Megayachts

There are very few special places in the world where you can enjoy the extraordinary sight of those magnificent floating mansions known as "megayachts," and St. Maarten/ Martin is one of those. While in the summer these grand vessels moor along the canals of Venice, anchor off the coast of Capri, cruise the Mediterranean or harbor in the glorious marinas of Newport, in the winter many of these luxurious ships call our island home, whose marinas are considered the most outstanding in the Caribbean. It's a perfect place to be when it's snowing up north, whether you chose to stay in a hotel, condo or villa close to a marina or opt to arrange your own short-term rental of a mega-yacht. To see how the other half lives, you can dine or have a drink at one of the many restaurants overlooking the islands' beautiful marinas. St. Maarten/Martin's magnificent megayachts have become a unique tourist attraction. Vicarious pleasures are so affordable!

The island has long been a yachtsman's destination. In the late 1980s, St. Maarten/Martin began developing facilities to service the world's increasing number of megayachts with most of the marina expansion happening on the Dutch side. The first marina to open was at Port de Plaisance, which recently added a North Harbor. Later, Simpson Bay Yacht Club and La Palapa expanded their facilities to include mega-yacht services. The splendid Yacht Club at Isle de Sol opened more recently, a facility considered the most outstanding in the Caribbean, if not the world. Jeff Boyd of CMMC (Caribbean Marine Management and Consulting), designed, built and operates both Port de Plaisance and Isle de Sol. CMMC's most recent projects include the Orient Express (Cupecoy Yacht Club and Villas) and Dock Maarten. On the French side, megayachts moor at the Marina Fort Louis in Marigot. With the demand for slips, a few of the bigger yachts choose to enter into 10-year leases as the majority of the slips on the island are currently for rent only. Each marina offers a variety of services including everything from supplying champagne to assisting with medical needs.

Every year, the Sint Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition takes place in December. So if you want to experience the luxurious world of yachts and their even more luxurious sisters, megayachts, then make plans to be on island during the winter season to see just how the other half chooses to relax!

Our Activity Guide will get you acquainted with all the tours, attractions, sports and activities in St. Maarten/St. Martin -- for you and your kids. Contact our activities providers and get full details before you go!