Boat Rental & Yachting in St. Maarten / St. Martin (SXM)

Welcome to the boater’s paradise of St. Maarten / St. Martin (SXM) – one of the most dynamic yachting hubs in the Caribbean. Whether you’re planning to rent a powerboat for a half-day trip or charter a luxury yacht for a week, this twin-island offers outstanding marinas, safe anchorages, yacht-support services and unforgettable scenery.

Here’s everything you need to know about boat rental, yacht charters and sailing in SXM, built for your travel planning.

Why Choose SXM for Boat Rental & Yachting

1. A true Caribbean Boating Hub

• St. Maarten / St. Martin features a wide array of marinas, moorings, chandleries, yacht-provision services and marine trades businesses.
  
• Mega-yachts and sailing yachts alike use SXM as a staging point for regional cruising, trans-Atlantic passages and Caribbean island-hopping.
  
• The lagoon and coastal waters provide sheltered sailing, while still offering open-sea access for more ambitious outings.
  

2. Easy Access & Dual-Culture Appeal

• The island is bi-national (Dutch side “St. Maarten” and French side “St. Martin”), offering a blend of Caribbean ease and European flair.
  
• Boaters can cross between the Dutch and French sides (see clearance formalities below), giving you flexibility in cruising routes.
  

3. Support Infrastructure For Boating

• Facilities for docking, refuelling, provisioning, and maintenance are well established.
  
• Popular boating events, for example, local regattas, draw sailing and yachting crowds each year.
  

What You Should Know: Practical Information

Licensing & Experience Requirements

• While full certification may not always be mandatory in SXM, boat rental companies often require proof of competence or a skipper onboard.
  
• For bare-boat rental you may need to show a sailing or power-boat resume or equivalent experience.
  
• For very small motorboats (especially under 6 hp) some rentals accommodate clients without a license, but options are limited.
  

Customs, Immigration & Lagoon Clearance Formalities

• All vessels entering Dutch SXM waters must clear via immigration and customs (for example, at Great Bay or Simpson Bay).
  
• Additional bridge fees and clearance fees may apply when transiting the lagoon.
  

Bridge & Lagoon Navigation Info

Since much boating in SXM uses the Simpson Bay Lagoon and its entry/exit channels, you’ll want to understand the bridge schedules and physical constraints:

Simpson Bay Bridge (Dutch side)

• Typical opening times: Outbound 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 4:00 pm; Inbound 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 5:00 pm.
  
• VHF channel: 12.
  
• Closed height approx. 2.4 m, channel width ~17 m, controlling depth ~6 m.

Causeway Bridge (Dutch side – lagoon route)

• Typical opening times: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 3:30-4:30 pm.
  
• Height closed ~6.2 m, width ~23 m, depth ~6 m.
  

Sandy Ground Bridge (French side)

• Typical opening: ~8:30 am and ~5:00 pm for in/out traffic.
  
• VHF channel: 16. Width ~10 m, depth ~3.5–3.8 m.
  

Tip: Always confirm bridge opening schedules ahead of time, as changes may occur during special events or seasons. Bridge operations can be contacted via +1-721 545-5230 / 545-3183.

Best Time to Rent & Yachting Season

• The peak boating season is from December through April, when the weather is driest and trade winds are reliable.
  
• Shoulder seasons (May, November) offer fewer crowds and still good conditions.
  
• Be aware of hurricane season (typically June to November). Plan accordingly and stay weather-aware.
  

Popular Cruising Areas & Itineraries

• Simpson Bay Lagoon – A sheltered cruising playground, with easy access to the sea and numerous anchorages.
  
• Dutch & French coastal bays – Great for snorkelling, beach stops and relaxed afternoon sails.
  
• Inter-island hopping – SXM is well-placed to access neighbouring islands for day trips (weather and customs permitting).
• Megayacht watch-spots – The marinas around SXM attract some of the world’s largest yachts, especially in high season.