Saint Martin
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St. Martin
REVIEW
With its 37 square miles and a population of around 75,000, St Martin has a long history to tell. Tourists may be surprised to discover that the island is partly French and partly Dutch, resulting in a unique combination of gastronomy and dreamy beaches. On the other hand, St Barths is considered one of the favorite destinations of the rich and famous, known for its beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants, and chic bars.
TIPS
- Enjoy the world-renowned French cuisine at one of the countless restaurants on the French side of St Martin.
- Take a stroll through the streets of Gustavia and visit the super luxury stores like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and many others.
- Make the most of the sunsets at Baie de St Jean, sipping a cocktail at Nikki Beach, or spend a relaxing day at the deserted beaches of Anse a Colombier or Anse du Petit Cul de Sac.
- Experience the tranquility and relaxation of Anguilla’s beaches, recognized today as the best in the Caribbean.
ITINERARY (7 days)
DAY 1 – Grand Case, St. Martin
As you head north from Oyster Pond along the east coast of the French side of St. Martin, you’ll see Orient Bay to your left, behind one of the two cays that protect the entrance. There, you can enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing north towards Tintamarre, a small island with an excellent anchorage spot where you can sunbathe or relax on one of its fabulous beaches.
As you round the top of St. Martin and continue along the west coast, you’ll pass by Grand Case Bay, a very pleasant place to stay and anchor for the night known for its wide selection of good restaurants and lively bars (dinghy moorings available). It’s also home to Creole Rock, where the diving is excellent. Another option to the west is the port of Marigot, where you can anchor or get a mooring for the night.
DAY 2 – Road Bay, Anguila
Leaving St. Martin, your course will take you west to the southern tip of Anguilla, a low-lying island known for its diving activities, restaurants, and tranquil Caribbean charm. Road Bay is an excellent anchorage spot, one of the most pleasant in the northern Leeward Islands. It also serves as a port of entry for superyachts and cruise ships, as well as a great place to enjoy a drink in the afternoon or dinner. Not far from here is Sandy Island, protected as a marine reserve and a great option for an afternoon of swimming or snorkeling.
Restaurant and bar recommendations in Anguilla: Sunset Lounge, West End Village (Four Seasons Resort and Residences). Cip’s by Cipriani, West End Village (Belmond Cap Juluca Resort). Tropical Sunset Restaurant & Bar, Shoal Bay Village. Sharky’s Restaurant, West End Village. Pimms, West End Village (Belmond Cap Juluca Resort).
DAY 3 – Crocus Bay
Sail 5 nautical miles from Road Bay to Prickly Pear Cays, part of the Anguilla Marine Park. These small islands are an excellent option for lunch in calm weather or for swimming and snorkeling on their reefs. Moor on the south side of East Prickly Pear at the western end of the cay.
Sea birds nest on the rugged cliffs, an exotic white sand beach lines the cay, and the ocean colors are dazzling. Head to the north side of the island, enjoy a walk, and listen to the “whistling rocks,” which seem to sigh with the rhythmic wash of the waves. Another 5 nautical miles back to the main island will take you to the picturesque Crocus Bay, just north of Road Bay, where you can anchor for the night.
DAY 4 – Orient Bay
From Crocus Bay, you’ll sail along the north coast of the island with the wind at your back to Blowing Rocks, then continue east to St. Martin. Your destination will be Orient Bay, where you may have stopped for lunch on the first day of your charter. It’s definitely worth stopping at this place where you’ll find two good anchorage areas, coastal attractions, and the opportunity to engage in various water sports.
Restaurant and bar recommendations in St Martin: Bistrot Caraibes, Grand Case. La Villa Restaurant, Grand Case. Lazy Lizard Beach Bar & Grill, Philipsburg. Le Piment, Orient Bay. L’Auberge Gourmande, Grand Case. La Playa Bar Restaurant, Orient Bay. Le Sous Marin, Marigot.
DAY 5 – Gustavia, St Barths
The main point of entry to St. Barths is the picturesque and elegant harbor of Gustavia, located on the south side of the island near its western end. Comfortable and sheltered, this harbor is a favorite among superyacht owners. Boutiques with world-famous designer clothing and jewelry compete for space with excellent restaurants specializing in French cuisine, although you can also find more casual dining spots along its picturesque streets. The red roofs of many of its buildings give Gustavia a distinctive character. Many call it the Caribbean Riviera.
Restaurant and bar recommendations in St Barths: Bagatelle, Gustavia. Orega, Gustavia. Le Tamarin, Grande Saline. Sand Bar, Baie de St-Jean (Hotel Eden Rock). Creperie St Barth, Gustavia. Bonito St Barth, Gustavia. Nikki Beach St Barth, Plage de St-Jean.
DAY 6 – Anse De Colombier, St Barths
Scenic and well-protected, this horseshoe-shaped bay at the western end of St. Barths is very popular among yachts and cruisers for its beauty, beach, and snorkeling. The steep hills overlook the azure waters where you’ll find all types of vessels anchored. On the southern hill sits a house built by the Rockefeller family, who once owned Anse de Colombier, now part of the St. Barths Marine Reserve. The bay has no road access, but there is a trail that climbs the hills to the village of Anse de Flamandes. When sailing to Anse de Colombier, you’re sure to encounter the beauty and charm of the Caribbean.
DAY 7 – Great Bay, St Martin
For your last day, sail towards Philipsburg, the Dutch capital of St. Maarten. Located on the shores of Great Bay, it’s a bustling place with all the amenities one could desire. Marinas, waterfront shops and restaurants, a selection of casinos, and vibrant nightlife make Great Bay one of the island’s most popular adventures.
MARITIME CONDITIONS
General conditions
The island of St. Martin is consistently cooled by the trade winds, making it comfortable to visit year-round. The average temperature is 80°F (26°C), and rainfall totals an average of 45 inches (1143 mm) per year.
The winds are generally easterly trades ranging from 10 to 20 knots, lighter in the summer months, during hurricane season between August and September. Stronger Christmas winds blow for a couple of weeks in winter and can reach 25 to 30 knots. During these two weeks, northeast swell dominates above 8–9 feet.
Historical Climate
Tides
The tidal range is very small: 30 cm to 60 cm (one to two feet), including the variation in level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.
Weather Forecast
The client can obtain the weather conditions at any time by listening to maritime weather forecasts. Weather updates are provided every hour during severe weather.
