It’s time to set sail to sunny St. Martin. The leisurely trade winds, which typically blow northeast from November to March and southeast from April to October makes this spot one of the best places to sail in the region. From June to July, visitors to St. Martin can enjoy at least 13 hours of visible sunshine. Located in the northeastern region of the Caribbean Sea, this 87 square kilometer Leeward Island, with its year round temperature average of 26 degrees, powdery sand beaches and blue waters, offers so much to its visitors. The character of the waves in St. Martin caters to both novice and experienced yachters: you could sail the region for a week and go no further than 21 nautical miles in one day. Cruising to and around St. Martin provides the opportunity for a broad range of offshore excursions such as snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and more. The unspoiled coral reefs and hidden coves surrounding St. Martin are a fascinating natural treasure for divers and snorkelers alike to spend endless hours discovering.
A unique travel destination that is as French as it is Dutch and Caribbean, St. Martin elegantly upholds a beautifully blended combination of cultures and refined class. Noted as being one of the friendliest destinations in the world, this Caribbean haven also boasts an unrivalled culinary scene. With its unique European influence and calm Caribbean cool, St. Martin is the perfect destination for you and yours to experience a sailing odyssey like no other. Start your voyage in Marigot, the capital of the island’s French side, littered with boutiques, bistros and all manner of quintessentially French attractions., Quaint moorings, cobbled streets, and classically colorful colonial architecture define the unique vibe of Marigot. Once you’ve taken some time to take in the sights, make for Anchorage, located just south of Marina Fort Louis. Here, you can refuel, fill your water tank, access the internet, shower, do laundry, and even rent a car.
Assuming your affairs are now in order, continue your discovery of the island in Orient Bay. A popular destination with those sailors exploring the Northern Leeward Islands, Orient Bay is situated on the Northeastern coast of French St. Martin. For those daring and adventurous travellers, this hot spot is the hub of water based sports adventure as well as home to the island’s nude beach and buzzing nightlife. Known to be a tricky anchoring spot in certain weather conditions, mooring in Orient Bay may require the deft hand of a more experienced sailor or at least, lots of attention and care when approaching. There are two known spots to anchor: the petite and secluded Ile Pinel (a good spot for a quiet night’s holding) as well as the anchorage on the west side of Green Cay.
With its unique atmosphere of luxury alongside casual beach chic, this destination has something to offer for travellers of all walks of life. From Michelin-starred fare to beach shack bites of Caribbean classics, whatever you dream can easily be made a reality in splendid St. Martin. Elect to stay at the finest hotels when you come ashore, or rent one of the island’s luxury villas as you explore the range of offerings from Grand Case Beach Club or Hotel L’ Esplanade. As a destination known for some of the best dancing and clubbing experiences as well as great casinos, the breadth of opportunity for fun on land in St. Martin matches the endless appeal of its cerulean waters.
One key perk of choosing to sail to St. Martin is proximity: the island’s ideal location in the region empowers you to expand your voyage to many other alluring islands, including Anguilla and St. Bart’s. If you absolute must have peace and seclusion, planning a trip to Anguilla’s beaches deserves a spot on your itinerary. The main port in Anguilla is Sandy Ground and it is located in a charming beach village.
For those wanting to get some shopping in beyond Marigot’s designer boutiques and market stalls the island of the stars, St. Bart’s, is equally robust in its offerings. Sail into the St. Bart’s port town of Gustavia and take in its European influence and flair, before lapping in the waters of the hidden gem that is Shell Beach. For those wishing to partake in long haul passages, you can even sail to the far south towards picturesque islands such as Antigua and its sister island Barbuda; globally renowned for their regatta and sailing week. With so much to see and to sail in St. Martin and the surrounding islands, your voyage is sure to be one for the books.
