Start in cosmopolitan St Martin - or St Marteen if you're on the Dutch side of the island - for the quintessential Caribbean catamaran charter.
This chic and lively Dutch/French island is the perfect starting point to explore the captivating Leeward Islands. From the bustling restaurants and boutiques of Marigot to the sugar-sand beaches of Orient Bay, St. Martin combines European flair with laid-back island vibes.
With more than 37 beautiful beaches, ranging from secluded coves to vibrant party spots, there is something for everyone on this small island that packs a mighty punch.
The island consists of dual French and Dutch territories; the French side is called St Martin and the Dutch side St Marteen. Get a feel for the French side's chic sophistication and the Dutch side's laid back attitude, all blended with the island's inimitable Caribbean spirit.
St Martin is renowned for its culinary scene, often referred to as the "Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean." The island boasts many high-end restaurants where you can savour exquisite dishes crafted by world-class chefs.
St Martin and St Marteen's strategic location allows easy access to neighbouring islands such as Anguilla, St Barts, and Saba. With a catamaran charter, you're free to explore it all, from the pristine beaches of Anguilla to the vibrant nightlife of St Barts.
From bustling bays to secluded coves, St Marteen and St Martin offer a great selection of anchorages. Wherever your anchor, you won't be far from one of the island's 37 stunning beaches.
St Martin and St Marteen offers some of the most breathtaking views and landscapes in the Caribbean. From picturesque beaches, lush green hillsides, and stunning Caribbean marine life there is always something captivating to admire while cruising on your boat.
Head to Orient Bay to swim in turquoise waters off the stunning white sand beach. This popular spot also offers various water activities, beach bars, and restaurants.
Start your catamaran charter in St Martin by exploring Marigot, the capital of the French side. This charming town features colourful colonial-style buildings, a vibrant market, and the historic Fort Louis.
Visit Pinel Island, a small uninhabited islet just off the coast of St Martin. Its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful beaches and fantastic snorkelling spots make it perfect for a relaxing day in your charter itinerary.
Cruise to Tintamarre Island to experience untouched natural beauty. Surrounded by coral reefs, this uninhabited island is a paradise for snorkelers and divers and you can often spot sea turtles and rays in the crystal-clear waters.
Just a short sail from St Martin, Anguilla boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a super-relaxed Caribbean vibe.
Set sail early to St Barthélemy and drop anchor at the red-roofed harbour of the island’s capital, Gustavia. Enjoy sunset drinks on deck, then head ashore for an evening of fine dining and exploring the harbour town's lively nightlife.
A tranquil bay located north of St Martin, this picturesque, unspoiled enclave is surrounded by lush hills. There's a convenient marina, beachfront restaurants, and a stunning beach.
Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, Grand Case is a must-visit destination for food lovers. Explore its charming streets lined with gourmet restaurants and enjoy fine dining with a stunning sunset view.
The high season in St Martin runs from December to April, which is typically dry and sunny.
May to June is the shoulder season, with fewer visitors but still warm temperatures. The low season is July to November, when temperatures remain high but it is typically wetter.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 25.6°C (78°F) | 24.1°C (75°F) | 2.9mm |  ENE |
| FEB | 25.4°C (78°F) | 23.6°C (75°F) | 1.4mm | ENE |
| MAR | 25.9°C (79°F) | 23.9°C (75°F) | 0.7mm | ESE |
| APR | 26.4°C (80°F) | 24.5°C (76°F) | 2.4mm | ESE |
| MAY | 28.0°C (82°F) | 26.2°C (79°F) | 1.9mm | ESE |
| JUN | 29.0°C (84°F) | 27.0°C (81°F) | 3.1mm | ESE |
| JUL | 29.0°C (84°F) | 27.3°C (81°F) | 2.3mm | E |
| AUG | 29.4°C (85°F) | 27.6°C (82°F) | 4.2mm | E |
| SEP | 29.8°C (86°F) | 27.9°C (82°F) | 2.4mm | E |
| OCT | 28.9°C (84°F) | 27.3°C (81°F) | 12.9mm | ESE |
| NOV | 27.9°C (82°F) | 26.6°C (80°F) | 2.3mm | E |
| DEC | 26.8°C (80°F) | 25.3°C (78°F) | 1.1mm | ENE |
The island has two major airports: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side and L'Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side.
Both have direct flights from the UK, Europe, and the US, with Princess Juliana International Airport being the larger and more well-known of the two.
French is the official language on the French side of (St.Martin) whereas Dutch and English are the official languages on the Dutch side (St. Maarten). English is widely spoken, as are various variations of Creole.
The official currency of St Martin is the Euro, and in St. Maarten, it’s the Netherlands Antilles florin (NAF).
However, US dollars and all major credit cards are widely accepted throughout both parts of the island.
If service is not included on the bill, it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip.
A catamaran charter from St. Martin (French) is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A power catamaran combines the stability and spaciousness of a sailing catamaran with the speed and convenience of a motorised yacht. The twin-hull design ensures a smooth ride even in choppy waters, while the absence of sails allowing for more expansive, unobstructed deck spaces perfect for lounging and entertaining.
One of the key advantages of a power catamaran is its ability to cover greater distances in less time, allowing you to explore more destinations during your charter. These vessels also have shallower drafts than a traditional sailing yacht, granting easier access to tucked away coves and beaches that larger yachts can't reach.
Available as bareboat for experienced boaters or with a skipper or professional crew, power catamaran charters offer the ultimate blend of luxury, performance, and versatility.
Luxury Catamarans have state-of-the-art amenities, spacious master suites, gourmet galleys, and cutting-edge entertainment systems. The expansive flybridge provides panoramic views and alfresco dining areas, perfect for sunset cocktails. The high-performance engines and double hulls ensure power and stability for seriously smooth sailing.
You’ll have a professional crew to cater to your every need from superb meals to water sports or trips ashore. Whether exploring tucked away lagoons or hosting a lavish on-board party, a luxury catamaran charter delivers an unforgettable five-star experience for the discerning traveller.
Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.
The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.
Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.
With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.
Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.
Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.
Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore St. Martin (French) and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our catamaran fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around St. Martin (French) and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from St. Martin (French) come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Both St Martin and St Marteen are popular charter destinations, and therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream catamaran via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
The unique set-up of the dual Dutch and French arrangement stems the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, one of the oldest treaties in the world that is still in operation.
According to legend, the division was determined by a walking race in which the Frenchman walked north and the Dutchman walked south, and the resulting boundary was established where they met.
The capital of the French side, Marigot, has an undeniably French ambience. This picturesque town is known for its charming harbour, colourful Creole houses, and bustling marketplaces. Visitors can stroll along the marina and savour excellent French cuisine in bistros.
The village of Grand Case is a gastronomic haven often referred to as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. The town boasts a vibrant street filled with gourmet restaurants, colourful cottages, and lively beach bars. It's a must-visit for food lovers seeking to savour the fusion of French and Caribbean flavours.
The Dutch side is known for its vibrant nightlife, with casinos, nightclubs, and beach bars that come alive after sunset. The capital of the Dutch side, Philipsburg, is a bustling harbour town with a lively boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and duty-free stores. Visitors can explore historic Fort Amsterdam, sample local cuisine, and enjoy tax-free shopping for jewellery and electronics.
The island is blessed with a plethora of beautiful beaches, each with its own character. Both sides of the island offer opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts: the Loterie Farm on the French side provides hiking trails, ziplining, and a tranquil oasis in the midst of lush greenery. On the Dutch side, the St. Maarten Nature Foundation protects marine life and offers fantastic snorkelling and diving experiences.
Apart from its natural beauty, St. Martin is a prime yachting destination because of its convenient location in the heart of the Caribbean. This makes it a perfect starting point for exploring nearby islands such as Anguilla, St. Barth's, and Saba.
The steady trade winds put the British Virgin Islands within reach, as well as Antigua and the windward islands to the south, depending on the length of your trip. Whether you want to enjoy a secluded getaway or indulge in the vibrant atmosphere, a catamaran charter from this Caribbean gem has it all.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
When chartering a Catamaran from St Martin and St Marteen, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in St Martin and St Marteen, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.
The typical times for a catamaran charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
Once you've found your perfect catamaran, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
You can sail all year in the Caribbean, but the high season is from December to May.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.