ST. MAARTEN
This charmingly peaceful dual Island Nation is divided in the middle, the north is French and the south is Dutch. It offers one of the largest Caribbean hubs in terms of air service. Enjoy amazing beaches including some secluded secrets, duty-free shopping, award winning restaurants, exciting scuba dive sites, rainforests, hiking opportunities, horseback riding etc.
Incredible Anguilla, tucked away and embraced by unrivaled exquisite beaches, turquoise seas and low key elegance. Those who come here receive the embrace, holding the enchantment of this magnificent Island close to their hearts. Not to mention whales enjoying the northern plateu as a feeding and resting shelter, delighting us with their seasonal appearances.
St Barth’s, a fabulous mix of; chic and trendy luxury beyond belief. Its tiny airport with an approach which will make any plane lover hold their breath twice. Enchanting beaches with turtles, rays and dolphins. It’s simply paradise!
Here is a sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a sailing vacation with TradeWinds in St. Maarten and its neighboring Islands of Anguilla and St Barths. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your Captain sets an alternative course.
Embarkation is at 5pm, however you are welcome to check in and drop off your luggage any time during Saturday. After that you can relax, sit back at one of the bars or restaurants close by and take it easy. Your catamaran is on the dock at Port de Plaisance Marina in Cole Bay on the Dutch side of the island. Upon arrival at our offices in the Marina, you will be greeted by our operations manager who will take you through the check in procedure. Boarding is at 5pm, when you will be greeted by a refreshing welcome cocktail and introduced to your crew and fellow sailors. After which you will be shown to your cabin and helped to settle in to to your new home for the week. Just before sunset we cast off the bowlines and anchor up in the lagoon for the evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner aboard. The rest of the evening you can either enjoy a relaxing time onboard or head off to sample the shops, clubs and casinos.
Following breakfast, we exit the Simpson Bay Lagoon through the lifting bridge. After a short briefing of all safety aspects, we set sail for the beautiful uninhabited isle of Ile Fourche. Lunch is served with the astounding surroundings of the marine and nature park. The afternoon offers snorkelling amongst the amazing coral reefs, spotting rays, turtles and dolphins is not uncommon in this area, so keep on the lookout. Diving is incredible here for you bubble lovers, and of course, as is the opportunity to soak up the sunshine and relax. For those more vigorous guests, get your sneakers on and hike up to the top of the mountain, its not too far and the views afforded over St Barths and St Maarten are breathtaking. The party continues, when your Captain serves sunset cocktails and then your Chef presents another incredible dinner. There is no light pollution in this unique location and a night cap while stargazing up on deck is highly recommended. Not to mention the romantic setting.
After a scrumptous breakfast, be prepared for the delights of the French Isle of St Barths, as we sail into the stunning and bustling port of Gustavia. With plenty of fancy shops and a lively atmosphere, St Barths is a real gem of the Caribbean. A short stroll over to 'Shell Beach' is a treat and for those more active hikers, bring your camera and walk up along the road towards the airport 'mountain' for some 'never-seen-before' propeller approaches, its well worth the hike. Once lunch has been served back on board, we hoist the sails and head to either the Anse de Colombier bay on St Barths or the unique island of Tintamarre off St Martin. Full of historical treasures, this is the perfect spot to enjoy some snorkelling and diving. The stunning anchorage and pristine waters offer the perfect spot to soak up the sunset and wind down with another of the Captain's special concoctions. What a backdrop to another glorious Caribbean day as your chef prepares your evenings three course meal.
Breakfast in the shade, surrounded by morning sunshine, followed by some more snorkelling before your crew lift anchor to sail around to the amazing Ille Pinel. You'll be snorkelling and diving in some of the Caribbeans finest corals, whilst a multitude of fish swim within touching distance (but no touching!). Lunch gives you a chance to recharge your energy level, before the short sail to the stunning bay at Anse Marcel. Maybe you'll catch a fish or two on the way, or just relax to the sound of the waves and seagulls. The protected bay at Anse Marcel, coupled with the white sandy beach is a fine place to kick back and live the Caribbean dream. After taking on fresh water supplies, your next port of call is the delightful town at Grand Case. Get ready to be amazed as you anchor in this wondrous and lively french village. Beside getting to sample fine French cuisine, in what is also known as the Gourmet Capitol of the Caribbean, the small boutiques and art galleries invite for a bit of 'retail shopping' , Caribbean style.
After a fantastic breakfast your crew will take you snorkelling at the famous Creole Rock. This is the best spot to get ready for the sail across to Anguilla, home to some of the Caribbeans finest beaches and more incredible sea life. We may see dolphins and if we are lucky even whales. Again, if you want to participate and learn more about the handling of the yacht and sails you are welcome to do so, or just sit back and relax. Arriving on the northern part of the Island, we may choose to spend the day at the secluded Prickly Pear Cays, well off Anguilla. The crystal clear turquoise waters makes it another paradise to snorkel , with many turtles and rays to admire. A sumptuous lunch is served onboard. While some will relax on the stunning beaches, you can enjoy a trip on the kayak to explore the area. In the afternoon, we set sail to Road Bay on the north shore of Anguilla. Dinner is served onboard, and afterwards; if possible go for some dancing in the sand by "Johnno's" Bar and Restaurant.
After a delighful breakfast, we sail over to Sandy Island, a small off-lying cay with a circular coral reef surrounding it. Lunch is served onboard, next to a coral atoll, the waters are truly every shade of turquoise imaginable and wearing polarized lenses on your sunglasses will only heighten the experience. After lunch, we sail up to Crocus Bay, a part of the Anguilla Marine National Park. The fish and bird life is astounding. Take the kayak for exploration of the cliffs teeming with bird life and cactus plants or laze on the tiny secluded beach. Secluded, because the only way to get there is by kayak or dinghy off your private yacht or by climbing down a very steep cliff with the only aid of an old rope! After a glorious sunset, the onboard barbeque is lit and we will serve a wonderful dinner at this stunning anchorage. This is another location where light pollution from the islands is virtually non existent. Enjoy a night cap and a late evening of some amazing stargazing, seeing the Milky Way and shooting stars are highly likely.
IIn the morning, perhaps a snorkel or a swim after breakfast, before hositing the sails for Marigot, the Capitol of St Martin. We anchor off the long golden beach, where lunch is served. The bridge opens in the mid afternoon, allowing us back into the unique lagoon. Once we reach dock, you'll have the chance to freshen up and enjoy some more of your Captain's wonderful cocktails, before dining ashore at one of the fine water front restaurants of Simpson Bay.
After a last tasty breakfast onboard, it is time to gather your belongings, as well as your wonderful memories of a week in this most beautiful environment. Before exchanging fond farewells, your crew will arrange transport to the airport. You will already be planning your next cruise with TradeWinds.
You will find plenty of air service to St Maarten, Princess Juliana International Airport (airport code: SXM).
Upon arrival at Princess Juliana airport in St Maarten take any taxi to our office at Port de Plaisance Marina, on the Dutch side. Journey takes approx 15 minutes and costs US$15 per couple. Instruct the taxi driver to take you to Port de Plaisance Princess Casino and Resort. Upon arrival go through the main hotel lobby and out side to the dock of the Marina. Turn left and walk to the end of the dock. Our offices are situated at the end of the dock in the small two story building.
If you experience delays and you feel that you cannot get to the base in time then please call +599 553 0226 leaving your name(s) and a short description of the problem along with contact details for where you are.
Your charter ends, after a delightful breakfast, on Saturday at 9 am. Your yacht will have arrived on the dock from Friday evening so if an early flight or ferry on your schedule, then our office can book a taxi service for you on Saturday morning. There is an airport departure tax for departing passengers, however, the fee is already included in all airlines tickets so there is no need to carry extra cash for this.
See our further information section for information on visas, currency, weather and more.
Updated April 2012
Sint Maarten-St Martin is located in the northeast Caribbean 1,371 miles (2,207km) from Miami, FL and approximately 150 miles (240 km) east of Puerto Rico. This island is the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. Only 37 square miles in total, the island is owned by France and the Netherlands Antilles. The Dutch and the French agreed more than 350 years ago that residents of either side of the island can be commercially active on the other side without any Red Tape or border difficulties. This contract of peaceful coexistence turns out to be the oldest active, undisputed treaty on our planet!
The French territory covers about two thirds of the island and is technically a part of Europe and the European Community. The Dutch side is a member island of the Netherlands Antilles and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but not considered European territory. There is no real border, just modest monuments and signs. The island is known as an almost perfect holiday environment; beaches and nightlife are spectacular, shopping and dining are the best in the Caribbean.
Hot but tempered by cooling trade winds. The annual average temperature is 27°C (80°F), varying by no more than two or three degrees throughout the year.
Tropicals and cottons are worn throughout the year. Umbrellas or light waterproofs are advisable. Water temperature is steady year round and averages 27C (80F) so no need for divers to bring wetsuits.
Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear. In addition to this perhaps something a little more dressy for the two evenings you will be dining ashore. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you.
It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in your hand luggage. If your luggage gets lost enroute it will not be able to be delivered to you until days later.
Dutch immigration require that you show your return ticket when disembarking. If you have an e-ticket please print off and bring with you the e-ticket and the itinerary.
You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard. Good sturdy sandals, like TEVA-style models are preferred as they sit well on your feet. If you are a runner, bring your sneakers, there could be an opportunity for a lovely run here or there.
You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or watch wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.
All of our yachts carry a fishing rod onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch or dinner, sushi or sashimi!
We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, changes to flights etc.
Please read our travel insurance recommendations for more information.
Most hotels in St. Maarten are wired as in the U.S.: 110 volts, 60 cycles. On the French side, all run on 220 volts, 60 cycles so a converter and adaptor plugs are needed for travel appliances.
US dollars are widely accepted on both the Dutch and the French sides. Official currency of the Dutch side is the Netherlands Antilles florin or guilder (NAF). Official currency of the French side is the Euro, as in France or in other French holdings around the world. Nearly all prices are listed in US dollars as well as the local currency, so there's no need for calculating exchange rates.
Automatic teller machines (ATM's) are available at several locations throughout the island.
If you wish to stay for one or more days prior to sailing we recommend the Marys Boon Beach Hotel on Simpson Bay. located, close to the airport.
Mary's Boons contact numbers are: St Maarten +1721 545-7000 USA 305 677-3833 1877 260-7483 email info@marysboon.com Visit their website, but please contact the resort directly, either by email or phone, when booking, in order to receive a TradeWinds discount.
For U.S. , Canadian and European Community citizens a valid passport and a return/continuing ticket.
For other countries, kindly contact your closest Dutch Embassy/Consulate or a St. Maarten Tourist Office. Please see Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your closest Dutch Embassy/Consulate or a St. Maarten Tourist Office.
Government law requires a 5 percent room tax on all hotel rates. Most hotels and guest houses add 10 percent to 15 percent service charge in lieu of tipping. Some also add an energy surcharge.
Most hotels and restaurants add between 10 percent and 15 percent to the bill as a service charge, and this is almost always posted in writing at the entrance, on the menu, etc. Travelers can tip more for special service.
Updated April 2012.