Saint-Martin ? Sint Maarten ? Which is the best side?

Which side of St. Martin is the best? You be the judge. Wondering why this country is spelled two ways? Well, it’s because one side of this island is French (Saint Martin), and one is Dutch (Sint Maarten). And they are very different. We share our experiences here for you to decide.

Saint Martin – Part 1

ST. MARTIN SAILING - GRAND CASE, BUSCO RUM, REAL REGGAE, A PARADE AND SIMPSON BAY

Sint Maarten – Part 2

SINT MAARTEN - ST. PETER'S HILLTOP, BILLIONAIRE YACHTS AND THE BEST BEACH ON THE ISLAND.

Arrival on the French side – St. Martin

When we arrived after our sail from Charleston SC, since it was later at night, we dropped anchor in French Marigot Bay for the night, checked in the next morning, dropped off our guests so they could get some R&R at the nearest 5 star Marriott. New in 2026, checkin MUST be done at a port office. You can prefill their specific form online. Https://Clairance.portdemarigot.com, but do not use SailClear, or the french check in site from Martinique/Guadeloupe.

Then we sailed on to Grand Case for the weekend. Grand Case was a wonderful stop. Plenty of restaurants and shops to visit, and a beautiful beach to explore and decent snorkeling for reef fish.

Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten

Monday, we sailed down to Simpson Bay Marina, where we had a marina slip reserved in order to get a our Sail and Sail Bag fixed. Excellent marina, and since we were early in the season, it was just us and about 10 other boats! We knew we would be there a week, so we also arranged for some spa services for PILAR. She was polished, waxed, stainless shined, caulk replaced and some minor gel coat repairs done.

Check in was right at the office by the bridge (watch out for dinghy damage due to wake of bridge boats).

There were a few things worth mentioning about Simpson Bay Marina. We also had access to the pools and pool bars, even in their sister SuperYacht Marina Isle De Sol. They had plenty of social events and was a wonderful respite while our boat was getting work done. Everything a yachtie needs was easily accessible – as anyone knows that takes their boat in to Simpson Bay. Truly everything. And of course, Lagoonie’s restaurant was a favorite, and Lagoonie’s Laundry.

We also took some time to hike up to Fort St. Louis for the beautiful views.

And hiked a 2.5 mile trail with a 1000 ft elevation gain called St. Peter’s Hill.

Once our repairs were complete, we were ready to leave, so we headed to Bobby’s Marina in Phillipsburg for fuel and sailed on to Anguilla. (Simpson Bay was OUT of fuel!)

However, that was not all, after visiting Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Kitts, Nevis and Statia, we returned to St. Martin so we would have better wind at a better point of sail for St Croix. We met up with friends for dinner at the Greenhouse in Phillipsburg, and spent a few days enjoying the very long Simpson Bay beach walks. Our new favorite spot was a new italian restaurant called Portofina right by the marina. They even featured PILAR in their marketing photos! You can see the dolphins on the hull.

Although we did not get to see every part of the island due to weather, here is our targeted list – of which we accomplished only half!

SOUTH COAST

PHILIPSBURG – CAPITAL

Proselytizing reef snorkel 1.5 miles south of Philipsburg town walk
Buy Guava Berry rum, a local specialty
Shop on back streets to avoid Cruise ship booths
Philipsburg Art Walk
Hidden Pools trail walk along coast at Pointe Blanche

SIMPSON BAY

12 meter regatta America’s cup race boats daily
Bridge – call for opening at set times – follow the boat train
Calmest anchorage in southeast corner
Massage at Simpson Bay Resort Spa

POINT BASSE TERRE

Mahi bay beach airplane watch
Anchor by Anse Tongue

WEST COAST

MARIGOT

Cruise Ship port
Fort Louis walk up for view

GRAND CASE

French airport is here
Snorkel Rocher Creole — Creole Rock – use buoys – start at nw point and swim northern end.
Main Street walk and Tuesday night street music
Gastro center

ANSE MARCEL