Saint Martin offers one of the most cosmopolitan charter bases in the Caribbean, divided between French Saint-Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten. From 100,000 Euros per week, 8 yachts are available here, spanning a broad range of sizes and styles suited to the island’s diverse anchorages and social atmosphere. The island is a natural hub for Caribbean cruising, with an international airport and well-stocked marinas on both sides.
The 100,000 Euros per week bracket in Saint Martin covers yachts with professional crews, well-equipped galleys and a full suite of water toys. At the lower end of this range, vessels run to around thirty metres with four cabins; at the higher end, motor yachts of fifty metres or more carry ten guests with six or seven crew. All come rigged for Caribbean conditions, with shade on deck, fast tenders and snorkelling or dive gear as standard.
The base weekly rate of 100,000 Euros does not include the advance provisioning allowance, which typically runs to thirty percent of the charter fee and covers fuel, food, drinks, marina berthing and sundry port costs. High season in Saint Martin runs from mid-December through mid-April, with New Year commanding a premium. The shoulder months of November, May and June offer the same conditions and more negotiating room. APA overspends and underspends are reconciled at the end of the charter.
Saint Martin’s cruising ground is the best in the northern Lesser Antilles. From Simpson Bay Lagoon, yachts venture to Marigot Bay on the French side for morning markets and waterfront restaurants, then cross to Philipsburg’s duty-free shopping on the Dutch side. Île Pinel, a short tender ride from French Cul de Sac, offers superb snorkelling and a beach restaurant. Tintamarre Island, two miles northeast, is a protected nature reserve with an excellent anchorage. Further afield, Anguilla is forty minutes north, Saint Barts an hour south.
