing; specify a fixed delivery window (07:00–11:00) and request a two‑day backup stock for perishables, so you avoid substitutions when markets are crowded and the crew can verify items on arrival. If you’ve been cruising in winter months, you’ll find the best options appear early and then quickly vanish; plan accordingly and confirm availability in advance. Some buyers were reporting stock limits closer to weekends, so lock in your order and confirm back‑ups.

Assign a dedicated crew of three to manage provisioning, galley service, and daily cleaning; implement sharing plates for breakfast and dinner to minimize waste; use a compact square layout in the galley to speed service and keep prep zone clear; rotate duties so no one is overloaded and status remains calm at anchor; this approach works for both cooking and service, ensuring steady performance.

Itinerary planning centers on beaches and bays with strong proximity to markets and water supplies; include two primary routes: Barth to Lonvilliers to Marigot, then a south‑east loop toward the lagoon62's sheltered waters and back. If Lagoon62 is not available, a Leopard‑powered catamaran offers steady handling and ample deck views; enter each day’s plan with two backup options in case weather or restrictions change. Again, a final check of timing and weather windows along the border of sea and shore helps ensure smooth progress. A successful cruise depends on flexible timing, good shade, and a balance between open water and calm anchorages.

For port calls, check border procedures and restrictions; carry copies of vessel documents; prepare to present at each place; plan laundry and fuel top‑ups at Lonvilliers and Barth where possible; include a quick grocery stop near Marigot for fresh herbs and bakery items; you’ll often find a square plaza where locals gather and you can chat with suppliers; quote from a local skipper can help calibrate expectations.

Seasonal nuance: winter brings cooler winds and calmer seas, fantastic for long hops; the plan enters a phase where daylight lasts longer and entries into ports are smoother; the chance to anchor near beaches increases if you time it to low‑tide windows; be mindful of restrictions on anchoring near protected lagoons. If you plan a route that enters the blue, you’ll gain comfort with the views during sunsets, and you may find the proximity to shore closer than expected; definitely plan to adjust day to day.

Be prepared to receive a quick quote for provisioning and crew hours; thanks to a well‑structured schedule, you’ll avoid frantic calls; keep a place on the map for a last stop near Barth or Marigot; the plan should include one extra 'cruise day' for a change in winds and a day to rest. You may want to take a final dip on the beaches, and if weather cooperates, the views from the bow are fantastic. You can anchor near a beach for a swim; the cruise offers many memorable moments.

Seasonal timing, weather patterns, and safety tips for year-round charters

Definitely plan a week starting from lonvilliers during the winter window; target right anchorages along sheltered routes in the south, where light trades keep seas gentle and conditions predictable. Reserve a few options with yacht4less to lock in deals and avoid high last-minute rates.

Seasonal timing and weather patterns diverge by month but follow a core rhythm: December–April brings bright skies, steady northeast trades, and water temperatures around 26–30C. May–November brings higher humidity, late-afternoon squalls, and more variable conditions; always map a route that favors calm anchorages and be prepared to adjust on short notice. Thoroughly monitor the daily forecast and the long-range outlook to steer clear of unsettled patches, especially along the south coast corridors. When conditions shift, keep flexibility in your plan and be ready to shorten legs if needed.

Safety baseline: check life jackets for everyone, confirm a working VHF, a reliable EPIRB, and a digital chart plotter with updated maps. Carry a portable radar and keep a well-marked anchor plan; at dusk, retie lines and verify anchor adherence in protection against gusts. When conditions shift, move to sheltered anchorages and reduce speed to minimize rolling. Keep beverages stocked and store a simple menu that highlights cuisine options; ensure provisions reflect relaxing preferences of guests and avoid overloading the deck or galley.

Operational notes: check licensing and purchase requirements for ports you plan to visit; If you need to purchase fuel or provisions, plan ahead; respect local restrictions on moorings and waste disposal; confirm fueling and provisioning times to avoid delays. When choosing ports, lonvilliers and nearby marinas offer world-class provisioning and reliable services; along with the right of entry to quiet bays, you can expand your options and keep a relaxing pace. Plan time and week to maximize adventures; promoting deals can definitely optimize your spend.