Yacht charter in St. Maarten - Philipsburg

Where do yachts depart from in St. Maarten - Philipsburg?

Yachts in St. Maarten - Philipsburg most clearly depart from Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, and Great Bay Marina is also identified as a charter facility in the same area.

Private Yacht Charter N.V. is based at Bobby’s Marina, with the boats listed on the middle dock across from Aziana restaurant. For travelers staying or arriving near the cruise area, the marina is about a 10-minute walk from the Philipsburg cruise terminal.

The port setting makes boarding simple for day charters because the departure points sit directly on the Philipsburg waterfront rather than across the island.

What can you reach on a day charter from Philipsburg?

A day charter from Philipsburg can reach Tintamarre, Pinel Island, and Green Cay on the local island-hopping circuit.

One published charter itinerary leaves Bobby’s Marina, sails first to Tintamarre, and continues to Pinel Island before returning to Philipsburg. The same operator describes these stops as snorkeling and beach-focused, with Tintamarre known as an uninhabited island and Pinel Island as a beach and lunch stop.

Charter operators from Philipsburg also advertise longer routes toward Saint Barthélemy and Anguilla, but those are beyond the usual local day loop and depend on boat type and schedule.

When is the best sailing season for St. Maarten - Philipsburg?

The peak sailing period in Philipsburg is from **December to April**, which is the dry season.

That window is the most frequently identified high season for pleasant charter weather, while the quieter off-peak months can mean fewer crowds. For charter planning, this makes winter and early spring the most predictable months for day trips and swimming stops.

Because the area is in the Caribbean, weather and sea conditions still vary by day, so operators commonly adjust routes around wind and swell.

Do you need a licence or skipper for a charter in the Netherlands Antilles?

For a private yacht charter in St. Maarten - Philipsburg, the usual practical option is to book with a skipper or crewed boat.

Available Philipsburg listings and operator pages describe crewed charters, private day charters, and full-day trips with captain and crew included. Publicly available local charter pages do not provide a universal bareboat licence rule for every boat type, so the safest verified option for this port is a crewed charter.

That makes Philipsburg especially suitable for visitors who want a simple day on the water without handling the boat themselves.

How do you get to St. Maarten - Philipsburg for a yacht charter?

The nearest airport for Philipsburg is Princess Juliana International Airport on the St. Maarten side of the island.

From the airport, the transfer to Philipsburg is typically a short cross-island ride, and charter operators in the port area also mention taxi transfers and parking support for guests arriving by car.

Because the departure docks are in the town waterfront area, the final leg is usually simple once you reach Philipsburg itself.

Which boat types are most suitable in Philipsburg?

The verified boat categories for St. Maarten - Philipsburg are **mega yacht** and **catamaran**.

Catamarans are a strong fit for family and group day trips because the local itineraries focus on swimming, snorkeling, and anchoring in calm spots such as Tintamarre and Pinel Island. Mega yachts suit guests who want a more luxurious cruising style from the same Philipsburg departure base.

The port’s protected island-hopping routes and marina access make it practical for both relaxed day sailing and higher-end private charters.