Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten lies in the northeastern Caribbean. The Dutch side functions as a major maintenance and refit centre for visiting yachts, with a dense concentration of marinas, boatyards, and marine services that draw boats from across the region.

Philipsburg, the island’s capital, is a practical stop for provisioning, hardware, and transport links, with shops and restaurants close to the waterfront. Crews often use it as a base for going ashore between work in the lagoon and nearby anchorages.

A visit to Sint Maarten often includes Maho Beach, where aircraft on approach to Princess Juliana International Airport pass low over the shore. The beach is within easy reach of nearby anchorages and marinas, and sees a steady flow of visitors from both land and sea.

If you are a dog lover looking for something different ashore, SXM Paws offers volunteering opportunities that some cruising crews describe as a memorable and rewarding break from boat projects.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Simpson Bay	3.3 ★	Review summary: A rolly anchorage with generally good holding conditions is noted in Reviews. Many resources are available within proximity, though the area can be noisy due to nearby air traffic. Visitors should be prepared for a busy environment and check-in procedures.
No image	Simpson Lagoon - Dutch Side	3.0 ★	Review summary: Calm conditions prevail with good holding reported under moderate winds. There is significant boat traffic creating some waves, coupled with high barnacle growth on vessels. Access to shops and services is convenient, but water quality remains a concern.
	Great Bay	3.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Great Bay is characterized by tranquil conditions compared to other locations, with some reports of rolling from traffic. Visitors noted high costs for anchorage compared to nearby areas. Provisioning options are available nearby, and the town offers several dining establishments.

Marinas

	Princess Port de Plaisanse Sint Maarten	4.8 ★	Review summary: The marina features well-maintained facilities including restaurants, a gym, and a pool. Staff provide efficient check-in and check-out services, with some reviews highlighting helpful assistance during arrival. Access to a grocery store nearby adds to the convenience for visitors.
No image	Lagoon Marina	4.3 ★	Review summary: A friendly small marina with a helpful owner provides easy access to local services and supplies. Visitors can enjoy good food and affordable drinks at Lagoonies Bar. Facilities include stern-to or alongside mooring options with available power connections.
No image	Simpson Bay Marina	4.0 ★	Review summary: The marina features a helpful staff and strong security presence. Visitors experienced positive interactions regarding laundry services and were provided assistance with various requests. However, opinions vary on pricing relative to the services offered.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

IMM SXM Shipyard

4.0 ★

Review summary: Service involves yard operations with a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors may need to monitor work closely due to potential communication issues. Prices have increased, leading some to explore alternatives, but the community aspect remains valued.

Chandlers

	Island Water World, Cole Bay	4.8 ★	Review summary: Staff at Island Water World are frequently noted for being helpful and knowledgeable. The store offers a variety of marine products including CampingGaz refills, but pricing may be perceived as high on some items. Membership can yield discounts and enjoyable perks.
	Budget Marine St. Maarten	4.6 ★	Review summary: A large store with a diverse inventory, Budget Marine offers competitive prices and a helpful staff. Access from the dinghy dock enhances convenience, although staff assistance may vary. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Sint Maarten.

Useful yacht clearance links

On the Dutch side, anchoring in Simpson Bay and parts of Simpson Bay Lagoon usually attracts local anchoring and lagoon fees, and bridge transits follow published schedules and charges. The lagoon is shared between Dutch and French jurisdictions, so rules and fees differ between sectors, and skippers typically confirm current requirements on both sides before choosing where to anchor or berth. ​

Line fishing from yachts does not normally require a general licence, but spearfishing is restricted for visitors, and separate marine‑reserve regulations can limit both fishing and anchoring in designated protected zones.

During hurricane season, many cruising yachts either leave Sint Maarten or haul out locally. Boatyards on the island offer hurricane storage with tie‑downs and mast removal, and other crews head farther south in the Lesser Antilles.

• Best times of year to sail here: December to April
• Most common type of shore power: 110/220V 60Hz
• Cost for provisioning: Medium. Local markets often offer better value than marina-area stores.
• Currency: Caribbean guilder (XCG)
• Personal security: Crime levels are low to moderate, with petty theft and some violent incidents reported; visitors should take normal city‑level precautions, especially in tourist areas and at night.
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • Police: 911
  • Ambulance: 912
  • Coast Guard: 913
• International dialing code: +1-721
• Time zone(s): UTC -4

Sint Maarten’s maritime history is shaped primarily by the sea rather than inland agriculture. Before European settlement, Arawak and later Carib communities used coastal navigation and inter-island exchange. Although Christopher Columbus is traditionally credited with sighting the island in 1493, its main maritime role developed in the 17th century with the exploitation of salt ponds, which were important for regional trade and food preservation.

Salt exports drew sustained Dutch and French interest and concentrated activity around Great Bay and nearby lagoons. Rather than prolonged conflict, the two powers formalised shared control under the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, allowing continued shipping, provisioning, and trade across a divided island. This arrangement influenced how harbours were used, how customs were managed, and where coastal defences were built.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Sint Maarten functioned as a regional maritime node. Sheltered bays supported inter-island trade, privateering, and coastal commerce, while fortifications such as Fort Amsterdam focused on protecting anchorages and controlling access to nearby waters.

In the modern era, maritime activity has shifted toward yachting and marine services. Development around Simpson Bay Lagoon has made Sint Maarten a major cruising and refit hub, supported by marinas, boatyards, and events such as the St Maarten Heineken Regatta. The island’s role in regional sailing now centres on access to services, repair facilities, and established routes through the northeastern Caribbean.