You’ll find two worlds, French and Dutch nestling harmoniously together on this dazzling 34sq mile island in the North East Caribbean Sea. In 1493 Christopher Columbus named it St Martins. Today, to the North, is the French ‘Saint Martin’. To the South Dutch ‘Sint Maarten’ – one island split by two languages and cultures. Both are equally blessed with stunning beaches, emerald seas & secluded coves.
Going Dutch, via the principal city Philipsburg, experience the vibrant & convivial Caribbean nightlife. Alternatively, while away your evening & a few pennies at one of the lively casinos or enjoy in moderation, or not, the native rum-based Guavaberry liquors.
In true French style you can shop until you drop in the city of Marigot, sample world class French & Indian Caribbean cuisine or simply chill ‘sans vetements’ on one of the island’s nude beaches – fuelled by Dutch courage acquired from the unforgettable previous night’s guava juice adventures! Other more traditional stretches of pristine, warm sand are available!
Many vibrant painters & musicians have all made St Martins their home and if you want a day ashore a hike up to the highest point of Pic Paradis, at 424metres within a chain of peaks & mountains on this French side, is worth the effort. This truly is a destination island for all tastes with the bonus of great island cruising.
We sail out of Lagoon Marina in well sheltered Simpson’s Bay on the Dutch side, but a short sail takes you into France! This is classic Leeward Island sailing and you can easily cross to Anguilla, which is a half-day sail away, and other local islands, mostly inhabited but some deserted. Click the itinerary tab for suggested passages.
One word of advice – do take care if you visit the Prickly Pear nature reserve – spiky and then some!
Skill-wise: intermediate to experienced sailing in these parts with winds regularly between force 3 and 6. Mostly line of sight sailing but some open water so Day Skipper standard recommended along with competent crew.
Weather-wise: High season here is the dry period from December to May with daily temperatures close to 30° and east-northeast trade winds. From June to November expect more variable winds blowing from northeast round to south – warmer at this time too.
