Sint Maarten / St. Martin has an extensive yachting industry and is one of the Caribbean’s most established destinations for sailing yachts, motor yachts, charter vessels, megayachts and superyachts. The island offers protected lagoon berthing, bridge-free deep-water facilities, yacht agencies, boatyards, fuel, provisioning, chandlers, rigging, engineering, sailmaking, freight forwarding and specialist repair services within a relatively compact area. (Yachting St. Maarten)
The island is divided into two jurisdictions: Dutch Sint Maarten in the south and French St. Martin in the north. There are no routine border formalities when travelling by road, but vessels entering Dutch or French territorial waters must follow the clearance requirements of the relevant side.
Whether you are planning a short provisioning stop, a winter-season home port, a maintenance period or an extended Caribbean itinerary, advance planning is essential—particularly for bridge access, marina availability and hurricane-season arrangements.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The main Caribbean yachting season generally runs from November through April, when many yachts arrive from Europe or North America and use Sint Maarten / St. Martin as a base for cruising to St. Barthélemy, Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, the British Virgin Islands and the wider Leeward Islands.
Marina berths, technical contractors and provisioning companies are especially busy around Christmas, New Year, major regattas and the peak charter months. Large yachts should reserve dockage, fuel deliveries and maintenance work well in advance.
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Tropical systems can still develop outside these dates, so yachts should maintain an active weather watch throughout their stay. (National Hurricane Center)
Can Your Yacht Pass Through the Simpson Bay Bridge?
The Simpson Bay Bridge is the main entrance to Simpson Bay Lagoon from the Dutch side.
Maximum yacht width
Port St. Maarten publishes a maximum yacht beam of 56 feet, or 17 metres, for access to Simpson Bay Lagoon. It also publishes a general maximum draft of 17 feet, or 5 metres. (Port St. Maarten)
The physical bridge channel is approximately:
Width: 17 metres or 55 feet 9 inches
Controlling depth: 6 metres or 19 feet 8 inches
Closed vertical clearance: approximately 2.4 metres or 7 feet 10 inches
Speed limit: five knots
Bridge communications: VHF Channel 12
Because the published maximum yacht beam is effectively the same as the physical channel width, a vessel approaching that limit must not assume it can pass safely. The captain should use the yacht’s true maximum beam, including fixed projections and appendages, and obtain direct written confirmation from the bridge operator, Port St. Maarten and the intended marina. Fenders, wind, current, steering response, thruster performance and actual arrival draft must also be considered. (Yachting St. Maarten)
A marina may be able to accommodate a yacht once inside the lagoon but still have a lower berth beam, draft or turning limit. The lowest applicable restriction controls the complete passage.
Simpson Bay Bridge Opening Times
Outbound from the lagoon
8:30 am
10:30 am
4:00 pm
Inbound to the lagoon
9:30 am
11:30 am
2:00 pm
5:00 pm
VHF: Channel 12
Telephone: +1 721 545 5230 or +1 721 520 2059
Yachts should call before approaching and remain clear of the fairway until instructed. Opening times can change because of maintenance, operational restrictions, regattas or severe weather. (Port St. Maarten)
Other Bridges Inside the Lagoon
Causeway Bridge – Dutch side
The Causeway Bridge lies farther inside Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Bridge width: 23 metres or 75 feet 5 inches
Controlling depth: 6 metres or 19 feet 8 inches
Closed clearance: approximately 6.2 metres or 20 feet 4 inches
Speed limit: five knots
VHF: Channel 12
Opening times: 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 4:30 pm
Yachts heading to facilities beyond the Causeway must check both the Simpson Bay Bridge and Causeway schedules. (Yachting St. Maarten)
Sandy Ground Bridge – French side
The French-side entrance to the lagoon is considerably narrower and shallower.
Bridge width: approximately 10 metres or 32 feet 9 inches
Controlling depth: approximately 3.5 metres or 11 feet 5 inches
Closed clearance: approximately 3 metres or 9 feet 10 inches
Speed limit: three knots
VHF: Channel 16
Normal opening times: 8:30 am and 5:00 pm
Telephone: +590 590 87 50 04
Outbound vessels normally pass before inbound vessels. (Yachting St. Maarten)
Clearance and Immigration
Arriving on Dutch Sint Maarten
All vessels entering or departing Dutch Sint Maarten waters must complete the applicable Customs and Immigration procedures. Clearance is available in Simpson Bay and Great Bay.
Yachts entering Simpson Bay or Simpson Bay Lagoon must also report to the Lagoon Authority Collection Office near the Simpson Bay Bridge. Bridge, harbour, clearance and anchoring charges may apply. (Yachting St. Maarten)
Prepare the following:
Clearance from the previous port
Original vessel-registration document
Insurance certificate
Crew and passenger lists
Passports for everyone aboard
Charter documentation, where applicable
Vessel dimensions and gross tonnage
Details of weapons, restricted goods or animals aboard
Published Dutch-side clearance fees are based on gross tonnage:
Up to 99 gross tons: US$5
100–499 gross tons: US$10
500 gross tons and above: US$20
Separate bridge, harbour and anchorage charges may apply. Fees and procedures should be reconfirmed before arrival. (Yachting St. Maarten)
Arriving on French St. Martin
Clearance is mandatory for vessels entering French St. Martin waters. The captain must register the vessel, report arrival and departure and complete the applicable port, Customs and Immigration procedures.
Documents normally required include:
Clearance from the previous port
Vessel-registration certificate
Vessel-insurance certificate
Crew and passenger lists
Passports for everyone aboard
Clearance assistance is available through Marina Fort Louis and other authorised facilities. Vessels using the Marigot Bay mooring area must also settle the applicable mooring charges. (Port de Marigot)
Because Sint Maarten and St. Martin are separate jurisdictions, captains should confirm the formalities required before moving the yacht between Dutch and French territorial waters.
Where to Dock: Main Marinas and Facilities
When requesting a berth, provide the yacht’s overall length, maximum beam, actual arrival draft, air draft, gross tonnage, shore-power requirements, preferred arrival time and intended length of stay.
IGY Simpson Bay Marina
Located immediately inside Simpson Bay Bridge, Simpson Bay Marina offers 122 slips, including 20 megayacht berths.
Published limits:
Maximum length: 190 feet or 57.5 metres
Maximum beam: 34 feet or 10.4 metres
Maximum draft: 13 feet or 4 metres
The marina offers security, crew facilities, chandlery access and nearby shopping and dining.
Telephone: +1 721 544 2309
VHF: Channels 16 and 79A (iGym Marinas)
IGY Yacht Club Isle de Sol
Yacht Club Isle de Sol is a dedicated megayacht facility inside Simpson Bay Lagoon, with 40 berths.
Published limits:
Minimum length: 80 feet or 24 metres
Maximum length: 320 feet or 97 metres
Maximum beam: 50 feet or 15 metres
Maximum draft: 18 feet or 5.5 metres
Telephone: +1 721 544 2408
VHF: Channels 16 and 78A
Location: Airport Road, Simpson Bay (iGym Marinas)
Yachts must still meet the lower overall Simpson Bay Lagoon entrance limits before reaching the marina.
The Yacht Club at Port de Plaisance
Port de Plaisance is a mixed-use marina in Cole Bay with more than 90 slips. It accommodates sailing and motor yachts from approximately 40 to 260 feet, with published drafts of up to 16 feet. Facilities include fuel, reverse-osmosis water, several shore-power configurations, internet access and resort amenities.
Address: 155 Union Road, Cole Bay
Telephone: +1 721 544 4565
VHF: Channels 16 and 67 (Yacht Club Sint Maarten)
Palapa Marina
Palapa Marina is located in Simpson Bay and offers stern-to megayacht berthing. Its published information includes 20 megayacht slips, yachts up to approximately 250 feet and water depths of up to 17 feet, depending on the allocated berth. Fuel is available at the berths, together with shore support, provisioning and crew services.
Address: 28 Airport Road, Simpson Bay
Telephone: +1 721 545 2735
WhatsApp: +1 721 520 7002
Email: office@palapamarina.com
VHF: Channel 68 (Palapa Marina)
Skyport Marina
Skyport Marina is conveniently located near Princess Juliana International Airport, making it useful for crew changes, guest transfers and shorter operational stays.
Address: 40 Airport Road, Simpson Bay
Telephone: +1 721 544 3001
Additional numbers: +1 721 588 1588 and +1 721 527 4169
VHF: Channel 71 (Skyport Marina)
Lagoon Marina
Lagoon Marina is a smaller, cruiser-friendly facility in Cole Bay. It can accommodate approximately 30 yachts, including rafted vessels, and publishes a water depth of approximately nine feet. Facilities include power, water, internet, showers, laundry services and access to on-site marine specialists.
Address: 33–35 Wellington Road, Cole Bay
Telephone: +1 721 581 2111
Email: info@lagoon-marina.com (Lagoon Marina)
Island Water World Marina and Boatyard
Island Water World operates a 56-slip marina and boatyard inside Simpson Bay Lagoon, alongside one of the island’s principal marine-supply and chandlery operations.
Marina and boatyard: +1 721 544 5310
Email: service@islandwaterworld.com (Island Water World)
Dock Maarten Marina
Dock Maarten is located in Great Bay and can be reached without passing through Simpson Bay Bridge. This makes it especially useful for vessels that are too wide for the bridge or whose schedule does not fit the bridge openings.
The marina publishes:
Draft: up to approximately 5 metres or 16.5 feet
VHF: Channel 87 international
Shore power: 480/220 volts, 60 Hz
Maximum published width and length: no general restriction, subject to berth allocation and operational acceptance
Address: 1 Battery Point Drive, Philipsburg
Operations: +1 721 520 0225
Marina office: +1 721 542 6100
Email: info@dockmaarten.com (Dock Maarten)
Bobby’s Marina and Boatyard
Bobby’s Marina is a longstanding full-service marina and boatyard in Great Bay, outside Simpson Bay Lagoon. It operates two marine travel lifts and supports vessels ranging from smaller boats and catamarans to yachts over 100 feet.
Available work includes mechanical repairs, engine work, welding, metal fabrication, electrical work, fiberglass repairs, sail repair and other boatyard services.
Telephone: +1 721 542 2366
Urgent WhatsApp: +1 721 520 5022
Email: info@bobbysmarina.com
VHF: Channels 16 and 69 (bobbysmarina)
Port St. Maarten Windjammer Berths
Very large yachts that cannot enter Simpson Bay Lagoon may be accommodated in the deep-water port area.
Published facilities include:
Windjammer West: 65 metres or 213 feet long, with 6.5 metres or 21.5 feet of depth
Windjammer North: 100 metres or 328 feet long, with 6.5 metres or 21.5 feet of depth
Cruise Pier 2: potential berthing along a 445-metre or 1,460-foot pier, with approximately 12 metres or 39.5 feet alongside
Dedicated megayacht fuel facilities near the Windjammer berths
Port St. Maarten: +1 721 542 8504 (Port St. Maarten)
Marina Fort Louis
Marina Fort Louis in Marigot offers bridge-free access on the French side. It publishes approximately 150 slips, a draft of up to 12 feet and accommodation for yachts up to approximately 260 feet.
Telephone: +590 590 77 31 26
Email: info@marinafortlouis.com
VHF: Channel 16 (Marina Fort Louis)
Anse Marcel Marina
Anse Marcel Marina is located in a protected bay on the northern French side. It is separated from Simpson Bay Lagoon and can be useful for yachts cruising the northern and eastern coast of St. Martin.
Telephone: +590 590 27 79 82
Email: capitainerie@ansemarcelmarina.com (Anse Marcel Marina)
Marigot Bay Moorings
Managed moorings are available in Marigot Bay through the Port of Saint-Martin. Advance reservation is recommended, and yachts should use the designated mooring system rather than anchoring inside the managed field.
Telephone: +590 590 87 59 06
Mooring email: mouillage@portdemarigot.com
General email: info@portdemarigot.com
VHF: Channel 16 (Port de Marigot)
Anchoring Around the Island
Simpson Bay Lagoon
The lagoon offers access to the island’s largest concentration of marinas and marine services. Depths vary considerably, however, and yachts must use current charts and local directions. Shoaling, restricted channels, bridges and turning limitations must be considered.
The lagoon provides more protection than exposed coastal anchorages, but it should never automatically be treated as a guaranteed hurricane shelter.
Simpson Bay
The open anchorage outside the bridge is useful for short stays or for waiting for a bridge opening. Published general depths are around 10 to 15 feet over sand in parts of the bay. Protection is moderate rather than complete, and swell, airport activity and weather must be considered.
Great Bay
Great Bay offers convenient access to Philipsburg and bridge-free marina facilities. It is exposed to swell from the south and southeast and is more appropriate for short stays in settled conditions than for storm protection. (Yachting St. Maarten)
French-side waters
Mooring and anchoring restrictions apply in several French-side bays and environmentally sensitive areas. Use authorised moorings where required and avoid anchoring on reefs, coral or seagrass.
Yacht Agency and Shore Support
For larger yachts, charter vessels or complicated port calls, using one local agent to coordinate clearance, dockage, fuel, provisions, crew changes, freight and guest requirements can significantly simplify the stay.
Sea Grapes International
Sea Grapes International is a locally owned, full-service megayacht, yacht and ship agency based in Simpson Bay. The company was incorporated in Sint Maarten in 2003 and has more than 20 years of experience coordinating yacht and ship calls. (Sea Grapes)
Sea Grapes brings seven principal service categories together under one operational brief:
Port agency and clearance
Customs and Immigration coordination, arrival and departure planning and advance bridge-opening requests.
Dockage and bunkering
Berth reservations, marina arrangements, bunkering coordination and fuel-delivery timing.
Crew support
Accommodation, flights, airport transfers, medical assistance and crew-change coordination.
Guest and VIP arrangements
Restaurant reservations, private transportation, beach clubs, private activities and complete guest itineraries.
Provisioning
Food, fresh produce, beverages, flowers and onboard or interior supplies coordinated through Soualiga Fresh Gourmet.
Logistics and freight
Freight forwarding, package receiving, onward shipping and longer-term storage.
APA and financial services
Banking support, transfers, cash provision and central invoice management. (Sea Grapes)
Through Soualiga Fresh Gourmet, Sea Grapes coordinates food, fresh produce, beverages, flowers and onboard goods as part of the same operational brief used for the yacht’s berth, clearance, transport and guest requirements.
Address: 48 Airport Road, Villagio di Portofino, Simpson Bay
Telephone: +1 721 545 3777
Email: myagent@sea-grapes.com
Sea Grapes publishes an initial-response target of within 24 hours. When contacting the agency, provide the yacht’s name, dimensions, arrival date, intended location, number of crew and guests and a complete list of requested services. (Sea Grapes)
Repairs, Maintenance and Refit Services
Sint Maarten supports a broad range of technical work, including engines, generators, hydraulics, air-conditioning, refrigeration, electrical systems, electronics, rigging, stainless-steel fabrication, machining, fiberglass, composite work, carpentry, paint, sailmaking, canvas and underwater services.
International Marine Management – IMM
IMM operates from Isle de Sol, Dock Maarten and its Cole Bay shipyard. Services include project management, in-water maintenance, refit work and haul-out capacity of up to 150 tons.
Its technical capabilities include main engines and generators, HVAC and refrigeration, composites and carbon work, mechanical work, welding, machining, hydraulics, piping, teak, carpentry, painting, surveys and project management.
Telephone: +1 202 255 7488
Email: contact@imm-yachting.com (International Marine Management)
FKG Marine Rigging & Fabrication
FKG provides standing and running rigging, fabrication, hydraulics, machining, mechanical services, stainless-steel work and specialist load-testing services.
Location: Cole Bay
Telephone: +1 721 544 4733
Email: info@fkgmarine.com (FKG Marine)
St. Maarten Sails & Canvas
St. Maarten Sails & Canvas provides sail work, marine canvas, upholstery and related services.
Address: 4 Wellsburg Street, Cole Bay Lagoon
Telephone: +1 721 544 5231
Email: info@stmaartensails.com (St Maarten Sails)
Island Water World
Island Water World combines chandlery and marine-parts supply with a marina, boatyard and service operation.
Marina and service: +1 721 544 5310
Main Sint Maarten contact: +1 721 581 8461 (Island Water World)
Budget Marine
Budget Marine’s Cole Bay location supplies marine equipment, parts, safety equipment, ropes, hardware and accessories.
Address: 25B Waterfront Road, Cole Bay
Telephone: +1 721 544 3134
WhatsApp: +1 721 559 2863 (Budget Marine)
For significant repair work, send the contractor the yacht’s model and serial numbers, photographs, technical drawings, class requirements, required completion date and written scope before arrival. Confirm labour rates, parts mark-ups, freight charges, warranty conditions, yard fees, subcontractors and sea-trial arrangements in advance.
Yacht Provisioning and Catering
Sint Maarten / St. Martin offers supermarket provisioning, imported gourmet products, fresh produce, beverages, flowers, interior supplies, private chefs, onboard catering and complete superyacht provisioning.
Sea Grapes and Soualiga Fresh Gourmet
Sea Grapes coordinates provisioning through Soualiga Fresh Gourmet, including:
Food and fresh produce
Beverages
Flowers
Onboard and interior goods
Delivery coordinated with the yacht’s complete port-call schedule
Telephone: +1 721 545 3777
Email: myagent@sea-grapes.com (Sea Grapes)
Épicerie de Marie
Épicerie de Marie provides 24-hour yacht provisioning on both sides of the island, including fresh products imported from France, gourmet foods, cheese, meat, seafood, wine, dry goods and speciality ingredients.
French-side and WhatsApp: +590 690 59 49 37
Email: contact@epicerie-de-marie.com
Address: 195 bis Rue de Hollande, Marigot (Epicerie de Marie)
Carrefour Market Yacht Provisioning
Carrefour Market delivers yacht-provisioning orders to marinas on both Sint Maarten and St. Martin. Customers can use its order catalogue or submit their own list with the delivery location, date and contact details.
General telephone: +1 721 542 4400
Provisioning orders: orders@cmsxm.net
The Cole Bay store is at 53 Union Road and can be reached at +1 721 544 3118. (CMSXM)
Private Chef SXM
Private Chef SXM offers onboard yacht catering, private-chef service, customised menus, bartenders, beverage packages, wine pairing and floral arrangements.
Telephone: +590 690 61 33 96
Email: alexis.chauvreau@privatechefsxm.com (PRIVATE CHEF SXM)
When placing a provisioning order, include:
Number of guests and crew
Marina, berth or tender-delivery point
Required delivery time
Dietary restrictions and allergies
Preferred brands and acceptable substitutions
Fresh, chilled and frozen requirements
Wine, spirits and beverage specifications
Flower and interior requirements
Available refrigeration and freezer capacity
Speciality products should be ordered early during Christmas, New Year, regattas and peak charter periods.
Fuel, Water, Waste and Shore Power
Fuel is available at several marinas and through the dedicated megayacht fuel facility near the Windjammer berths. Port St. Maarten also provides fresh water, waste-oil removal, black-water removal and glass recycling. (Port St. Maarten)
Before confirming a berth or fuel delivery, verify:
Diesel grade and required quantity
Truck, barge, marina-pump or in-slip delivery
Hose length and connection requirements
Fuel-sampling and quality-control procedures
Delivery rate and expected duration
Shore-power voltage, phase, amperage and frequency
Transformer and adaptor requirements
Potable-water availability and pricing
Pump-out and waste arrangements
Used-oil, battery and hazardous-waste disposal
Generator restrictions
Tender, contractor and delivery access
Hurricane Season Planning
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Owners should not assume that a normal marina berth or a position inside Simpson Bay Lagoon automatically qualifies as an approved hurricane berth. (National Hurricane Center)
Marina Fort Louis’ hurricane plan illustrates how quickly operating conditions can change. During its yellow pre-alert phase, owners are instructed to prepare vessels to leave and secure loose equipment. During an orange alert, vessels without approved land storage may be required to evacuate. At the red-alert stage, utilities are shut down, vessel movements stop and nobody may remain aboard or in the marina. (Marina Fort Louis)
Before leaving a yacht on the island during hurricane season:
Obtain the marina’s current hurricane policy in writing.
Confirm whether the yacht may remain or must leave when an alert is issued.
Check the vessel insurer’s named-storm requirements.
Reserve haul-out or land storage well before a storm develops.
Establish an off-island evacuation route and decision deadline.
Appoint a responsible local representative when the owner or captain is absent.
Maintain engines, generators, batteries, bilge pumps and communications.
Carry additional lines, fenders and chafe protection.
Remove sails, canvas, awnings, cushions and loose deck equipment.
Secure or remove the tender and water toys.
Keep crew travel documents and emergency contact details current.
Follow official port, marina, government and meteorological instructions.
A hurricane plan should clearly state who can move the yacht, when the decision to leave will be made and where the yacht will go. Waiting until a storm is already approaching may leave insufficient time to secure a berth, arrange a haul-out or pass through a bridge.
Final Arrival Checklist
Before sailing to Sint Maarten / St. Martin, confirm:
Your intended Dutch- or French-side port of entry
Clearance and Immigration requirements
A confirmed marina berth or authorised mooring
Written acceptance of the yacht’s length, beam and draft
The latest bridge-opening schedule
VHF Channels 12 and 16 programmed
Clearance from your previous port
Registration, insurance, passports and crew lists ready
Current charts and channel information
Shore-power compatibility
Fuel, water and waste arrangements
Provisioning and catering orders
Maintenance contractors and spare-parts deliveries
Crew and guest transfers
Hurricane-season procedures, where applicable
Bridge schedules, berth limits, clearance procedures, office hours, fees and contact details can change. Captains should reconfirm all operational information directly with the port, marina, bridge operator or appointed yacht agent shortly before arrival.
Your Destination Starts Here.
Arrive. Dock. Provision. Maintain. Explore. Let Destinito help you find the marinas, yacht agents, technical specialists, provisioning companies and island experiences that make Sint Maarten / St. Martin one of the Caribbean’s leading yachting destinations.
