Superyacht Charter St. Maarten

There are so many reasons why you should charter a private crewed yacht in St. Maarten! Some of the bluest waters in the Caribbean, a picturesque coastline, superb shopping, and a vibrant nightlife are just some of the reasons to embark on a St. Martin yacht charter. St. Maarten boasts some superb attractions to suit all, from its incredible zip-line to lush rainforests and its vibrant capital, a fantastic destination for designer shopping and gourmet dining options.  Finally, St. Maarten has very low VAT for visiting superyachts, adding to its appeal. 

Part of St. Maarten’s wide appeal is that it offers a wonderful selection of things to see and do.

Explore Grande Case

Visit Grande Case on the northern coast, and you’ll find a charming historic fishing village that is more West Indian in style. Pick up some artisanal keepsakes in the local boutiques as a reminder of your visit, or enjoy a beverage or meal at one of the local bars or restaurants with stunning views.

Visit Philipsburg

St Maarten’s capital, Philipsburg, is a colorful hub where most of the island’s designer stores are found. It is a great place to pick up a few chic pieces before leaving the island.

Experience The Saint Maarten Zip-Line

For adrenaline seekers, the St. Maarten zip-line, on the island’s Dutch side, is considered one of the island’s top attractions. Enjoy the hair-raising experience of dropping 1,050-feet through the rainforest while enjoying incredible panoramic views.

Superb Dining & Nightlife

There are 140 different nationalities residing on the island, and unsurprisingly this has garnered an international mix of cuisines and flavors. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is often described as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, and a handful of fine-dining restaurants can boast Michelin stars. Enjoy European food with a fusion of Caribbean flavors. After dinner, St. Maarten continues to deliver with exuberant night spots and several casinos.

Wreck Diving

There’s no better destination to explore the underwater world than St. Martin, which boasts superb visibility and vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks teeming with marine life. HMS Proselyte is one of the best wreck dives, a Royal Navy frigate that sunk in 1801, which sits in water just 15 meters deep.

Whether you prefer a St. Maarteen or St. Barts yacht charter will depend on your desired charter vacation experience. St. Barts is often referred to as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean, offering exclusive experiences and an ultra-chic atmosphere. St. Maarten, on the other hand, is more low-key yet still offers plenty of refined experiences. An experienced charter expert, such as the team at Northrop & Johnson, will be able to advise on what Caribbean destination will best suit your needs based on your desired getaway.

What type of yacht should I charter in St. Maarten?

Your choice of yacht that you charter in St. Maarten will be based on your unique personal preferences, the onboard amenities you desire, as well as how many guests you will be traveling with. Key choices to consider include:

• Motor yacht – great for large family groups that want to maximize onboard amenities. Motor yachts are also more accessible, with some including lifts to all decks. Northrop & Johnson boasts an incredible selection of motor yachts available for charter, from 30-meters to 100-meters plus. Choose from luxury motor yachts by pedigree shipbuilders and an incredible range of onboard facilities, from luxury cinema rooms to helipads and full-service spas.
• Sailing yachts – the vessel of choice for sailing enthusiasts; hoist up the sails and enjoy cruising St. Maarten’s coastline while hearing only the sound of the wind in the sails and the Caribbean Sea lapping at the boat’s hull. St. Martin boats excellent trade winds, making it a popular sailing destination. Sailing yachts are also popular with those seeking an eco-friendly cruising option.
• Mulit-hull vessels – catamarans are the most readily available multi-hull boats on the charter market, which can sometimes include options for sailing and fuel-based cruising. Multi-hull vessels boast superb volume, making them great for families or large groups of friends. Their exceptional sea-keeping abilities also ensure enhanced comfort levels.

Your luxury yacht will come fully equipped and provisioned, meaning you only need to worry about personal items. The weather is wonderfully warm in St. Maarten, so light-weight clothing is required, along with swim gear and sun protection. Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need to pack for your St. Martin charter vacation:

• Travel documents – passport/visas/insurance details/debit and credit cards
• Clothing – lightweight, breathable apparel, including shorts, t-shirts, and swim gear for swimming and lounging dockside or on the beach. Don’t forget suitable footwear, including a sturdy pair of trainers for hiking and flip-flops or sandals for on-shore activities.
• Sun protection – the Caribbean sun is strong, so you’ll need plenty of SPF protection, including waterproof suncream, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a rash vest for prolonged periods in the water.
• Toiletries and medications – you’ll need to pack your preferred toiletries along with any prescription medications. Due to the sun, a quality after-sun lotion can help soothe sunburnt skin.
• Entertainment – most charter yachts boast state-of-the-art entertainment systems and board games, but you’ll likely want to pack a couple of your favorite books, a Kindle, your phone, and iPad. Don’t forget your chargers!

If you forget something, then you don’t need to worry. St. Maarten boasts plenty of shops for supplies. Your crew will also be happy to pop ashore and purchase any essential items you have forgotten, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your yacht charter rental.

Your choice of yacht that you charter in St. Maarten will be based on your unique personal preferences, the onboard amenities you desire, as well as how many guests you will be traveling with. Key choices to consider include:

• Motor yacht – great for large family groups that want to maximize onboard amenities. Motor yachts are also more accessible, with some including lifts to all decks. Northrop & Johnson boasts an incredible selection of motor yachts available for charter, from 30-meters to 100-meters plus. Choose from luxury motor yachts by pedigree shipbuilders and an incredible range of onboard facilities, from luxury cinema rooms to helipads and full-service spas.
• Sailing yachts – the vessel of choice for sailing enthusiasts; hoist up the sails and enjoy cruising St. Maarten’s coastline while hearing only the sound of the wind in the sails and the Caribbean Sea lapping at the boat’s hull. St. Martin boats excellent trade winds, making it a popular sailing destination. Sailing yachts are also popular with those seeking an eco-friendly cruising option.
• Mulit-hull vessels – catamarans are the most readily available multi-hull boats on the charter market, which can sometimes include options for sailing and fuel-based cruising. Multi-hull vessels boast superb volume, making them great for families or large groups of friends. Their exceptional sea-keeping abilities also ensure enhanced comfort levels.

The Caribbean superyacht season typically runs from November to the end of April, with peak season being the months of December and January. The shoulder season, April/May and November, are also a great time to visit. The low season is the Caribbean hurricane season, which runs from June to November. While the weather is still pleasant, you can expect higher rainfall, a more humid temperature, and a heightened risk of hurricanes.

High Season (December to March)

The superyacht high season in St. Maarten coincides with the winter months when the weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C). This is the peak tourist season, so the island can be crowded, and yacht charter prices will be at their most expensive. This period is ideal for those seeking a balance between great weather and a lively atmosphere.

Shoulder Season (May and November)

May and November are considered the shoulder seasons, so you may be able to find competitively priced charters, especially for last-minute getaways. The weather is still pleasant, but there may be occasional rain showers, especially in November.

Low Season (June to October)

St. Maarten experiences its low season during the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, with the peak hurricane season being August and October. If you choose to visit during the low season, your yacht charter specialist will track the weather, and there may be a risk of your charter being cancelled in the event of a hurricane.

No matter when you choose to visit St. Maarten, you will enjoy wonderfully warm weather, making it a great destination for enjoying time on the water under the Caribbean sun.

There are several marinas and harbors in St. Maarten where you can embark on your luxury yacht charter. These include:

• Simpson Bay Marina
• Port de Plaisance Marina
• Oyster Pond Marina
• Marigot Bay Marina

Your yacht charter specialist will make arrangements for you to embark at the most convenient destination.

The cost of a luxury crewed yacht charter in St. Martin will depend on several factors, including your choice of charter yacht, the length of the yacht rental, and whether you are chartering in peak season or low season. The choice of yacht will significantly impact the total cost, with the world’s largest superyachts costing in excess of US$1 million per week. The entry price point for a private yacht charter in St. Maarten is around $50,000, plus applicable VAT. On top of this charter price, you can also expect to pay a further estimated 10% to cover the Advanced Provisioning Allowance or APA, which covers non-fixed costs, including fuel, provisioning, excursions, and crew tips.

There is almost no VAT to pay on a yacht charter in St. Maarten, adding to its allure. Other Caribbean destinations which boast low tax for visiting superyachts include St. Barts and the Virgin Islands.

Nearby islands include:

• Anguilla
• St Kitts and Nevis
• US Virgin Islands
• British Virgin Islands
• Antigua and Barbuda
• St. Barths