Arrival and airport access
Nearest airport
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
Ground access
Princess Juliana International Airport is close to Simpson Bay and is one of the Caribbean’s most useful yacht access airports.
Discover the destination
Welcome to St Maarten
St Maarten is a major Caribbean yacht hub with Simpson Bay marinas, yacht services, airport access and easy links to St Barths and Anguilla.
Superyacht Guide Award
Superyacht Guide Destination Star
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good yachting destination
Preliminary Superyacht Guide destination note pending full editorial assessment. St Maarten has recognised yachting merit as a Caribbean yacht hub.
Preliminary Listing
Yacht Hub
Leeward Islands
Last reviewed: May 10, 2026
Destination Stars are editorial ratings based on cruising appeal, marina access, hospitality, scenery, events, seasonality and available information.
Destination intelligence
Key facts at a glance
The essentials for planning a visit, cruising or shore-side operations.
- Region
- Caribbean
- Local area
- Leeward Islands
- Country
- Sint Maarten / Saint Martin
- City / area
- Simpson Bay / Marigot
- Type
- Caribbean yacht hub
- Cruising area
- Caribbean / Leeward Islands
- Best season
- December to April
- Nearest airport
-
Princess Juliana International Airport
SXM - Charter appeal
- Very high
- Marinas
- 6 marinas in the destination area
Explore St Maarten
The destination guide
St Maarten and Saint Martin form one of the Caribbean’s most important yacht hubs, combining Dutch and French island culture, major marina infrastructure, provisioning, refit support, airport access, restaurants, beaches and regional cruising links.
Simpson Bay is the centre of the yacht scene, with facilities such as Yacht Club Isle de Sol and Simpson Bay Marina supporting visiting yachts. The island is also valued for marine businesses, technical services and easy access to nearby St Barths, Anguilla and the Leeward Islands.
For guests, the island offers beaches, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, beach clubs and two distinct cultural atmospheres on one island. For captains and managers, the island’s practical support network makes it a key Caribbean operating base.
Superyacht highlights
- Major Caribbean yacht hub
- Simpson Bay marina infrastructure
- Marine services, provisioning and technical support
- Easy access to St Barths and Anguilla
- Strong winter season and regional cruising position
Plan the visit
Travel, berthing and planning
Operational details and access information for the destination.
Marina and yacht access
Marina access
Simpson Bay provides major marina and yacht-service infrastructure, including Isle de Sol and related facilities.
Berthing
Strong Caribbean superyacht berthing and support, especially around Simpson Bay.
Planning details
Best time to visit
The main yacht season is winter and early spring, with strong regional movement between St Maarten, St Barths and Anguilla.
Coordinates
18.039000, -63.091500
The waterfront
Marinas and berthing
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Simpson Bay Marina
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Simpson Bay , Sint Maarten
- Max length
- 60.00 m
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Isle de Sol Marina
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Simpson Bay , Sint Maarten
- Max length
- 100.00 m
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Isle de Sol Marina St Maarten
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Simpson Bay , Sint Maarten
- Max length
- 100.00 m
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Simpson Bay Marina St Maarten
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Simpson Bay , Sint Maarten
- Max length
- 60.00 m
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Port de Plaisance Marina St Maarten
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Simpson Bay , Sint Maarten
- Max length
- 80.00 m
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Palapa Marina
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Simpson Bay , Sint Maarten
- Max length
- 60.00 m
Time ashore
Hospitality and experiences
Hotels and accommodation
La Samanna; Belmond-associated luxury history; Sonesta Ocean Point; nearby St Barths and Anguilla resorts
Restaurants
Grand Case dining, Simpson Bay restaurants, Marigot waterfront venues and beach clubs
Attractions and places
Simpson Bay; Maho Beach; Grand Case; Marigot; Orient Bay; nearby St Barths and Anguilla
Events
Caribbean winter yacht season, St Maarten Heineken Regatta and regional superyacht movements.