DRIFT — St. Martin Yacht Charter

Why St. Martin?

Half French, half Dutch, entirely magical. St. Martin packs world-class restaurants, duty-free shopping, and stunning beaches into 37 square miles — then serves as a launchpad to Anguilla, St. Barths, and the remote northern islands. It's the Caribbean's most versatile charter base.

Best Season

December through April. Trade winds 12–18 knots from the east. The island's lagoon (Simpson Bay) provides hurricane-hole-level protection. Crystal-clear waters and minimal rain.

Perfect For

Foodies, couples, luxury seekers, and anyone who wants variety. Three islands (St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Barths) in one trip means you get beach bars and haute cuisine, secluded snorkeling and vibrant nightlife.

Must-Visit Spots

Where to drop anchor

Marigot, French Side

The charming capital of French St. Martin. Wednesday and Saturday markets overflow with spices, madras fabrics, and Creole food. Anchor in Marigot Bay or take a berth at Marina Fort Louis.

Orient Bay

The 'French Riviera of the Caribbean.' Two miles of white sand backed by beach clubs and watersports. The anchorage is well-protected by a reef, and Pinel Island is a quick dinghy ride for secluded snorkeling.

Anguilla — Road Bay & Shoal Bay

A 7-mile sail north brings you to Anguilla — possibly the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. Road Bay for the anchorage, then dinghy to Shoal Bay East for powdery sand and Elvis' Beach Bar.

Tintamarre Island

An uninhabited island off St. Martin's northeast coast. Former airstrip, abandoned military ruins, and some of the best snorkeling in the region. Sea turtles, rays, and zero crowds.

St. Barths — Gustavia

A half-day sail southeast to the jet-set island of St. Barths. The harbor at Gustavia is lined with superyachts and French boutiques. Shell Beach for a quick swim, Le Select for a cold Carib beer.

Sample Itinerary

7 days in St. Martin

Day 1: Marigot → Anse Marcel → Tintamarre

Depart Marina Fort Louis. Sail to Anse Marcel for a sheltered lunch stop, then across to Tintamarre for afternoon snorkeling and a sunset anchorage.

Day 2: Tintamarre → Anguilla (Road Bay)

Short sail to Anguilla. Clear customs at Road Bay, then dinghy to Crocus Bay for lunch at da'Vida restaurant. Afternoon at Shoal Bay East.

Day 3: Anguilla → Prickly Pear → Sandy Island

Island-hop Anguilla's offshore cays. Prickly Pear has a beach grill and excellent reef snorkeling. Sandy Island is a tiny palm-fringed sandbar with a rum bar.

Day 4: Anguilla → St. Barths (Gustavia)

Sail south to St. Barths. Anchor in Gustavia's horseshoe harbor. Wander the boutiques, swim at Shell Beach, dinner at one of the island's legendary restaurants.

Day 5: St. Barths — Colombier Beach

Sail around to Colombier Bay on St. Barths' northwest coast — accessible only by boat or a steep hike. Pristine snorkeling, sea turtles, and total privacy.

Day 6: St. Barths → Orient Bay, St. Martin

Sail back to St. Martin. Afternoon at Orient Bay beach clubs. Dinner in Grand Case — the 'Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean' with 30+ restaurants on one mile of road.

Day 7: Grand Case → Marigot

Morning at Friar's Bay Beach Bar (famous for its rum punch). Easy sail back to Marigot for checkout. Last-minute duty-free shopping if you need it.

St. Martin