How to get to St Maarten and St Barths?

If you are curious to savor and immerse yourself in these two fascinating worlds that combine Caribbean lifestyle and cosmopolitan European influence, follow us in this short article where we will talk about St. Maarten and St. Barths.

Located just 13 nautical miles from each other, these are two top destinations for Caribbean tourism, considered two true natural jewels to be explored both by land and by sea. St. Martin, with its dual personality (French in the north and Dutch in the south) and St. Barthélemy, aristocratic and international. Two locations renowned for their nature reserves, bays of rare beauty and uniqueness, typical markets, and lively nightlife.

CHARTER ENQUIRY FOR ST BARTS & ST MAARTEN

How to get to these two islands?

Although separated only by a short stretch of sea, the two islands differ greatly from the point of view of connections with the rest of the world. In fact, if Saint Maarten is considered one of the best gateway to the Caribbean, Saint Barths has preferred to maintain a certain distance also from the point of view of air and sea connections.

The Saint-Barthélemy airport is in fact too small to accommodate large aircraft. For this reason, to reach the island it is necessary to make an intermediate stop to change means of transport. Most direct flights here, therefore, stop in nearby Guadeloupe or in St. Maarten itself. Alternatively, you can always use the local ferry network that connects each island to the others.

On the other hand, as we said, the island of St. Maarten has an important international airport that has made it one of the busiest destinations in the Caribbean. The airport is located in the southwestern part of the island, in the Dutch ​​influence area of the island (the northeastern part is instead part of the French overseas territories).

Related: 4 Days Yacht Charter Itinerary in St Barths and St Maarten

Named after Princess Juliana of Holland, Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is also a popular island tourist destination. In fact, this airport is known all over the world for its runway that begins close to the beach of Maho Bay and which allows you to watch spectacular airplane landings directly from the beach, simply while lying in the sun.

St. Maarten International Airport is connected by flights with the most important European cities, with the main cities of the United States and Canada, with numerous countries in South America, and with the most important islands in the Caribbean.

After talking about how to get there, we present below one of the hundreds of possible itineraries that can be organized by sailing with a catamaran or a charter yacht:

Day 1

Simpson Bay – Cupecoy Beach – Rouge Bay

In the stunning Simpson Bay lagoon, your crew welcomes you onboard your luxury superyacht before setting sail for Cupecoy Beach which creates a beautiful golden glow on its reddish-brown rocks at sunset. Drop anchor in the enchanting Rouge Bay where soft white sand and smooth rocks alternate for an intense swim before the night stop.

Day 2

Rouge Bay – Le Galion – Marigot – Grand Case

When your catamaran overlooks the beach of Le Galion, the windsurfing paradise, it means that you are close to Marigot, the capital of the French area that is certainly worth a visit as is Grand Case, a small village where the Creole Rock islet with its crystal clear sea is perfect for diving. You can have dinner with your loved ones in one of the typical local kiosks before mooring for the night.

Day 3

Grand case – Île Pinel – Orient Beach

Reach the French side of St Maarten and dock near the beach of Île Pinel with its white sand tongues and transparent sea to snorkel with your friends or family. Taste typical dishes aboard the yacht as you sail to the paradise island of Tintamarre, where you can spend a relaxing afternoon anchored off Orient Bay Beach.

Day 4

Gustavia – Corossol

Early in the morning, your captain will sail to little Gustavia, the capital of the exclusive St. Barthélemy to admire the beautiful cottages and shop in his boutiques. In the afternoon, relax on the bay of the fishing village in Corossol and enjoy an aperitif on the beach before dining in an elegant local five-star restaurant.

Day 5

Corossol – Colombier – Île Fourchue – Plage des Flamands

Early morning sailing takes you to Colombier beach, protected within the Nature Reserve of St. Bartholomew, famous for the rich marine life that makes it the perfect place for snorkeling, as well as in the waters off Île Fourche. In the nearby Flamands Beach instead, stop to sunbathe enjoying its white and soft sand as if it were talcum powder.

Day 6

Plage des Flamands – St. Jean – Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac

This day is dedicated to water sports, first on the bay of St. Jean and then on the Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac where the sea of ​​the Antilles is colored with all shades of green-blue, in an area protected by a park marine life that protects the underwater life and the turtles that live here. Go snorkeling or go out to spot the whales that populate the area in some months of the year.

Day 7

Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac – Gouverneur

Slow navigation accompanies you in the early hours of the morning as you have breakfast and cross the southern coast of the island of St. Barths, benefiting from all the pluses that your yacht can offer. Choose whether to stop for a picnic on the wild white coast of Anse du Grand Saline bay or to lie on the sands of Gouverneur, known for being dazzling white.

Day 8

Gouverneur – Little Bay Beach – Simpson Bay

The final destination of your trip passes by the calm waters of Little Bay Beach. Return to Simpson Bay Marina, leave your boat, and end this unique journey by shopping in the tax-free shopping area or one of the famous and elegant restaurants.

Contact  now YBH Charter Brokers:

You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.