St. Martin & St. Barts
French chic meets Dutch buzz
This trio of islands offers the Caribbean’s most diverse charter experience, oscillating between high-octane glamour and absolute stillness. St. Martin provides the dual-nation novelty of Dutch nightlife and French culinary artistry. A short sail away lies St. Barts, the Riviera of the tropics, where red-soled heels navigate the docks of Gustavia. Conversely, Anguilla offers an exhale of tranquility. It is a region for those who demand Michelin-quality dining one night and a barefoot barbecue on a deserted cay the next.
The Best of the Leeward Islands
Nikki Beach
Baie de Saint-Jean, St. Barts
The epicenter of the island’s social scene. It is a place where lunch seamlessly transitions into a tabletop dance party. With all-white decor and an endless flow of oversized champagne bottles, it offers a hedonistic, high-energy atmosphere that is quintessential St. Barts.
The Lolo’s of Grand Case
Grand Case, St. Martin
A row of open-air barbecue shacks that serve the best food on the island, period. Guests sit at communal picnic tables while locals grill ribs, chicken, and lobster on split oil drums. It is smoky, loud, affordable, and undeniably delicious—a culinary pilgrimage.
Sandy Island
Off the coast of Anguilla
A tiny spit of white sand rising out of the turquoise sea, accessible only by boat. There is nothing here but a palm-thatched bar, a grill, and a few hammocks. It feels like a cartoon desert island brought to life, serving fresh crayfish and strong rum punch.
Shellona
Shell Beach, St. Barts
Located on a beach composed entirely of millions of tiny crushed seashells. This venue offers a bohemian-chic vibe with Greek-inspired cuisine. It is the premier spot to watch the sunset near Gustavia, cocktail in hand, as the sky turns a bruised purple over the horizon.
Ile Fourchue
Between St. Barts and St. Martin
A stark, uninhabited volcanic island that looks like a lunar landscape dropped into the Caribbean. With no structures and wild goats roaming the ridges, it offers a stark contrast to the glitz of St. Barts. The protected bay is a favorite for quiet overnight anchorages and stargazing.
Pinel Island (Îlet Pinel)
Cul-de-Sac, French St. Martin
A protected nature reserve with shallow, crystalline waters perfect for wading with a glass of wine. While popular with day-trippers, a yacht allows you to arrive before the ferries. Order a fresh grilled lobster from one of the two beach shacks and eat with your feet in the water.
Destination Brief
Best Time to Charter
December to April (Peak/Dry Season); May and June (Pleasant, less crowded).
Languages spoken
French, Dutch, English
Cruising Style
Open-ocean channel crossings mixed with chic marina stays and protected bays.
Currency
Euro (St. Martin/St. Barts), US Dollar (St. Maarten/Anguilla). Note: USD is widely accepted everywhere.
Getting There
Fly into Princess Juliana International (SXM) on St. Maarten for commercial flights, or private charter into Gustaf III Airport (SBH) on St. Barts.
Amazing Itineraries
Discover each itinerary by clicking on the maps above.
Day 1: Culinary Awakening
Depart the colonial charm of Marigot for the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Lunch at the Lolos
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors with aromatic spices and smoke at beachfront open-air grills.
KEY FEATURES
The Gourmet Boulevard
Grand Case is home to the island’s finest French dining, including world-renowned lobster dishes.
Day 2: Pristine Horizons
Sail to Anguilla's Road Bay, the island's vibrant social and cultural heart.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
The Heritage Trail
Explore the salt ponds and historic sites that once provided the backbone of the island’s economy.
KEY FEATURES
Authentic Island Vibe
Sandy Ground is a lively hub of beach bars and nightlife, offering a perfect introduction to Anguilla’s laid-back luxury.
Day 3: Anguilla's Hidden Gems
Explore the outer cays of Anguilla before setting your course south.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Prickly Pear Cays
Visit these uninhabited islets for world-class snorkeling and a secluded beach lunch.
KEY FEATURES
Little Bay
Discover magnificent cliffs surrounding a small patch of sand, accessible only by boat.
Day 4: Secluded Splendor
Sail to a private anchorage for a day of ultimate tranquility.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
The Rockefeller Retreat
Enjoy exclusive access to a private beach and estate, once a retreat for the Rockefeller family, offering unparalleled tranquility.
KEY FEATURES
Marine Reserve
The surrounding waters are a protected marine reserve, teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Day 5: Cosmopolitan Glamour
Step into the red-roofed capital of Gustavia, where luxury yachts meet European elegance.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Designer Shopping
Stroll the streets of Gustavia to find global designer brands and boutiques alongside charming local houses.
KEY FEATURES
Historic Heights
Climb to Fort Karl for panoramic sunset views over the harbor and the shell-covered shores of Shell Beach.
Day 6: The Wild Coast
Escape the crowds for a remote nature stop at the volcanic islet of Ile Fourchue.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Untamed Exploration
Hike the rugged terrain of this uninhabited island for a rare look at the Caribbean’s natural beauty.
KEY FEATURES
A Private Sanctuary
Ile Fourchue is a favorite remote anchorage, offering desert-like serenity in crystal-clear waters within the Nature Reserve.
Day 7: The Final Oasis
Visit the uninhabited islet of Tintamarre before completing the triangle in St. Martin.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Nature Reserve Snorkeling
Explore the protected marine area, home to some of the French side’s most beautiful underwater landscapes.
KEY FEATURES
Closing the Triangle
Reflect on a week of gourmet dining and pristine beaches as you sail back to the harbor of Marigot.
Day 1: Simpson Bay to Great Bay
Begin your journey where sophisticated cityscapes and Caribbean commerce meet whole style in the Dutch capital.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Duty-Free Shopping on Front
Street Explore the bustling streets of Philipsburg, the mecca of duty-free jewelry, electronics, and luxury watches, alongside local guava berry rum shops. Jewelry
KEY FEATURES
The Philipsburg Boardwalk
Walk the vibrant mile-long boardwalk lining Great Bay Beach, teeming with beach bars, colorful shops, and lively island pop music.
Day 2: The Gateway to Gustavia
Click into the famous elegant harbor of Gustavia, St. Barts, where the world's most impressive superyachts dock.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Designer Retail Therapy
Wander the red-roofed downtown streets that offer duty-free luxury from brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Prada.
KEY FEATURES
Fort Gustav Overlook
Take a steep walk up to the historic ruins of Fort Gustav (near the lighthouse) for a breathtaking panoramic view of Shell Beach and the harbor.
Day 3: Shells & Signature Scenes
Spend your day transitioning from the rarest shell-covered shores to the world-famous 'Amazing Sundays' party vibe.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Lunch at Nikki Beach
Join the jet-set crowd at St. Jean Beach for their famous tabletop dancing, champagne showers, and signature sushi boats.
KEY FEATURES
Shellona Beach Club
Relax at a chic sunbed covered in millions of tiny, unique shells at Shell Beach, enjoying Greek-inspired cuisine and sunset cocktails.
Day 4: Saline Serenity to Le Ti
Balance a morning of unspoiled nature with an evening in the island's most legendary party institution.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Retreat to Saline Beach
Hike over a small sand dune to reach a massive arc of soft white sand, widely considered one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches on earth.
KEY FEATURES
Cabaret at Le Ti St. Barth
Experience the ‘Folies Bergère’ of the Caribbean at this barbecue and burlesque club, famous for its costume room and tabletop dancing.
Day 5: The Seclusion of Colombier
Sail to the island's northwestern tip to anchor in a bay defined by turquoise waters and billionaire history.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Snorkeling the Marine Reserve
Explore the protected waters of the St. Barts Marine Park, teeming with sea turtles, rays, and giant starfish in high-visibility water.
KEY FEATURES
The Rockefeller Legacy
Above the oval yacht bay sits the ruins of the former Rockefeller estate, which preserved this entire peninsula as a tight and protected park.
Day 6: St. Barts to Orient Bay
Return to the French side of St. Martin to visit the "Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean" for windsurfing and beach club vibes.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Windsurfing & Watersports
Enjoy the active side of Saint Martin with world-class kiteboarding, parasailing, and jet-skiing along the vibrant beach coast.
KEY FEATURES
Orient Bay Beach
Discover the expansive beach scene known for its fine dining beach clubs like Bikini Beach and Coco Beach, offering French gastronomy on the sand.
Day 7: The Grand Finale
Return to St. Maarten for a final day of adrenaline-fueled views and classic packing rituals.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Plane Spotting at Maho Beach
Experience the thrill of commercial jets landing just feet above your head at the world-famous Princess Juliana International Airport approach.
KEY FEATURES
Sunset at Sint Maarten Yacht Club
End your voyage at the iconic drawbridge watching mega-yachts squeeze through the narrow channel while enjoying a “Painkiller” cocktail.
Day 1: Natural Mud Baths
Departing from Captain Oliver's, set sail to the untouched sanctuary of Tintamarre for a day of natural discovery.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Indulge in Tintamarre's Famous Mud Baths
Visitors to this uninhabited reserve often cover themselves in the clay-rich mud found on the white sand beaches, known for its skin-healing properties.
KEY FEATURES
Tintamarre Island
This nature reserve offers a “Robinson Crusoe” experience with no development, guaranteeing complete privacy and serenity.
Day 2: The Ultimate Lobster Lunch
A short hop to Pinel Island, a shallow-water paradise protected from the Atlantic swells.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Caribbean Lobster Feast
Enjoy fresh-caught Caribbean lobster grilled right on the beach at one of the friendly, eco-friendly beach huts.
KEY FEATURES
The Shallow Sandbar
The extremely calm, knee-deep waters between Pinel and St. Martin are perfect for wading with a cocktail in hand.
Day 3: Little Bay Exploration
Cross the channel to Anguilla, dropping anchor in the dramatic, high-walled sanctuary of Crocus Bay / Little Bay.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Cliff Jumping at Little Bay
Accessible only by boat, Little Bay offers world-class snorkeling along its rocky perimeter and a famous rock jumping spot for the adventurous.
KEY FEATURES
Anguilla's Pristine Sands
Anguilla is famous for its 33 white sand beaches, offering a quiet elegance incomparable to the region.
Day 4: Remote Island Solitude
Sail to Anguilla's outermost islands, Dog Island and Prickly Pear, for a day completely off the grid.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Bird Watching Sanctuary
Dog Island is a designated Important Bird Area, teeming with nesting seabirds and massive populations of boobies.
KEY FEATURES
Scrub Island Exploration
Scrub Island features a hauntingly beautiful abandoned resort and air strip, contrasting with the lush landscapes native to the region.
Day 5: Volcanic Vistas
Leave Anguilla behind for the craggy, mountain-island of Ile Fourchue, located between St. Martin and St. Barts.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Hike to the Peak
This short but steep hike to the summit provides incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
KEY FEATURES
Marine Reserve
As part of the St. Barts Nature Reserve, the waters here are teeming with turtles, often besting the popular spots of larger islands.
Day 6: The St. Barts Standard
Arrive at the prestigious island of St. Barts, anchoring at the breathtaking and unspoiled Anse de Colombier.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Colombier Beach Relaxation
Saline Beach is beloved for its turquoise water and total absence of commercial development, creating the perfect start to the day.
KEY FEATURES
High-End French Vibe
St. Barts blends high-end French elegance with a relaxed vibe, making it the world’s most desirable celebrity vacation spot.
Day 7: The Grand Finale
Conclude the journey by returning to the French side of St. Martin for a total culinary immersion in Grand Case.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Visit "The Lolos"
No authentic road-covering of the island is complete without a barbecue lunch at the open-air ‘Lolos’ of Grand Case.
KEY FEATURES
Gourmet Capital
Grand Case offers a unique blend of high-end French Bistros and traditional barbecue shacks, crowning it the undisputed Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.
FAQs
Q: Do I need multiple visas for these islands?
A: It depends on your nationality. St. Martin (French) and St. Barts fall under French jurisdiction, while St. Maarten is Dutch, and Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory. Generally, U.S. and EU citizens move freely between them, but you will clear customs (handled by your crew) when moving between territories.
Q: What is "The voltage" situation?
A: This is a hybrid region. St. Martin (French) and St. Barts use 220V (European plugs), while St. Maarten (Dutch) and Anguilla often use 110V (US plugs). However, most luxury charter yachts are equipped with universal converters and US-style outlets regardless of where they are docked.
Q: Do I need to book restaurants in advance in St. Barts?
A: Absolutely. In high season (Christmas through Easter), the marquee restaurants in Gustavia and St. Jean are booked weeks, sometimes months, in advance. We recommend working with your charter broker or captain to secure these reservations well before you board the yacht.
Q: Is nude sunbathing permitted?
A: It varies by island. Topless sunbathing is standard and culturally accepted on the French side of St. Martin and in St. Barts (such as at Saline Beach). Full nudity is generally restricted to specific designated beaches, such as the southern end of Orient Bay on St. Martin. Anguilla is more conservative; modest swimwear is recommended there.
