The Yachting Capital of the Caribbean

By Els Kroon

In the mid-1960s only the super rich in this world owned large yachts, and they would occasionally anchor in one of St. Maarten/St. Martin’s beautiful lagoons for only a short while.

Today, St. Maarten/St. Martin is the Caribbean’s major destination for power super yachts. The 37-square-mile island is ringed with harbors and marinas, many of which can easily serve the biggest mega-yachts. With almost 1,000 marina berths, excellent facilities for most kinds of yacht work, a 150-ton travel lift and docking facilities that support yachts up to 250 feet long, yachters are taking advantage of the limitless possibilities offered in St. Maarten/St. Martin.

The marine business development started in 1982 in Marigot, the French capital, with Port La Royale and its sophisticated French ambience. On the windward side, Oyster Pond was transformed into a first-class marina and is currently home to some of the world’s leading charter boat companies. Toward the north, Carlson Marina in Anse Marcel was built as part of a large vacation project. Later, investors came to the Dutch side of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and built luxury apartments and timeshares, paving the way for the Simpson Bay Yacht Club Marina in 1987. Serving the upper end of the yachting market, Port-de-Plaisance opened moorings for 200-foot-plus yachts in 1993.

In the new millennium, Marigot’s Fort Luis, the Isle de Sol project and Portofino Marina added to St. Maarten/St. Martin’s yachting facilities, while Bobby’s Marina, in the heart of Philipsburg, developed into a full-service modern facility.

The island’s status as a free port has been an advantage to both boat owners and investors. Its fame is also a result of its wholehearted embrace of the yacht industry. In addition to providing high-end services and facilities, two of the Caribbean’s largest chandleries, Budget Marine and Island Water World are conveniently situated in St. Maarten/St. Martin.

The booming yacht industry has not only boosted the economy, but also provided a new attraction for tourists. At the start of the winter season, the bridge opens to allow a majestic line of these behemoth creations into the lagoon — a magnificent show tourists love to see.

Our Activity Guide will get you acquainted with all the tours, attractions, sports and activities in St. Maarten/St. Martin -- for you and your kids. Contact our activities providers and get full details before you go!