Sint Maarten & Saint Martin - The Island Every Multihull Sailor Should know!

Every sailor should know Sint Maarten — because it’s the Caribbean’s most efficient, stress-free gateway for anyone needing service or supplies in the islands. It’s where superyachts base themselves for the winter and where multihull cruisers pause to reset, refit, and regroup before pushing further down (or up) the island. And they stop here for good reason: direct international flights, world-class chandleries, epic sailing and regattas, easy customs clearance, skilled labour, haul-out facilities, protected anchorages, reliable provisioning, and yes… some truly great bars.

Rapide’s Caribbean Multihull Advisor, Guy has called the island home since 2003 — long enough to know every shortcut, service, and local anchorage that never makes it into a guidebook. His goal? To make your time in Sint Maarten smoother, smarter, and far more enjoyable.

Welcome to the Caribbean—told by someone who turned this island into his homeport, not just a stopover.

Sint Maarten holds a unique charm as the world’s tiniest landmass shared by two countries. On the Dutch side, it buzzes with energy — lively beaches, nightlife, casinos, and the unforgettable sight of planes gliding low over Maho Beach. Just a short drive away, Saint Martin shifts the mood entirely, offering quieter bays, boutique shopping, and the renowned culinary scene of Grand Case, where French elegance meets Caribbean flavor.

Princess Juliana International Airport welcomes a steady flow of travelers from around the world, making Sint Maarten a practical and well-connected base for setting off by sea. From here, the nearest islands lie only hours apart: Anguilla with its gentle, powdery beaches, Saint Barths with its effortless elegance, and Saba with its wild volcanic charm.

An ideal jumping-off point for those who love exploring the Caribbean at a relaxed, luxurious pace.

Explore the Waters

RECOMMENDED OVERNIGHT ANCHORAGES

The French Side

Grand Case
A favourite all-weather anchorage, Grand Case is a staple on any cruising itinerary. The bay’s calm, turquoise waters make it easy to settle in for the night, and ashore you’ll find boutique shops and exceptional restaurants lining the waterfront. By day or night, it radiates French-Caribbean charm.

Friars Bay
Quiet, sheltered, and wonderfully relaxed, Friars Bay offers a peaceful break from the island’s busy pockets. Protected from northeasterly winds and swell, it’s a gentle hideaway perfect for unwinding.

The Dutch Side

Simpson Bay
Convenient and well-connected, Simpson Bay is ideal for clearing into the Dutch side. With easy access to the lagoon through the bridge and main marinas. It's a boat's paradise, as the island supplies every need, whether it be provisioning, marine chandleries, rigging, sail repair. It’s is the one stop shop all under one roof or “Island”

Great Bay
Comfortable in northeasterly and easterly winds, Great Bay leads straight into Philipsburg, the Dutch capital. Expect duty-free shopping, a lively boardwalk, and easy access to the island’s commercial hub. When southerly winds roll through, it can get a touch rolly.

RECOMMENDED DAY ANCHORAGES

The French Side

Tintamarre
A stunning, uninhabited island north of Orient Bay — part of the French Nature Reserve and accessible with a permit (apply ahead as approval takes time). Busy by day, serene by night, Tintamarre is perfect for a swim in clear water or for positioning yourself for a smoother angle toward Saint Barths.

Happy Bay
A secluded, postcard-perfect beach with soft sand and vibrant water. Happy Bay is ideal for a daytime stop, and in calm conditions, can offer a surprisingly dreamy overnight. It’s also known for its relaxed, clothing-optional vibe.

Anse Marcel
This tucked-away cove bay is surrounded by lush hills. Protection here is generally good though winds may swirl. Excellent for a swim — turtles are frequent visitors — while nearby Grand Case remains the better choice for overnighting.

Lasamana (Baie Longue)
Right on the French and Dutch border, a serene daytime anchorage, Baie Longue is often called Lasamana Beach by locals, thanks to the luxurious five-star resort nestled in the corner of the bay. It’s a beautiful place to unwind during the day, though one thing to keep in mind if you choose to stay overnight is the resort’s bright evening spotlights, which wash over the bay and soften the privacy and ambience.

Dutch Side

Mullet Bay
A gorgeous spot to enjoy by day, Mullet Bay is known for its clear water and sweeping sandy beach—though it’s worth noting that day-charter boats frequent the area, so it can get crowded. Still, it remains a favourite for its laid-back vibe, local cuisine, and Mediterranean-style beach bars lining the shore.

Beyond the Boat: Adventures on Land

Culture & Heritage
The cultural identity of St. Maarten & St. Martin is a rich, captivating blend of traditions, flavours, and stories passed down through generations. It lives in the island’s music and dance, in remedies drawn from the land, in the fusion of cuisines, and in the craftsmanship shaped by life on the sea and soil. Proudly united under the motto “One Island, One People,” locals carry their heritage with heart and ease.

Join one of the island’s cultural or historical tours to experience it for yourself — wander through old landmarks, sip bush tea, taste warm Johnny cakes, sample local rum, and take in sweeping viewpoints that bring the island’s history and spirit to life.

Street Art: The island’s creativity shines through colourful murals and photo installations scattered across both French and Dutch sides. Guided street-art tours take you through neighbourhoods alive with expression, texture, and local stories.

Adventure Inland

Loterie Farm: The island’s jungle escape—home to hiking trails through an old sugar plantation, zip lining, lush forest paths, and sweeping views from Pic Paradis. Cool off afterwards in the pool with a cocktail in hand.

A Taste of the Caribbean’s Culinary Capital

With people from all over the world calling this island home, it’s no surprise that Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is often referred to as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.” From elegant waterfront dining to smoky beachside BBQ, the island caters to every palate.

Lolos – Grand Case (French Side)
Local Creole BBQ at its best. Casual, authentic, and beloved by both locals and travelers. true to their roots: open-air, locally owned and operated, offering delicious and affordable food at shared picnic tables, allowing visitors to step into a long-standing tradition that celebrates the island's heritage and hospitality

Freedom Fighters Ital Shack – Philipsburg (Dutch Side)
Rastafarian, farm-to-table style cooking with organic, homegrown ingredients. The menu changes daily. “Bushman” Roland and his family sport the motto "Ital is vital for your survival," and that eating healthy is a conscious way of living. Saturday nights feature a special "redemption night" with dinner and reggae music.

Lagoonies Bistro & Bar – Cole Bay (Dutch Side)
Accessible by dinghy, this is where locals and sailors mingle. Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and live music.

Palapa Grill – Simpson Bay (Dutch Side)
A tropical oasis offering elevated dining with globally trained bartenders. A hotspot during high season for drinks and dancing after dinner.

Alina’s Sushi – Maho (Dutch Side)
Enjoy the authentic Japanese and Contemporary Asian fusion of chef Ken Lin and his team. A key feature is the Omakase experience at the sushi bar and the great range of sake and cocktails. Excellent for dietary needs, including gluten-free.

La Villa Hibiscus – Mont Vernon (French Side)
The restaurant is housed in a boutique hotel, an old colonial house, with an intimate covered outdoor dining area. With it’s elegant and romantic ambience it sets the tone for high-end French dining with refined tasting menus, with seasonal fresh ingredients. Chef Schenk and his team treat food as a work of art, with a focus on imaginative dishes with vibrant colors, textures, and aromas. Perfect for a special night ashore.

Dive deeper into everything Sint Maarten/Saint Martin has to offer, WE ARE SXM provides a comprehensive guide to activities, culture, and insider tips. Find them on their mobile app “WE ARE SXM” or their website, https://www.wearesxm.com.

Upcoming Regattas:

Caribbean Multihull Challenge (CMC)
Late January to early February, the Caribbean Multihull Challenge brings fast, elegant multihulls to Sint Maarten’s waters for a dynamic mix of high-performance racing and relaxed rally-style courses. Expect everything from point-to-point island sprints to tight buoy races, all paired with a warm shoreside atmosphere and a growing environmental focus.
2026 dates: January 29 – February 1

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
Every early March, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta lights up the island as the Caribbean’s largest and most spirited sailing event. Four days of world-class racing draw an international fleet, while evenings come alive with a buzzing Regatta Village, live music, great food, and the famously fun Heineken parties that carry long into the night.
2026 dates: March 5 – 8

Shops & Essentials

The Butcher Shop – Cole Bay
High-quality meats, seafood, and specialty proteins. Online ordering available.
Bacchus – Marigot
Wines, gourmet goods, and specialty products.
Monoprix – Bellevue
Great for more upscale European supermarket

Reliable all-round supermarkets:
Carrefour – Cole Bay & Philipsburg
Super U – Marigot
Provisioning & Yacht ServicesParadise Foods — SXM, BVI, SBH, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Grenada, The Grenadines
Shore Support — Provisions & marine services

Marine Services & Marinas

Neptune Marine (Dutch Side)
Specialists in carpentry, boatbuilding, and full refits — interior and exterior. From woodwork and fiberglass repairs to window installations, paint, and custom furniture.
Nomad Marine Solutions (Dutch Side)
Experts in vessel upgrades and maintenance, including electrical systems, solar, lithium installations, and refit management. Works closely with trusted riggers, mechanics, and fabricators.
FKG (Dutch Side)
Rigging, metalwork, and hydraulic fabrication for yachting, industrial, and architectural sectors. Authorized dealer for Suzuki outboards and RigPro.
Tropical Sail Loft (Dutch side)
The experts for all your Sails & Canvas needs. Recognized agent for North Sails.
Chandleries:
- Budget Marine (Dutch Side)
- Island Water World (Dutch & French side locations)
Electec (Dutch Side)
All things electrical.
Simpson Bay Diesel Services (Dutch Side)
Parts & Servicing
Caraibes Diesel Services (French Side)
The official dealer of Volvo Penta products for Sint Maarten and surrounding islands for 20 years.

Marinas

Isle de Sol – Simpson Bay (Dutch Side)
Simpson Bay Yacht Club – Simpson Bay (Dutch Side)
Palapa Marina - Simpson Bay (Dutch Side)
Sky Port Marina - Simpson Bay (Dutch Side)
Port de Plaisance – Cole Bay (Dutch Side)
Lagoon Marina – Cole Bay (Dutch Side)
Dock Maarten – Philipsburg (Dutch Side)
Bobby’s Marina - Phillipsburg (Dutch Side)
Porto Cupecoy - Cupecoy (Dutch/French border)
Marina Fort Louis – Marigot (French Side)
“Not ready to go into Port Marigot? Much like Great Bay, it’s still a great place to drop anchor, offering easy access to the capital on the French side.”

Contact Guy Ogier
Email: guy@rapideyachtgroup.com
Phone: +1721 553 4730

Photo Credit: @ phil.a.f.photo , @ wearesxm , @ stmaartenheinikenregatta , @ caribbeanmultihullchallenge