Start in cosmopolitan St Martin - or St Marteen if you're on the Dutch side of the island - for the quintessential Caribbean motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from St. Martin (French) is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from St. Martin (French) offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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 Motor Yacht 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht, 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.