Within the same region
St Martin / St Maarten vs US Virgin Islands
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | St Martin / St Maarten | US Virgin Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | easy | easy |
| Recommended level | beginner friendly | beginner friendly |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 18 / 14 kn | 17 / 13 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | EUR (French side) / NAf (Dutch side) | USD |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $9,800 | $9,500 |
| Luxury tier price | $36,000 | $36,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
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
Hurricane season June-November. Less crowded than BVI; easy day-sail to BVI. US citizens do not need passport.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 5 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
St Martin / St Maarten averages 18 knots in winter and 14 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
US Virgin Islands averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, St Martin / St Maarten is generally rated easy and US Virgin Islands is easy. They're at the same level — your decision will hinge on route and vibe, not on whether you can handle the conditions.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $3,800
- Mid season: $9,800
- High season: $18,500
- Luxury / crewed peak: $36,000+
- Low season: $3,500
- Mid season: $9,500
- High season: $19,000
- 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
- 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
- Buck Island (St Thomas) — Underwater snorkel trail; reef fish
- Magens Bay (St Thomas) — Often named one of the world's most beautiful beaches
- Caneel Bay / Honeymoon Beach (St John) — Crystal clear water; snorkeling
- The Baths (drive-up alternative) — BVI side easily accessible by ferry
- Christiansted, St Croix — Danish colonial architecture
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 St Martin / St Maarten or US Virgin Islands.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: St Martin / St Maarten vs US Virgin Islands. Read the must-visit lists above.
St Martin / St Maarten has 1 cultural anchorages vs US Virgin Islands's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"If you only have 7 days and want both sides, base yourself in St Thomas (USVI) and day-sail to BVI. The USVI has easier entry (US citizens no passport needed) and reliable provisioning in Red Hook or Yacht Haven. The BVI has better-protected anchorages, smaller distances between islands, and the iconic spots (Baths, Norman Island). Most of our guests do 3-4 days USVI + 3-4 days BVI; this works well from Christmas to April when seas are calm."
Timing and Budget: St Martin / St Maarten vs US Virgin Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Martin / St Maarten or US Virgin Islands better for a first-time charter? ▾
Which is cheaper to charter — St Martin / St Maarten or US Virgin Islands? ▾
When is the best time to visit St Martin / St Maarten vs US Virgin Islands? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — St Martin / St Maarten vs US Virgin Islands? ▾
Which has better flight access — St Martin / St Maarten or US Virgin Islands? ▾
Which is more beginner-friendly, St Martin / St Maarten or US Virgin Islands? ▾
Choose Between St Martin / St Maarten & US Virgin Islands
Tell us your dates and group. We'll recommend the right one — honestly.