SINT MAARTEN GMASint Maarten is one of the most yacht-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, offering a mix of world-class marinas, vibrant nightlife, duty-free shopping, and easy access to nearby islands. The island is divided between the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint Martin), each offering a unique cruising experience.

Approach & Entry

  • Customs & Immigration:

    • Clearance is straightforward, with offices in Simpson Bay (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side).
    • Dutch side fees are higher but have better facilities, while the French side is often more relaxed.

  • Anchorages & Moorings:

    • Simpson Bay: Good holding but can be rolly, best suited for short stays.
    • Marigot Bay: More protected, easy access to provisioning.
    • Grand Case: Great for a quieter anchorage with excellent dining ashore.
    • Tintamarre: A remote, beautiful island just a short sail away.

  • Bridge Openings & Marinas:

    • Simpson Bay Bridge (Dutch) and Sandy Ground Bridge (French) allow access to protected lagoon marinas.
    • Marinas: IGY Yacht Club, Port de Plaisance, and Yacht Club de Marigot cater to everything from superyachts to liveaboards.

Provisioning & Services

  • Chandlery & Repairs: Sint Maarten is one of the best places in the Caribbean for yacht repairs, haul-outs, and parts.
  • Supermarkets: Carrefour and Cost U Less (Dutch) for bulk shopping; Super U (French) for gourmet European selections.
  • Fuel & Water: Easily available at most marinas.

Shore Life & Entertainment

  • Nightlife & Dining: Maho Beach for lively bars, Simpson Bay for casual restaurants, Grand Case for fine French cuisine.
  • Beaches: Mullet Bay, Orient Bay (French, clothing-optional), and Anse Marcel for a more secluded feel.
  • Activities: Sailing, diving, kitesurfing, and hiking in Pic Paradis.

Nearby Destinations

  • Anguilla: 12 nm away, stunning beaches, and a quieter vibe.
  • St. Barths: 15 nm away, a high-end luxury hotspot with fantastic anchorages.
  • Saba: 30 nm away, excellent diving and hiking.

Final Thoughts

Sint Maarten is a near-perfect stop for provisioning, repairs, and socializing before heading deeper into the Caribbean. While it can be busy, it remains one of the most convenient and well-equipped destinations for cruising yachts.

MARINAS

SINT MAARTEN WEATHER

Swell

SINT MAARTEN HISTORIC HURRICANE TRACKS

SINT MAARTEN PILOT CHARTS

SINT MAARTEN PILOT CHARTS  provide historic points and aggregated information of  wind flows, air and ocean temperatures, wave heights, rain, barometric weight, and climate conditions at various seasons. This data was acquired from oceanographic and meteorologic perceptions over hundreds of years starting in the late eighteenth century. These diagrams are planned to help mariners choose routes around and approaching Cuba with respect to the normal climate and sea conditions using prevailing seasonal wind information.

PORTS OF ENTRY

Dutch Side (Sint Maarten)

  1. Simpson Bay Bridge (Customs & Immigration Office)
    📍 Location: Simpson Bay Lagoon, near the bridge
    📞 +1 721-545-5282
    🕒 Hours: Typically open during bridge opening times
    ✉️ immigration@sintmaartengov.org

  2. Bobby’s Marina (Philipsburg)
    📍 Location: Great Bay, Philipsburg
    📞 +1 721-542-2366
    🕒 Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday-Friday)
    🌐 bobbysmarina.com
    📝 Notes: Clearance available for vessels docking at Bobby’s Marina

  3. Port St. Maarten (Commercial Shipping & Cruise Terminal)
    📍 Location: Philipsburg, Great Bay
    📞 +1 721-542-8503
    🌐 portstmaarten.com
    📝 Notes: Used primarily for large commercial vessels & cruise ships

French Side (St. Martin)

If you’re arriving on the French side, clearance is usually done at:

  • Marina Fort Louis (Marigot)
  • Captain Oliver’s Marina (Oyster Pond)
  • Port La Royale Marina (Marigot)

DOCUMENTS

MUST SEE

REPAIRS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

1. BWA Yachting – St. Maarten
Description: A world-class yacht services and provisioning company offering an all-encompassing range of services with keen attention to detail.
Address: Plaza Del Lago, Simpson Bay Marina, Sint Maarten
Phone: +1 721-544-2436
Email: caribbean@bwayachting.com
Website: bwayachting.com
​

2. Dockside Management
Description: A highly respected yacht support agency with a strong base in St. Maarten, offering prompt, dependable service, attention to detail, integrity, discretion, and 24-hour availability.
Phone: +1 721-544-4101
Email: info@dockside-managment.com
Website: dockside-management.com
​

3. Shore Support
Description: Offers yacht agent services, provisioning, technical support, fine wine supplies, and more, catering to both private and charter yachts.
Address: Plaza Del Lago, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
Phone: +1 721-544-4321
Email: info@shoresupport.net

4. Mega Yacht Services
Description: A personable and knowledgeable yacht provisioning company offering a wide range of products and services to provide the highest quality experience.
Address: Opal Building, Red Plum Tree Drive, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten
Phone: USA +1 612-916-7981 | SXM +1 721-524-4608
Email: mairi@megayachtservice.com

5. Yacht Control
Description: Founded by a diverse team of Masters and Chefs dedicated to simplifying the lives of captains and crew, offering effective management and quality yacht services.
Address: Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
Phone: +33 7 82 55 76 34
Email: contact@yachtcontrol.co
Website: yachtcontrol.co
​

6. The Yacht Club at Port de Plaisance
Description: One of the Caribbean’s premier service centers for professionally crewed yachts, offering a range of services including dockage, concierge, and yacht maintenance.
Address: 155 Union Rd., Cole Bay, Sint Maarten
Phone: +1 721-544-4565
Website: portdeplaisancemarina.com
​

7. Island Water World
Description: A highly recommended and stocked chandlery with stores in Cole Bay, Bobby’s Marina, and Marigot, offering a Mega Yacht Wholesale Programme and well-rated online shopping facility.
Website: islandwaterworld.com

8. Budget Marine
Description: A leading chandlery offering a wide range of marine products and services, catering to the needs of yachts and boats in the Caribbean.
Website: budgetmarine.com

EMERGENCIES AND SAR INFO

for police emergencies on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, you can dial 911 or
+1 (721) 542-2222. 

 

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
  • Police: 911 or +1 (721) 542-2222
  • Ambulance: 912 or +1 (721) 542-2111
  • Fire/Disaster Department: 919 or +1 (721) 545-4222
  • Coast Guard: 913
  • St. Maarten Medical Center: 910 or +1 (721) 543-1111