Sint Maarten belongs to the Leeward Islands, the northern part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. From here it is excellent to cruise the archipelago, the choice of yachts is wide. The island is divided in two: the northern part Saint Martin is part of the EU as a French overseas territory, the southern Sint Maarten is an independent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The division and thus the mixture and clash of different cultural influences make the special charm of the island.
Climate: tropical with temperatures between 22 and 30 degrees
Winds: Northeast trade wind
Sailing season: all year round with attention to the hurricane season from June to November
Yacht charter Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is the name given to the southern part of the island, which lies south of Anguilla in the Caribbean Sea. It belongs to the Leeward Islands and the Lesser Antilles. While the northern part of the island, Saint Martin, belongs to France and the EU, the southern part is still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but forms the independent country of Sint Maarten. Therefore, there are different entry requirements. A passport and return and onward tickets are required to stay in the autonomous Dutch part. Tourists may also have to prove that they have sufficient funds for the stay. The maximum length of stay is 30 days per entry. If island hopping between the former Dutch Antilles is planned, the maximum length of stay is 90 days in total. For current and more detailed information it is best to contact the respective mission of the Netherlands or visit the website of the German Foreign Office.
Due to the partition yacht charterers have to clear in and out with their boat if they want to cross the borders with it. But for short trips it is possible to go by dinghy or to explore the other part on land.
The official language in Sint Maarten is Dutch, but you can also get along very well with English. Means of payment is the Antillean guilder. But also US dollars are usually accepted in both parts.
Arrival, activities and discoveries for your yacht charter vacation
There are no direct flights from Germany, to the airport of Sint Maarten one arrives via Paris with change in Guadeloupe. There are direct flights from Paris to Sint Maarten, please note the entry regulations. In Sint Maarten you arrive at Princess Juliana airport, 
which is close to both the capital Philipsburg and Marigot. Here, the beach Maho Beach next to the airport is already an attraction, as the planes are only a few meters above the heads of the vacationers during the landing approach. A notice on a surfboard on the beach informs about the flight times.
In Philipsburg you will find a shopping paradise with many stores as well as the weekly market on Saturdays. Near the city you can visit two old forts and at the border to the French part a monument reminding of the division. The fact that the island belongs to two different countries makes the special flair. Both sides also offer many beautiful beaches as well as snorkeling and diving opportunities.
As a starting point for your yacht charter vacation we offer on the one hand the Marina Fort Louis and on the other hand the Marina Port Royale, both located in the capital of the French part, Marigot. Both marinas are within walking distance of the town. Here you can also clear out if you want to visit the neighboring islands of Anguilla and St. Barth. The town is right next to Simpson Bay Lagoon, the yachting center of the island. The bay is separated into a French and Dutch part. By dinghy you can explore the bay without clearing in and out.
Every year in March sailing crews from all over the world meet in Sint Maarten for the Heineken Regatta. For five days they can compete against each other in different races and in the evening they can party together.
