Best Motor Yacht Rentals in Saint Martin | Luxury Yacht Charters

For the best St Martin escape, multigen Motor yacht rentals with a private crew and a tailor-made itinerary deliver results. From Philipsburg to Grand Case, where Yer anchor sets the tempo o' yer trip; the crew handles reservations, provisionin', and daily routin'. open decks and champagne-toasts frame your days, whilst endless bayfront views invite effortless exploration of beaches. You can tailor the route from a menu of experiences to suit wind, tides and mood.

On board, the ideal layout typically includes 4-6 guest suites for 8-12 guests, with a professional crew of 2-4 and one tender to reach hidden coves. The galley serves wine with fresh seafood, while a well-appointed saloon and open sundecks invite conversations as you drift between bays. The fleet includes two boats on call for shore visits, plus a dedicated tender for quick transfers. Some multigen builds merge motor elegance with catamarans‘ stability, delivering a balanced ride when you plan longer sails.

Plan day sails that anchor near Orient Bay and Cupecoy Beach, then cruise to Tintamarre for snorkelling and a beach lunch on remote beaches. Sailing between Saint Martin and Anguilla expands your options, with scenarios that fit from a half-day to a full day. The captain aligns the route to wind and seas, and the crew uses the tender to bring you ashore at ideal spots. With a well-stocked wine cellar and champagne on hand, you can toast sunset from the open deck before returning to the boats and your floating home.

Bookings peak in December through March, so plan at least 6-12 weeks ahead for peak-season charters. A little planning helps you lock in an ideal schedule, from arrival time to daily routes and docking windows. Your broker can present choices across a range of boats–motor yachts with multigen hulls, phoenix-named vessels, and fleet options that suit private trades and family groups. If you want a specific vibe, request captain vivi to lead the crew and tailor onboard amenities to your taste.

If you compare motor yachts to catamarans, you'll notice more privacy and a faster pace on the former, while catamarans boast generous social spaces. A multigen motor yacht resorts families and groups that want a flexible schedule: day trips to beaches, snorkelling, a lunch ashore, and a sunset sail with champagne or wine. For a tailored feel, your crew stocks beverage cases with specialities from local trades, and they arrange shore visits that align with winds and tides. A captain, vivi, ensures clear communication, punctual tender transfers, and smooth berthing at well-run marinas, with a well-coordinated crew.

Best Motor Yacht Rentals in Saint Martin: Luxury Yacht Charters; St Martin vs Sint Maarten Know the Difference

Recommendation: charter a Sanlorenzo motor yacht with a full crew and onboard chefs, offering tasting menus, reef-safe sunscreen, and seamless service for Saint Martin's waters.

St Martin and Sint Maarten sit on opposite sides of the same bay, yet they differ in vibe and rules. The French side (St Martin) emphasises refined dining, quiet anchorages, and clubs that welcome visiting crews, while Sint Maarten (Dutch) delivers a lively marinas scene, quick hops to nearby spots, and straightforward port permissions. Plan routes that mix both sides so you can enter within a single charter and compare experiences without long legs between ports.

For cruising, choose select routes that loop between the islands off the main island chain. Start near Marigot and Anse Marcel, then sweep through the cove-lined bays to Orient Bay and Simpson Bay. You’ll find easy cruising between anchorages, with shoreside options for grocers, fresh catches, and warm crew interactions. Anguilla lies within reach for day hops, just a short motorboat hop from Saint Martin’s waters.

Fleet options range from Sanlorenzo to the Tesni line, with yachts that fit up to 12 persons or more. Incl options include a dive-ready crew, watersports gear, and tastings aboard, creating a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. Onboard chefs curate tasting menus, and the crews handle everything from routes to shore visits, so your stay stays calm and focused on the scenery.

Anchorages and spots to consider: Anse Marcel’s protective cove, the inner bays of Simpson Bay for easy dinghy starts, and hidden coves near the reefs where reef-safe sunscreen is a must. Keep days flexible–plan longer stays near Saint Martin’s sandy beaches, then step ashore after a short cruise to renew supplies, step back aboard, and continue to new islands within reach.

Tips to maximise your stay: select a charter with warm, bilingual crews who can tailor condiments, blends, and tastings to your group. A well-planned four to six days allows you to explore more islands, try different clubs along the coast, and test several yacht spots to identify your perfect cruising rhythm.

St Martin vs Sint Maarten: Know the Difference for Yacht Charters

Recommendation: book a crewed motor yacht on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) for easier check-in, broad provisioning, and quick access to beach clubs; plan an overnight stay in a sheltered cove to enjoy turquoise lagoons and calm mornings.

In Sint Maarten, English dominates daily life, USD is widely accepted, and provisioning runs smoothly at ports like Simpson Bay and Port de Plaisance. Crewed options such as axioma provide reliable service, while Captain Johnson and Steward Gigi share routes to quiet coves. Paddleboards and snorkel gear are typically available onboard, and you can touch the water for a quick splash then return to the deck before sunset, adding a tangible sailing experience to your itinerary.

On the French side, Saint Martin offers a refined vibe, slower pace, and cuisine that reflects European influences. Grand Case, Orient Bay, and Anse Marcel provide diverse beach experiences, with calm lagoon moorings that suit longer stays near shore. A sunrise sail along turquoise seas reveals peaceful mornings and gentle winds, followed by strolls along the beach before a drink at a beach club.

Planning tips: request a crewed charter with life vest safety gear, sun cream, and a clear terms list. State your stay preferences, overnight options, and cove stops in advance. If you want a quick return to ports for provisioning, specify that in your terms. A well‑planned itinerary balances Dutch side provisioning with Saint side scenery and secure moorings.

Goodbye to confusion; a shore-to-shore itinerary on either side delivers memorable sailing, lagoon days, and a touch of European charm, with turquoise water, gentle mornings, and ample opportunities to stroll, paddle, and explore before returning to the yacht with a refreshed mood.

Crewed vs Bareboat: What Each Option Includes

Crewed charters deliver the easiest, hands-off yacht experience for Saint Martin getaways. Your crew handles navigation, provisioning, and service, so you can focus on turquoise mornings, island strolls, and sunset memories.

In a crewed charter, you usually travel with a captain, chef, and steward, sometimes an engineer or hostess depending on boat size. Selected Ferretti yachts offer full amenities and a seamless match to your group’s pace, with the plan tailored to enter anchorages and marina calls along the Dutch and French shores.

Bareboat charters provide the yacht itself with no onboard crew. You sail and manage every detail, or hire a licensed captain and deckhand separately. You’ll coordinate provisioning, route planning, safety checks, fuel, and berthing, and you must ensure enough experienced persons on board to handle the workload and weather shifts. If you prefer autonomy and a tighter budget, this option gives you the space to shape the days from dawn till dusk.

For family groups and friend crews, a crewed plan offers full service that many travellers seek. It removes the stress of timing, permits, and provisioning, letting you focus on the vibe of Sint Maarten’s three-country microcosm and the ease of quick hops between marinas. Most itineraries are designed to match a relaxed rhythm, with mornings on deck and evenings ashore that align with your pace.

Plan a seven-day rhythm that highlights Surinamese stories, marinas, and sheltered coves. Start on the Dutch side, enter bays with amphitheatre-like shores, and strolls along promenades where planespotting at Maho Beach draws curious crowds. From vivid turquoise coves to quiet harbours, you’ll hit a sequence of stops that feels curated, with enough time for beach days, short hikes, and kid-friendly activities for the whole family.

When choosing, consider your group size, the desire for onboard service, and the comfort level with navigation. If you want a seamless experience that brings the resort vibe to sea days, a full crew on a Ferretti or similar model is the easiest answer. If you crave control and are comfortable leading a crewless schedule, a well-prepared bareboat with licensed captains or crew hired on demand can still deliver a memorable Saint Martin adventure from Sint to Surinam and back.

Marinas, Bays, and Anchorages Worth Visiting

Start with Simpson Bay Marina for your first stop. This choice harbour sits on the lagoon, offering a protected entry into warm waters, quick tender access, and solid safety for the crew. Plan 60–90 minutes for provisioning, fuel, and shore errands; the marina also carries reliable shore power and Wi‑Fi, smoothing your holiday rhythm.

Next, head to Port de Plaisance in Philipsburg, a short run from Simpson Bay. The Simpson area keeps the connectivity tight between stops, with deep-water berths, friendly staff, and a compact shopping district within walking distance. The anchorage nearby provides a flexible option if the forecast turns windy, and several marinas in the area include maintenance services for a range of yachts, all within minutes of each other.

Bays worth pausing at include Cul de Sac Bay and Anse Marcel. Cul de Sac sits behind a protective rock shelf and offers a quiet anchorage with clear water and reef‑highlights just a short dinghy ride from shore facilities. Anse Marcel offers a calm, crescent‑shaped bay with straightforward access to shore clubs, a small market, and a sheltered entrance for night stays. The majesty of the horizon crowns sunset at Anse Marcel.

Diving fans will enjoy the Saint Martin coastline, where the warm waters host healthy reefs and beginner sites within minutes of most anchorages. Shore clubs and waterfront bars give you a place to share stories after sunset, while motion on the water keeps the day lively without fatigue.

Safety remains a matter you should monitor as you plan legs between harbours. Check winds, currents, and tide state before entering an anchorage; keep the crew informed and assign a lookout for changing weather or rock hazards near exposed points. Benji the dock‑side mascot often greets arrivals at Simpson Bay, adding a friendly touch to your welcome.

Costs, taxes, and port-fee structures vary by harbour, so map a short plan that accounts for these returns to the budget. The routes described here carry a mix of marinas, selected anchorages, and easy shore access that keeps your holiday comfortable while leaving time for diving, playtime, and a graceful return to sea states before the next leg.

Factors Driving Charter Rates: Size, Speed and Amenities

Choose a private, mid-size motor yacht around 90 feet with 22–24 knots cruising speed to balance comfort, range, and value on Saint Martin itineraries. This size handles day sails from Maho to Anguilla and allows for an overnight with a full crew, whilst keeping daily fares predictable.

Size drives cost because longer hulls need more fuel, more maintenance, and a larger crew. Adding 15–20 metres can push the daily rate noticeably when paired with similar speed and amenities. A 4‑cabin private yacht stays on the affordable side for groups of 6–8; stepping to 6 cabins unlocks more guests for island hops along the dutchside and short hops to Anguilla, raising the fare but increasing flexibility for families or corporate groups.

Speed matters for planning itineraries and fuel use. If you aim for 28–32 knots to cover multiple hops between Maho, Saint Maarten, and Anguilla in a single day, expect a premium for engine time and specialised crewing. Slower cruises of 20–24 knots reduce fuel burn and often keep daily rates within a tighter band, letting you stretch a 3–4 day charter into a more relaxed island circuit with snorkelling sessions and sunset vista views.

Amenities and culinary quality move the needle considerably. A private chef program with a capable crew adds value beyond the base fare, especially when a chef like Tesni delivers a tailored culinary experience–culinary choices that showcase local flavours alongside international highlights. Water toys matter too: paddleboards and snorkelling gear expand daily activities, making island stops around Saint Maarten, Maho, and jaunts near Anguilla more memorable. Overnight charters require additional safety staffing, but enable farewell celebrations on deck under a starry sky with privacy and comfort.

Regional routing influences price as well. Staying on the Dutch side or crossing to the calmer coves near Anguilla impacts anchorage fees, port charges, and crew hours. The option to base out of Saint Maarten’s harbour, with a vista toward nearby islets, often yields better value when you book a yacht axiom like axioma or similar private motors with experienced crews. For truly immersive experiences, plan a day of snorkelling, a stop at Mahoe or Maarten beaches, and a late‑night return to shore for a farewell dinner aboard, ensuring safety with trained crews and onboard chefs.

French vs Dutch Side Rules: Licensing, Fees and Customs

Opt for the Dutch side, Sint Maarten, when you’re hiring a motorboat for clear, predictable licensing and smoother customs. A local broker liaises with the harbour master, and you’ll save minutes by pre-loading all crew details and vessel papers. Expect fixed marina dues and pilotage charges, with fewer surprises upon return after each night on the water.

Licensing and crew requirements differ by side. On the French side, the captain must hold a French licence to operate chartered vessels, and the operator handles French registration and agent coordination. On the Dutch side, clearance follows Sint Maarten harbour rules with standard checks for crew credentials, flag-state documentation, and vessel registration. Ask the operator to show a clear endorsement (endor) and avoid any ambiguous marks on the forms. The marine trades and service network supports provisioning, maintenance, and repairs, making operations smoother in waters around reefs and sheltered bays.

Fees and customs vary too. The French side may levy cruising dues, local taxes, and formal clearance costs when moving between shores; the Dutch side uses fixed marina dues and simple port charges that are easier to estimate before you set sail. Plan for a short customs stop when crossing between shores; moon nights and calm hops between marinas add to the experience. Snorkelling sessions stand up well during day trips, sun cream helps, and you’ll enjoy a vista of coastlines. For selected yachts, including a 79ft multi-gen motorboat, expect comfortable decks for crews and charterers alike.

Tips for charterers and crews. Share your itinerary with the broker upfront; verify captain credentials and safety certifications; ensure there is no stray endor on the licence. Build in minutes for check-in, fuel, provisioning, and route planning; for every passage, keep a concise log to track returns to port. The axioma of a smooth charter is clear docs, vetted crews, and a thoughtful plan that accommodates snorkelling and nights aboard while keeping the selected yacht ready for the next leg.

How to Evaluate Charter Operators: Checklists and Red Flags

Verify licensing, registering, and insurance before booking any charter. This upfront check prevents misrepresented vessels and hidden costs from draining your weekend plans to Anguilla or other nearshore destinations.

1. Licensing, registering and insurance: confirm the operator holds valid licences from the flag/state, verify the vessel is registered, and obtain a current certificate of insurance. Ask for a COI naming all guests and for proof of third-party safety inspections. Clarify if the operator uses a stabilised platform and how that affects ride comfort in choppier seas.
2. Crew and safety standards: request crew qualifications, including the captain’s licence and any specialised endorsements. Check crew‑to‑guest ratios, schedule safety drills, and ensure there are enough life vests for everyone onboard. Review onboard safety equipment lists and first‑aid provisions, plus sunscreen and other guest essentials you may want on a warm Saint Martin weekend.
3. Vessel specifics and condition: obtain the yacht’s length in metres, year, and recent maintenance history. Look for stabilised gyros, updated navigation gear and a clear maintenance log. A spacious cabin layout and well‑presented common areas improve playtime and relaxation after days at the beaches or cruising between shallow bays.
4. Onboard experience and cuisine: ask about signature experiences, menus, and culinary standards. Enquire whether the crew can accommodate dietary needs, highlight fresh seafood options, and provide a sample weekend menu. A strong operator shares details about culinary plans, beverage packages, and how they balance speed and comfort for a relaxed, endless day on the water.
5. Itinerary flexibility and ports: discuss likely anchorages, mooring options, and access to shallow lagoons. Confirm if the itinerary includes popular spots near clubs, beaches, or protected coves, and whether they can tailor routes for weekend sun and swimming in shallow waters or snorkelling stops.
6. Pricing structure and inclusions: request a full price breakdown, including port fees, crew gratuities, provisioning, fuel surcharges, and any discount options. Clarify what's included in the price and what falls under extras so you can book accurately without surprises at the end of the trip.
7. Contract clarity and reservations: ensure the agreement spells out deposit terms, cancellation policies, and refund conditions. Check whether registering personal details is required at booking, and confirm shareable elements like a guest list, signature on the charter contract, and required documentation before arrival.
8. Reputation and references: search for recent guest reviews and verify with clubs or private networks. Ask for at least two recent itineraries or client references who used operators like axioma or anjelif to confirm reliability and service quality over a weekend in the Saint Martin area.

Red flags to watch for: vague licenses or missing insurance proofs; reluctance to share maintenance records or safety drills; unclear crew credentials or high turnover signals; inconsistent vessel size or photos that don’t match the yacht; hidden fees or last‑minute add-ons labelled as mandatory; aggressive pressure to sign or register without time to read terms; unclear cancellation terms or non-transparent contract language. If you notice any of these, press for full disclosures or walk away.

When you’re comparing options, note how operators handle guest comfort: prepared sunscreen kits, ample vest inventories, thoughtful menus, and the way they preserve playtime without compromising safety. A well‑run charter respects guests, supports transparent pricing, and reserves room to adapt to unexpected weather or changing plans–whether you’re dreaming of a weekend escape to Anguilla or a broader circuit with endless coastline adventures. Look for operators that clearly communicate, offer flexible itineraries, and treat every guest as a valued partner in the journey.