Destination comparison
Mexico vs St Martin / St Maarten
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Mexico | St Martin / St Maarten |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Mexico & Central America | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | May, Oct | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | easy to moderate | easy |
| Recommended level | beginner friendly | beginner friendly |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 16 / 10 kn | 18 / 14 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | MXN (Mexican Peso) / USD widely accepted in tourist areas | EUR (French side) / NAf (Dutch side) |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $8,500 | $9,800 |
| Luxury tier price | $32,000 | $36,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Sea of Cortez peaks November-April with reliable northerly winds (El Norte) and dry desert air. Caribbean Mexico is best November-May but watch for sargassum seaweed in summer. Hurricane risk closes most Caribbean charter bases June-October.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 12 boats in our fleet database for this region
Hurricane season June-November. Strong Atlantic swells in winter. Excellent provisioning; French side for cheese/bread, Dutch for variety. Short hops to Anguilla and St Barts.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 5 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Mexico averages 16 knots in winter and 10 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
St Martin / St Maarten averages 18 knots in winter and 14 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Mexico is generally rated easy to moderate and St Martin / St Maarten is easy. The difference matters: Mexico asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $3,200
- Mid season: $8,500
- High season: $17,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $32,000+
- Low season: $3,800
- Mid season: $9,800
- High season: $18,500
- Luxury / crewed peak: $36,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Espiritu Santo Island (Sea of Cortez) — UNESCO biosphere; sea-lion colony; snorkelling
- Playa Balandra (La Paz) — Crystal-clear shallow lagoon; turquoise water
- Cabo Pulmo — Hard coral reef, world-class diving
- Isla Mujeres / Cozumel (Caribbean side) — Snorkelling, reefs, party town
- Maho Beach — Planes land overhead - iconic photo
- Lottery Farm — Hidden nude beach; wild
- Anse Marcel — Sheltered; great snorkeling
- Tintamarre — Day trip; wild donkeys; white sand
- Pinel Island — Short ferry from French side; restaurants
Which Should You Choose?
Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Mexico or St Martin / St Maarten.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Mexico vs St Martin / St Maarten. Read the must-visit lists above.
Mexico has 1 cultural anchorages vs St Martin / St Maarten's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"Mexico gives you two completely different charters: the Sea of Cortez and the Riviera Maya. The Sea of Cortez (La Paz) is the sailor's one - whales, sea lions and empty anchorages from November to April. The Riviera Maya (Cancún-Cozumel) is the easy week: clear water, marinas every 20 miles, and the best provisioning in the region. Both are bareboat-friendly with a checkout sail; neither has the crowded feel of the Caribbean's busier islands."
Timing and Budget: Mexico vs St Martin / St Maarten
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico or St Martin / St Maarten better for a first-time charter? ▾
Which is cheaper to charter — Mexico or St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
When is the best time to visit Mexico vs St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Mexico vs St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Which has better flight access — Mexico or St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Which is more beginner-friendly, Mexico or St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Choose Between Mexico & St Martin / St Maarten
Tell us your dates and group. We'll recommend the right one — honestly.