St. Martin

St. Martin Island is located in the Caribbean, in the Lesser Antilles, within the archipelago of the Windward Islands.
St. Martin is located about 300 km east of Puerto Rico, 240 km north of Guadeloupe and is part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. It is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent countries, in this case, France and the Netherlands.

Because of the country’s French and Dutch sides, you’ll enjoy an interesting dual culture on your vacation. It’s a destination where sophistication is blended with a relaxed, easy-going style.

St. Barts
Sail to St Barts, to the island of billionaires, and anchor outside the red-roofed harbor at the island’s capital, Gustavia. Enjoy an evening ashore, complete with fine dining, exploring and nightlife.

Pinel Island
Tiny Pinel Island is a local favorite, just off the southeastern coast of St. Martin. This little treasure is well-protected from the wind, making it a haven for kayakers, snorkelers and hikers, as well as those seeking a relaxed rum punch on the beach.

Tintamarre
Tintamarre is a pristine island just off of St. Martin’s east coast in the heart of the nature reserve. Anchor off the deserted white sandy beach to swim, go shell hunting and hiking.

Anse de Colombier
This protected anchorage is difficult to reach other than by boat, but you should put it on your list of things to do. Enjoy the beautiful beach, hike the trail leading to sweeping views of the sea and see nearby islands.

Weather:
The best time to visit St. Martin is during the dry season, between January and June. The region’s climate is inter-tropical with air and sea temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius year-round.
There is no real rainy season like on the neighboring islands, you just might experience light rains during the day.

Wind:
The sailing conditions for St. Martin are excellent and the trade winds, “Kings of the Caribbean”, generally blow from December till March and from June till August. The hurricane season is from July through November.

General:
The most widespread language on the island is English, and French is very common on the French side. Dutch, Spanish, Creole, and Papiamento are also spoken.

The documents you need include a passport valid for three months beyond your return date, and you need a return or onward flight ticket. If you intend to stay for more than three months, you’ll need a visa.

Banking:
The currency in St. Martin is the Euro (EUR), but US Dollars (USD) are also accepted on both sides of the island.

Internet:
There is internet access in many bars and restaurants throughout the cruising ground.
Cell phones can work depending on zones but don’t forget the roaming fees.