Within the same region
Saint Barthélemy 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 | Saint Barthélemy | St Martin / St Maarten |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | easy |
| Recommended level | intermediate | beginner friendly |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 18 / 13 kn | 18 / 14 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | EUR | EUR (French side) / NAf (Dutch side) |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $22,000 | $9,800 |
| Luxury tier price | $90,000 | $36,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Most expensive Caribbean charter destination. Suited to crewed charters; bareboat limited. New Year's / Christmas fully booked 6+ months in advance.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 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
Saint Barthélemy averages 18 knots in winter and 13 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, Saint Barthélemy is generally rated moderate and St Martin / St Maarten is easy. The difference matters: Saint Barthélemy 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: $8,000
- Mid season: $22,000
- High season: $40,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $90,000+
- 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
- Gustavia — Red-tin-roof harbor town
- St Jean beach — Iconic landing strip beach
- Colombier Beach — Hike-in or anchor; pristine
- Pointe à Lézard — Turtle and reef
- 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?
Choose St Martin / St Maarten. Charter fleets are abundant, marina staff speak English, checkout sails are standard.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Saint Barthélemy vs St Martin / St Maarten. Read the must-visit lists above.
Saint Barthélemy has 1 cultural anchorages vs St Martin / St Maarten's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Timing and Budget: Saint Barthélemy vs St Martin / St Maarten
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Barthélemy or St Martin / St Maarten better for a first-time charter? ▾
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When is the best time to visit Saint Barthélemy vs St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Saint Barthélemy vs St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Which has better flight access — Saint Barthélemy or St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Which is more beginner-friendly, Saint Barthélemy or St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Choose Between Saint Barthélemy & St Martin / St Maarten
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