7-Day St Martin Sailing Itinerary: Marigot to St Barts

This sailing itinerary St Martin lays out a practical, 7‑day plan from Marigot to St Barts and back, with straight‑line mileages, realistic underway times for charter yachts, nightly anchorages/marinas, and a clear difficulty rating for each leg so you can decide whether to go bareboat or hire a skipper. Use the table below to pick the daily pace you want; the day notes that follow give mooring type, shore provisioning and the paperwork items you must budget time for.

Overview of the Itinerary

Itinerary summary

• Straight‑line total (sum of the legs in this plan): ~71 nautical miles (NM), including the return to Marigot. Expect your actual sailed distance to be larger—commonly 1.1–1.6× straight line depending on whether you hug shorelines, detour for shelter, or visit extra cays.
• Seven nights: a mix of beach anchoring and marina stops to balance short sails and one or two full‑day passages.
• Audience: suitable for crews with moderate experience; a skipper makes the busy or exposed legs more straightforward.

Notes on the numbers

• Distances below are straight‑line (rhumb‑line approximations between harbour/anchorage centers). Practical time afloat should include: leaving/entering the marina, bridge/harbour traffic delays, check‑in at customs, and provisioning stops. For planning purposes, assume charter monohulls commonly cruise ~6–7 kt and cruising catamarans ~7–9 kt; local guides use 5–6 kt for conservative cross‑island time estimates.

Quick route table (at a glance)

Notes: straight‑line coordinates used for distance math: Marigot, Grand Case, Tintamarre, Simpson Bay, Philipsburg, Crocus Bay, Gustavia, Anse de Colombier. These are standard reference points for planning and are cited in the day notes that follow. The final day includes the return passage from St Barts (Anse de Colombier) to Marina Fort Louis in Marigot, a listed charter base.

Day 1: Marigot to Grand Case

Route and distance

• Straight‑line: ~2.9 NM (about 5 km). This is a short coastal hop across the north shore; under power you’ll be on the hook quickly but allow 60–90 minutes in your plan for clearing, a slow marina departure and a relaxed approach to the anchorage.

Anchorage details

• Where to sleep: Grand Case bay (sandy floor) — most yachts anchor off the beach and use a dinghy to reach the restaurants. Mooring buoys have been introduced in various French bays and authorities have rolled out organized mooring zones; historically Grand Case anchoring has been essentially free but that is changing as local authorities install buoys. Pick sand in the centre/west of the bay; avoid seagrass and reef.

Difficulty rating

• Easy. Short, sheltered, well‑marked approach and straightforward holding in sand; little traffic compared with Simpson/Philipsburg. Watch local notice boards for temporary restrictions during festivals.

Shore access and provisions

• Grand Case is the island’s restaurant strip — book a dinner ashore (classics: L’Auberge Gourmande, Le Pressoir, Ocean 82 and several bistros). Small groceries and bakeries are walking distance from the dinghy landing; for a full grocery run use Marigot’s Super U/Monoprix before you depart. Plan to top up ice and fresh goods in Marigot if you expect to anchor at Tintamarre the next night.

Day 2: Grand Case to Tintamarre Island

Route and distance

• Straight‑line: ~4.3 NM (2–2.5 NM offshore). Approach Tintamarre on the leeward side; there’s a single sheltered anchorage. For an overnight in the reserve you may need prior permission or to use designated moorings—treat it as a sheltered day stop unless you have confirmed a night permit.

Anchorage details

• Mooring: limited reserve buoys and an anchoring area on sand (depths typically 12–25 ft); no shore services. Marine‑reserve rules apply (no damage to coral, no illegal removal of resources). Bring everything you need—water, fuel top‑ups and spare food are not available here.

Difficulty rating

• Easy. Short open‑water hop; sheltered lee on the island but a north swell can make the south anchorage uncomfortable — check the forecast and be ready to retreat to Grand Case.

Shore access and provisions

• None on Tintamarre. Plan to provision in Grand Case or Marigot before the stop. Activities: excellent snorkeling off the leeward rocks and a beach walk; clay banks and mud baths are local curiosities but carry no facilities.

Day 3: Tintamarre to Simpson Bay

Route and distance

• Straight‑line: ~8–9 NM. Expect to spend more time than straight‑line math suggests because the Simpson Bay entrance, bridge procedures and marina traffic require slower manoeuvring. Plan 1.5–2 hours for the leg in normal conditions.

Marina details

• Simpson Bay Lagoon is the Eastern Caribbean’s supply and chandler hub: full‑service marinas (IGY Simpson Bay / Isle de Sol), fuel docks, pump‑out, large chandlery outlets (Island Water World, Budget Marine) and supermarkets close by. If you need parts, fuel, a haul‑out or a last‑minute repair, this is the place. Transient berth fees vary by marina and season — budget a broad range for a 40–45 ft boat in high season; marinas publish current rates at booking.

Difficulty rating

• Medium. Navigation into Simpson Bay can be straightforward in settled weather but the approach is busy (ferries, ferries to SXM, fishing boats) and the two lift bridges have opening schedules—factor that into arrival time.

Shore access and provisions

• Supermarkets, bakeries and specialist suppliers are within short taxi or dinghy rides; Island Water World and Budget Marine stock most marine parts. Simpson Bay has a wide restaurant choice and several marinas with on‑site eateries. If you plan to drop the boat and shop, use this day for a full re‑provision.

Day 4: Simpson Bay to Philipsburg (Great Bay)

Route and distance

• Straight‑line: ~3 NM. A short hop to the Dutch capital; allow extra time for harbour traffic and cruise ship activity. If the Simpson Bay bridges are closed or on a waiting list you may need to alter timing.

Anchorage details

• Great Bay (Philipsburg) has open roadstead anchoring in sand (depths commonly 4–8 m) and a handful of marinas/tender docks tucked into the western corner. The bay is exposed to southerly swell so choose your berth accordingly. Mooring fees and transient charges are handled by the harbour authority or marina—expect to pay for visitor moorings or marina services.

Difficulty rating

• Medium. Expect more traffic (ferries and cruise) and keep a sharp lookout for commercial and ferry lanes. Night anchoring in Great Bay is common but can be rolly with a swell.

Shore access and provisions

• Philipsburg has duty‑free shopping along Front Street, several supermarkets and accessible restaurants along the waterfront. If you need last‑minute purchases before an Anguilla crossing, do it here or back in Simpson Bay.

Day 5: Philipsburg to Anguilla (Crocus Bay)

Route and distance

• Straight‑line: ~11.8 NM (across the Anguilla Channel). By water the route around hazards and to safe harborings commonly increases that mileage; plan 2–3 hours depending on speed and sea state.

Customs and border procedures

• Anguilla: private boats are generally required to clear at Road Bay (Sandy Ground), which is the main port of entry. However, clearance locations and designated port hours can change, so confirm the current procedure before arrival. Clearance typically requires passports, crew list and vessel papers; there is generally a small customs/immigration charge and Anguilla uses a separate cruising permit system for anchoring outside Road Bay (permit rules and costs vary). Budget the time to go ashore for formalities or have a local agent/liner do it for you.

Anchorage details

• Crocus Bay is a protected small bay on Anguilla’s southern shore — good holding on sand with calm water in easterly trades. Many cruisers anchor here and use the tender to go ashore; there are also restaurant beach bars. Marine‑park moorings exist at several popular north‑side sites but Crocus/Little Bay are typical overnight anchor options when permitted.

Difficulty rating

• Medium. An open‑water crossing plus the need to time your arrival for customs and sheltered protection make this day a notch up from the short hops. Watch for wind against a north swell.

Shore access and provisions

• Anguilla provisioning is modest — fuel and small provisions at Road Bay; restaurants (excellent beach bars) are the island’s draw. Plan to top up large items in Simpson Bay or Philipsburg beforehand. Cash or card payment availability varies ashore; a small customs fee is usually collected in cash.

Day 6: Anguilla to St Barts (Gustavia)

Route and distance

• Straight‑line: ~23 NM. This is the longest offshore hop on this plan and crosses waters exposed to trades and the swell regime; plan 3–4 hours underway depending on boat speed and conditions and schedule your arrival to clear in during office hours. Many guides measure ~19–25 NM for practical routing depending on whether you pass north or south of intermediate islets.

Customs and border procedures

• St Barts (Gustavia) requires clearance at the port/port captain’s office. Online pre-filing is sometimes available, but the process and timing can vary—check with the Port Authority for the latest requirements before arrival. Paperwork must still be finalised at the port office on arrival. Have passports, crew list and previous‑port clearance ready. Expect harbour/visitor fees.

Marina details and mooring

• Gustavia: the town has an inner harbour, outer anchorage and a mooring field administered by the port. The St Barts marine reserve operates eco‑moorings at Colombier and Île Fourchue with specific size/weight limits and a one‑boat‑per‑buoy rule; these rules and levies can change seasonally, so confirm the current situation before arrival. Reserve moorings and harbour fees are administered by local authorities. Transient dock space in Gustavia is at a premium in high season — plan ahead.

Difficulty rating

• Hard (on this itinerary). The leg is the longest open crossing on the plan; exposure to easterly trades and the potential for a north swell make timing and weather choice critical. If you face 20+ kt easterlies or a north swell, consider skipping St Barts and taking a more sheltered day (more time in Anguilla or Simpson Bay).

Shore access and provisions

• Gustavia has boutiques, small supermarkets and higher price points than St Martin; provision larger items in Simpson Bay before the crossing if possible. Gustavia’s restaurants skew upscale — plan reservations if you want a table ashore.

Day 7: St Barts (Anse de Colombier) to Marigot (Marina Fort Louis)

Route and distance

• Gustavia → Anse de Colombier is a short hop, making Colombier a good early stop for swimming or lunch. From Colombier, the direct passage back to Marigot (Marina Fort Louis) is approximately 16 NM straight-line. Combined, this final day covers about 17.7 NM, though your actual sailed route may be longer if you detour or stop along the way. Most crews allow 3–4 hours for the passage from Colombier to Marigot, depending on wind and sea state; plan for a total of 4–5 hours including your Colombier stop.

Anchorage and marina details

• Anse de Colombier: reserve moorings and restricted anchoring zones apply. The bay is beachable by dinghy; there are no services ashore so return to Gustavia for supplies. The reserve enforces rules to protect seagrass and coral — use a designated buoy when present.
• Marigot (Marina Fort Louis): this is a full‑service charter base and the main re‑delivery port for most charters in St Martin. Expect standard base procedures for check‑in (fuel, water, inventory, and paperwork on return).

Difficulty rating

• Medium. The passage from Colombier to Marigot is exposed to the easterly trades and can be lively if a swell is running, but is within the capabilities of a typical 40–45 ft charter yacht. Leave early to allow extra time for customs, final fuel top‑up, and handover at the base.

Shore access and provisions

• None in Colombier — provision in Gustavia or plan a final stock-up in Marigot before returning the boat. Marigot offers supermarkets, bakeries, and all services needed for handover or onward travel.

Customs, clearances and paperwork — practical checklist

• French ports (Marigot, St Barts): report to the port captain or customs/immigration office on arrival; French procedures often allow pre‑filing but a physical visit to the office is usually required when you arrive. You will be asked for passports, crew list and vessel documentation. Keep the clearance reference with you while ashore.
• Dutch Sint Maarten (Simpson Bay/Philipsburg): clearance normally at Simpson Bay/bridge office or the harbour office in Philipsburg; Simpson Bay also collects harbour/bridge fees for passages through the lift bridges. Confirm current bridge opening times and any applicable transit charges before arrival.
• Anguilla: primary port of entry for yachts is usually Road Bay (Sandy Ground), but port hours and clearance locations can vary. You must clear in at the Anguilla customs/immigration office; a cruising permit may be required to anchor outside Road Bay — fees and rules vary by locality and duration. Allow time during office hours.
• St Barts: clearance at Gustavia port office is standard; online pre-filing may be available, but check with the Port Authority for current procedures. Fees and visitor charges apply.

Practical tips

• Always notify the port/harbour master on the recommended VHF channel before manoeuvring into a harbour; many ports require you to call ahead. Carry crew passports and a printed ship’s papers pack in a waterproof folder to hand ashore when an official requests them. Some islands accept online pre‑filing but still expect a shore visit.

Safety, weather and timing

• Weather window: the east trade winds (typical January–June) make most passages comfortable on a beam or broad reach; north swells (common in late winter/early spring at times) can make northern anchorages rolly. For the Anguilla→St Barts leg especially, avoid sailing into a strong north swell or high easterlies. Use a reliable forecast (grib, local VHF forecasts) and plan departures early in the morning where possible.
• Night sailing: this itinerary is planned as day hops; avoid night passages unless you have a well‑rested skipper and local knowledge. Harbours can be busy at night and visibility of small fishing boats or reefs is reduced.

Practical costs & booking notes (how to budget)

• Mooring/marina fees: highly variable by season, berth length and facilities — marinas around Simpson Bay and Gustavia publish seasonal transient rates; for quick budgeting use a wide range rather than a single number and confirm at booking. Reserve moorings in St Barts (Colombier / Fourchue) are limited and often carry a levy; Gustavia is busy in high season and harbour charges are collected on arrival. Mooring rules, size/weight limits, and levies at St Barts’ reserve moorings can change seasonally—confirm the current rules before arrival.
• Customs fees and permits: many islands charge modest entry/exit fees or a cruising permit (Anguilla commonly charges a small fee and may require a permit to anchor outside Road Bay). Carry small cash in local currency or USD for these items.
• Book in peak season: if you need a dock in Gustavia or Simpson Bay during winter high season or during regattas, reserve early — slips and reserve moorings fill fast.

Final planning checklist (before you cast off)

• Passports, vessel papers, crew list printed and in order for each national clearance you’ll make (French, Dutch, Anguilla).
• Fuel/water top‑ups in Simpson Bay if you plan long days or to visit remote bays.
• Small‑change cash (USD/EUR) for local harbour, mooring and park fees.
• Harbour/anchorage plan for each night and backup shelter options in case of shifting winds—identify one marina and one anchorage fallback per day.

Plan your trip and book your yacht today — set a pace that works for your crew and leave time for shore evenings in Grand Case and Gustavia. Returning to Marina Fort Louis in Marigot ensures a smooth handover and a straightforward finish to your charter.

(Internal anchors: sailing tips for beginners, best marinas in the Caribbean, island hopping in the Caribbean.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the daily sailing distances and estimated transit times?

Straight‑line distances for each day are shown in the itinerary table; short hops (2–9 NM) typically take 20–90 minutes underway on a charter monohull (6–7 kt) and slightly less on a cruising catamaran (7–9 kt); the longest passage (Anguilla→St Barts) is roughly 23 NM and typically takes 3–4 hours depending on your boat and conditions.

Which anchorages are recommended for each night?

Nights are suggested at Grand Case (protected sandy bay), Tintamarre (reserve anchorage, limited moorings), Simpson Bay (full‑service marinas/anchorage), Philipsburg/Great Bay (open roadstead), Crocus Bay (Anguilla, good holding), Gustavia (outer anchorage/moorings) and Anse de Colombier (marine reserve mooring). Each has different facilities and mooring types—see the nightly notes for specifics.

How should I rate the difficulty of each day's sailing leg?

Difficulty is judged for typical 40–45 ft charter yachts: 'Easy' for short protected hops in the lee of islands; 'Medium' for busy or tidal approaches and short open crossings; 'Hard' for longer exposed crossings where swell, strong current or busy traffic add complexity (we flag these in the day‑by‑day plan).

What are the best provisioning options at each stop?

Simpson Bay is the regional provisioning and chandlery hub (Island Water World, Budget Marine, large supermarkets). Marigot/Grand Case provide French bakeries, Super U/Monoprix and specialty shops. Gustavia has smaller but well‑stocked stores (expect higher prices). Anguilla offers limited provisioning—clear and top up in Simpson Bay or Marigot before the Anguilla leg.

What are the customs and border procedures between islands?

You must clear into/out of each country: French ports (Marigot, St Barts) use the local port/port captain process and sometimes an online pre‑file; Dutch Sint Maarten typically clears at Simpson Bay/bridge office or Philipsburg; Anguilla requires clearance at Road Bay (Sandy Ground) and may require a cruising permit to use other bays—allow time for paperwork and small fees at each port.