THE TOP 10 BEST THINGS TO DO ON ST MAARTEN FOR SAILING LOVERS!
If you are a true sailor, there is little chance you have not sailed in the Caribbean as yet. Within the Caribbean, St. Maarten is its renowned sailing center – set sail and come join us at the following events, locations and activities celebrating our status!
1. The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
No sailor officially visited St. Maarten if not once in the first week of March, when the participants for the largest Caribbean regatta convene in the Simpson Bay Lagoon or just outside the Simpson Bay Lagoon Bridge. Over 200 competing ships, from dozens of countries, over three days of races, thousands of people at its closing party – do we need to add anything more than the event slogan “Serious Fun”?
2. The Caribbean Multihull Regatta
If you can’t wait until March, join Heineken Regattas little sister: the Caribbean Multihull Regatta. This traditional first St. Maarten regatta of the year is more intimate, but not less competitive – contact the St Maarten Yacht Club how to join!
3. The St Maarten Yacht Club
If St. Maarten is the epicenter of sailing in the Caribbean, the St. Maarten Yacht Club is its heart. For decades, professional staff and volunteers have made this location into a lively venue where kids set sail in their first sailing boat in the Simpson Bay Lagoon, parents either follow suit by sailing through the Simpson Bay Bridge into the Caribbean – or just have a beer at the club bar. Everybody is welcome at the latter bar, member or non-member – come and explore! (And no surprise, as its core office, St. Maarten Yacht Club offers the best view at the departing Heineken and Multihull Regattas!
4. Philipsburgs “Nautical base” Aziana
When in Philipsburgs Great Bay, the best spot to feel at home as a sailor is Aziana Restaurant, and more specifically, its bar and terrace. With a beautiful view over capital Philipsburg, Philipsburgs Marina, sailing ships and being a homebase to the heroes of the St Maarten Sea Rescue Foundation and the Diving fleet of Dive St. Maarten, there is no location where a sailor feels better at home in St. Maartens capital. That also applies to the crews of nearby megayacht Dock Maarten, who can be found here often.
5. On a boat with Eagle Tours and Aqua Mania Adventures
Done with sailing yourself? No problem. Both above sailing companies, leaving from Philipsburg and Simpson Bay respectively, offer great and diverse sailing trips around the island.
6. Charter your own luxury sailing boat
You didn’t come sailing yourself, but would like to explore our archipelago sailing on your own with beautiful St. Maarten as your base of departure? Don’t hesitate to contact our office to arrange a befitting ship to your liking!
7. Huppel The Pub, Nola Bayou Bistro at Simpson Bay
For those anchoring in the Simpson Bay Lagoon, chances are you are at IGY Marina or close by, and looking for a great place to anchor your Dinghy for a drink and bite. Look no further than Dutch-inspired “Huppel de Pub”, best translated from Dutch as “WhatchamacallitCafe”, as a destination for a night out – or base for exploring the lively Simpson Bay Night Area. This pub is to be found right outside the IGY Simpson Bay Marina gate. Ask for Dutch bitterballen, tosti or haring to remind yourself the Dutch Caribbean is a uniquely exotic combination of worlds.
For more serious dining, next door “Nola Bayou Bistro” amplifies this culturally mixed feel of the Simpson Bay Area. This restaurant serving crocodile (and many other delicacies) in a stylish setting along the lagoon (sailors don’t worry, the crocodiles are imported and were not caught in this scenic bay you just anchored in) and led by well known manager Jim “Jimbo” Morris of “Jimbo’s” fame, makes this an unforgettable night out. Did we mention Nola stands for New Orleans? Ask charming Jimbo for the story.
8. Anse Marcel Bay
If after all the fun above you might be looking for some tranquillity, go for Anse Marcel, a lush cove hidden in the northern top of the island. The large Anse Marcel Beach and its beach bars will treat you well – take a glimpse via our Showme Caribbean virtual excursion!
9. Anchoring at Pinel, Tintamarre
Chances are you never came sailing to the Caribbean to meet people, but to be among nature. No place will better fulfill your dreams than uninhabited Tintamarre, with a gorgeous beach and fair chance to see Sea Turtles. Closer by Pinel Island has two beach bar restaurants on its pristine landside beach so is slightly more busy, but anchoring in front of those and taking a 5 minute walk to the Atlantic beach side of this tiny paradise – within – paradise will give you a solitary day of fun.
10. A Sailors Shopping (and repair) Haven
So we kept this one for last – because this is only relevant when your ship is in need of improvement. Philipsburg might be a shopping mecca for landlubbers, the Simpson Bay area is one of the regionally most renowned areas for boat parts, provisioning, rigging and chandlery. In conjunction with all above, this additional feature makes St. Maarten a perfect location to lower your sails for some days, explore and enjoy!
See for a full overview of activities the things to do on St Maarten activities page.