What are the entry and customs requirements when sailing between these islands?
One of the practical considerations when chartering from St Martin is that the neighbouring islands belong to several different jurisdictions.
St Martin is divided between French Saint-Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten. St Barts is a French overseas collectivity, Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory and St Kitts and Nevis is an independent nation. Saba and Sint Eustatius are part of the Caribbean Netherlands.
Crossing between these territories can involve customs and immigration formalities, including arrival declarations, clearance documents, passport checks and sometimes cruising or environmental fees.
Procedures vary, and some destinations require advance online submissions or clearance through designated ports. Even movement between the French and Dutch sides of St Martin may involve requirements specific to visiting yachts.
Your charter operator should explain the current arrangements and provide the necessary yacht documentation. On a skippered or crewed charter, the skipper will normally assist with these procedures.
Allow sufficient time for formalities when planning your itinerary, particularly if visiting several islands.
Related FAQs
What makes a yacht charter from St Martin particularly appealing?
St Martin offers access to several contrasting Caribbean islands within relatively short sailing distances. You can experience French culture in St Barts, the beaches of Anguilla and the volcanic landscapes of St Kitts and Nevis, combining rewarding sailing with a remarkable variety of destinations.
What are the main highlights of sailing around St Martin, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis?
The highlights include Anguilla's white-sand beaches, the French atmosphere of St Barts, St Martin's lively coastal communities and the volcanic scenery of St Kitts and Nevis. Each island offers a different experience, making this a particularly rewarding region to explore by yacht.
What sailing conditions should I expect around St Martin and the neighbouring islands?
The northern Leeward Islands offer excellent trade-wind sailing, with winds commonly around 15 to 20 knots during the main season. Passages can be exposed to Atlantic swell and choppy seas, so the region is best suited to sailors comfortable with open-water conditions.
Are there any restrictions on where charter yachts can sail or anchor?
Yes. Marine reserves, protected reefs, designated mooring areas and charter operator cruising limits can affect where yachts may sail or anchor. Some islands also require cruising permits or specific clearance procedures. Check current local regulations and your operator's permitted cruising area before departure.
What is a good seven-day yacht charter itinerary from St Martin?
A seven-day charter from St Martin is best focused on St Martin, Anguilla and St Barts. This provides a varied sailing holiday with manageable passages, beautiful beaches, attractive anchorages and time to explore ashore without trying to cover too much distance.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in the northern Leeward Islands?
The best time to charter a yacht from St Martin is generally December through April, when the trade winds are well established and the weather is usually warm and sunny. May and early June can also be attractive, with fewer visitors and often lighter winds.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in the Leeward Islands?
The peak sailing season in the Caribbean's Leeward Islands runs from December through April, when the weather is reliably sunny, the trade winds are steady, and the risk of storms is low.
Are there any sailing restrictions in the region?
Yes, but they’re mostly straightforward. Marine reserves, particularly in Anguilla and St Barts, may require permits or have anchoring restrictions to protect reef areas. Some areas prohibit fishing or spearfishing. These are usually well-marked on local charts, and your charter company will brief you before departure. It’s all part of helping protect this beautiful sailing region for future generations.
What wildlife and marine life might we see?
This region is home to vibrant marine life. Snorkelling and diving off Anguilla’s reefs and the marine reserve at Colombier in St Barts offer colourful corals, reef fish, and the occasional spotted eagle ray. Sea turtles are commonly seen in bays and around moorings, especially early in the day. During the winter months (January to March), keep an eye out for humpback whales and playful dolphins during open water passages — a special highlight of Caribbean sailing.
What marine life can I expect to see while sailing the northern Leeward Islands?
The waters around St Martin, Anguilla and St Barts support sea turtles, tropical reef fish, rays and other marine life. Dolphins may be encountered offshore, while humpback whales migrate through the wider region during the winter months, although sightings are never guaranteed.