The Best Boat Rentals in Saint Martin | Top Picks, Deals & Tips

Start with a 28–32 ft sailboat charter from Simpson Bay for your first day; this size fits 2–4 adults and offers steady handling in sheltered routes along maarten's west coast, making the seas friendly and the experience comfortable, sometimes calmer seas appear as trade winds shift. maarten offers sheltered coves along its coast.

For variety, consider a powercat in the 38–45 ft range for groups who want space and stable speed; these vessels handle craggy stretches near Grand Case with confidence, while the upper deck provides great visibility above the waves. Many fleets offer english- or british-speaking skippers and popular routes to Tintamarre, Creole Rock, and Anguilla’s sheltered bays. English-speaking crews are common, ready to brief you on wind shifts and anchorages. Look for built-in features like shade, a well-equipped galley, and snorkeling gear, plus multi-day bundles that unlock 12–20% off when you book 3–4 days.

If you prefer a sailboat, two to four-person cabins on a 28–34 ft boat let you anchor in sheltered coves by Red Bay or Cole Bay and wake to calm seas. maarten offers sheltered coves along its coast. Pick fleets built to be easy for first-timers, with english-language briefings and charts that simplify planning. Popular routes along the west coast keep you away from rougher afternoons and give you ample time for on-water snorkeling and beachside lunches.

From the popular bays to hidden coves, Saint Martin offers routes that suit every pace. With careful selection of a sailboat or powercat, you’ll enjoy a perfect balance of speed and safety, creating an experience that stays with you long after you return to shore.

The Best Boat Rentals in Saint Martin: Top Picks, Deals & Tips

Start with a private motor yacht from maho for a serene morning cruise along the caribbean coast; youll snorkel at a protected reef, then return with a stunning sunset over the turquoise water.

Top pick is a 41ft Oceanis sailing yacht, length about 12m, staffed by a hostess named marcel and a licensed skipper; included gear covers snorkel sets, a small dinghy, and a light lunch. Details: rates from around 550 guilder for a 6-hour charter, typically available in march, with sunset add-ons on request.

The oceanis range remains a popular choice for calm days, offering stable handling and relaxed decks.

Another strong option is a compact motor boat designed for adventures, typically 7–9m in length, with included snorkeling gear and a picnic basket. Islands nearby offer serene anchor spots; a hostess handles the details and takes care of the work so you can focus on the scenery.

Deals & tips: book early in march to secure a discount, and look for bundles that include snorkel gear and beverages. Ask about the license requirement for captains, verify the length listed in the charter, and confirm which items are included to avoid extra charges at the dock.

Saint Martin’s coast presents a calm palette of blues and greens, with islets and terres scenery along the route. A well-planned itinerary balances sea time and shore stops, giving you chances to snorkel, swim, and photograph serene coves as the sun sinks. Oceanis boats and other yachting options let you choose a route that suits your pace and group size.

When you book, youll receive a detailed itinerary, including the exact length of the trip, the included equipment, and contact details for the operator; then youll be ready for a smooth yachting experience that matches your schedule and budget.

32-Foot Inboard Speed Boat with Sun Bed: Best Rentals, What to Expect

Best choice for Saint Martin days is the 32-foot Inboard Speed Boat with Sun Bed. Meet friends on the water, enjoy a fast ride, and soak up sun on a wide lounge. This 32-foot option keeps everyone comfortable with a stable ride, a full sun bed area, and easy access to land when you want to explore a port; you can plan late departures if needed.

Based in the grand marina, the boat comes crewed with a skipper and a hostess, plus catering options to fit your group. You’ll have wifi onboard, linen provided, and full showers after every swim. The skipper guides the course, the hostess coordinates provisioning, and trips run smoothly so everyone stays happy.

Expect winds to shift, but the skipper adapts quickly to keep the ride smooth and lively. You can tailor the day to visit beaches and a port, with stops for mullet sightings along the shore and a prickly path near terres. Turn a warm afternoon into a relaxed sunset into a scenic glide. The plan includes land time for lunch or a stroll, plus optional catering and beverages from the crew. This setup lets you trade speed for scenic points and a grand marina-side experience, with events and bars ready to welcome you.

Tips to maximize value: confirm a full crewed rate and request a friendly hostess; choose late-morning or early-afternoon slots to stretch daylight; ask for a detailed plan so it can be made into a smooth sequence of stops. Bring linen or towels if you want a fresh feel, and rely on the provided wifi and catering options. You’ll end your day happy, with memories of pristine beaches, landings at port, and a grand finale on the water.

Sun bed comfort, layout, and passenger capacity on a 32-ft inboard

Choose a 32-ft inboard with a broad aft sun bed and a cockpit that comfortably seats six around a table. This size runs about 32 ft in length with an 11 ft beam, delivering seating for six adults to lounge and dine, with two additional spots in the bow for kids or light passengers. On a rental around martin, plan day trips on routes toward Simpson Bay and Tintamarre during the june season when morning winds stay steady and seas are calm enough for easy planing.

Sun bed comfort comes from a built-in aft pad roughly 6 ft by 6 ft, with 3- to 4-inch cushions and a non-skid surface. Choose fabric resistant to salt and sun; ensure cushions are removable for cleaning. A lightweight canopy or shade helps in midday sun, making longer stays pleasant.

Cockpit layout and access: seek an L-shaped cockpit that wraps around a midship table; helm on the starboard side with clear sightlines; a portside step to the bow and a wide swim platform for easy boarding. The listing should incl shade, a cooler, and a safety rail; ensure floor space supports stable stance during docking.

Passenger capacity and safety: six adults fit in the cockpit for day trips; total occupancy can reach eight if one or two are children, but always follow the required max occupancy stated by the operator. For longer stays, a skippered option can help manage routes and harbor maneuvers.

Performance and comparisons: built for coastal hops, these boats handle light chop and wind well. Average speed under power sits around 20–28 knots, with fuel use near 1.0–1.5 gal per mile at planning speed depending on weight. If you compare with tintamarre or Simpson Bay routes, note that catamarans offer more deck space, but a 32-ft mono-hull remains easier to skipper on international trips.

Editorial note and planning: experienced writers offer tips to book in advance, especially for june, to secure your preferred layout and the skippered option if you lack local expertise. The rental market on martin rewards flexible itineraries.

Checklists and safety: check cushions for wear, test the sun bed, verify the safety gear incl life jackets and fenders. This helps ensure a smooth day on the water with your crew.

Power, performance, and fuel plan for day trips around Saint Martin

Choose a catamaran 38–44 ft with twin diesel engines and opt for a captained charter to simplify operations for your guests. Cruise at 14–16 knots to balance speed and fuel economy, covering typical Saint Martin loops with a comfortable reserve. Start with a breakfast briefing aboard, then set a course toward sheltered coves for an odyssey that stays relaxed. A steady pace reduces wear and keeps consumption predictable, so you can enjoy the scenery and their company without constant refueling stops.

Power and hull choice drive range and comfort. A larger catamaran offers better stability in swells and more room for towels, linen, and gear. Marcel, our fleet liaison, notes that twin engines delivering 60–80 hp each deliver efficient burn at 14–16 knots while still offering strong acceleration when you need to close distance to a protected anchorage. If unsure about exact figures, browse performance sheets from your operator and request a formal fuel plan before booking charters.

1. Estimate distance: typical round routes around Saint Martin span 20–40 nautical miles; plan for 1.5–2.5 hours at economy speed.
2. Set target speed: 14–16 knots for efficiency; adjust to 12–13 knots in crowded harbors or 18 knots for quick hops to near-by bays.
3. Fuel burn expectations: at economy, total burn runs about 8–14 gallons per hour; at higher speeds, 18–28 gallons per hour. Build a plan using the higher end to accommodate headwinds or miscalculation.
4. On-board fuel plan: carry at least 25–30% extra fuel beyond the calculated need; add a safe reserve for rainy days or swells forecast.
5. Resupply and checks: know nearby ports with fuel availability; log fuel levels daily, and recheck before a longer odyssey or birthday outing.

Operational details for the day: the crew handles cleaning and prep, guests receive an informative briefing, linen and towels are ready, showers are available, and a tasteful wine service can accompany a birthday celebration. Breakfast can be arranged to start the odyssey on a high note, and the captain keeps the voyage smooth to ensure everyone can enjoy their time on the water. If your group includes guests new to this sport, the crew will guide you through safe, confident operations and help you browse nearby sights with ease.

Weather and planning notes: in rainy or squally conditions, adjust speed and route to minimize risk; monitor swells and wind shifts, and keep a larger margin from open coast when forecasts call for stronger seas. For longer charters, add fuel margins and have a backup plan for a sheltered stop, ensuring you can keep the experience comfortable for all aboard.

Practical tips to optimize fuel and performance: choose a vessel with well-maintained filters and clean tanks, confirm tank gauges before departure, and schedule a short test run to verify oil levels and system readiness. A well-prepared crew, including a licensed captain if needed, makes a difference in safety and efficiency. Browse your options, compare larger catamarans versus smaller profiles, and select a plan that aligns with your guests, their comfort, and your schedule.

Safety gear, skipper options, and licensing requirements

Hire a licensed skipper if you lack a current boating license and plan to sail in the seas around Saint Martin. Break the decision into three steps: gear, skipper, licensing, and review details with your crew before you depart.

Safety gear should be checked fully before departure. Equip life jackets for all aboard, a throwable flotation device, a marine VHF radio, a fully stocked first aid kit, two distress signals, a fire extinguisher, navigation lights for dusk or night, and a bilge pump. Ensure a spare anchor with chain and line, a whistle or horn, and a basic GPS or plotter are on board. On catamarans, confirm paddle boards and a stable ladder are located near the stern. Keep all manuals current and store gear in accessible locations so you can reach it in calm or windy conditions. Review the safety briefing with your group and memorize the location of emergency gear–these details make the voyage safer and more enjoyable across the odyssey into Saint Martin waters.

Skipper options vary by operator and vessel. If you’re an experienced sailor with a valid license, bareboat charters are common, but most operators require a licensed skipper for boats larger than a certain size or with more powerful engines. Youll usually find options for a single skippers or a full crew, which can advance your schedule and relieve the group from navigation duties. For a catamaran, a skipper on board is often the easiest path to a smooth ride through calm bays or rough seas, and many operators offer phenomenally clear safety briefings as part of the package. Cole at the dock and Marcel at the desk can help you compare advance bookings and find a plan that fits your needs.

Licensing requirements depend on vessel size, engine power, and local regulations managed by the collectivité of Saint Martin. Operators will verify your experience and may require you to present a valid license or an approved international equivalent; otherwise, you’ll need a skipper or crew. If you don’t have the right license, choose a fully crewed option and confirm the price for a day that suits your plan. For those new to boating, consider a guided outing into plaisance zones and near white-sand locations to reduce risk. Youll want to bring your license and proof of competence, and the operator can guide you through the exact steps to stay compliant while enjoying the odyssey with your group.

How to compare deals: deposits, insurance, and cancellation policies

Prioritize fully refundable deposits and transparent cancellation windows to avoid surprises. If a listing asks for a non-refundable deposit, push for a partial refund or a credit you can use onto an upcoming itinerary.

Use this practical checklist to compare deals before you rent in Saint Martin. It keeps your plans flexible and your budget clear, from the first inquiry to your entire trip.

• Deposits: Identify the type (deposit vs security hold) and whether it is fully refundable if the operator cancels or if conditions prevent safe boating. Clarify processing times–some refunds appear within 3–7 business days, others take up to 14 days. Ask for a time-bound refund promise and note the point at which the deposit becomes non-refundable.
• Cancellation policy: Look for a precise deadline for a full refund and whether changes to the length or route incur fees. For a june booking, confirm whether the policy differs for peak-season routes and if weather-related cancellations are honored. Check whether you can reschedule onto a later date without penalty and how many changes are allowed.
• Insurance: Verify what the policy covers (liability, hull damage, theft, personal effects) and the deductible you’d pay. If you rent bareboat, require hull and liability coverage or add you as an extra insured. Confirm whether the operator can issue the insurance document directly or if you must coordinate with a local broker. Clarify what constitutes “weather-related” cancellation to avoid disputes at the point of departure.
• Whats included (the offer): Compare what comes with the boat–life jackets, snorkel gear, safety gear, gel packs, and any marina fees. Note if fuel, cleaning, or skipper/crew are extra costs. If you’re choosing between boats, the types of craft (bareboat vs crewed) will affect what’s included and what you must add.
• Itinerary and routes: Check how flexible the routes are and whether the plan supports your preferred experiences–sunset beacons, beach stops, or snorkeling sites. Tailored deals can adapt the itinerary to your interests, from a short coastal hop to an extended voyage along multiple islands. Many operators offer curated routes, but confirm what’s adjustable and what remains fixed.
• Length and basics: Confirm the charter length and how it translates to daily rates and total cost. A longer voyage may lower daily rent but increase fuel and marinas. Ask for a breakdown so you can compare apples to apples.
• Quality signals: Look for editorial notes or editorials from local experts like Cole, who explain practical points for Martin and nearby Virgin Islands boating. A clear graphic or table that lays out deposits, refunds, and coverage helps you compare quickly without guesswork.
• Be aware of extras: Identify optional add-ons (extra crew, third-crew, water sports gear, sunset sails, or beach events) and their costs. If an operator offers a phenomenal discount on the base rate, verify whether those extras are included or charged separately so you can assess the true value.
• Documentation and transparency: The contract should spell out weather and cancellation terms, penalties for late check-in, and any fuel or port fees. If the wording is murky, contact the provider for clarification before you move onto the booking process.

Practical tip: create a simple comparison matrix for each listing–deposit amount, refund window, deductible, and total estimated cost for the entire trip. This helps you keep the focus on the most important point: value for money without sacrificing safety. In practice, the best deals balance a clear, refundable framework with a flexible itinerary, allowing you to enjoy boating across Martin’s coast, explore multiple routes, and cap the day with a sunset or beach event that fits your schedule.