Softly with the sea kayak and the paddle
What could be more ceremonial than becoming one with the sea and slipping gently aboard a sea kayak or standing up on a paddle? The bay of Grand-Case is perfect for paddleboarding, as is the Galion lagoon, and a trip to îlet Pinel from Cul de Sac in the absence of sargasso is ideal for kayaking. In Saint-Barth, the calm waters of Baie de Saint-Jean and the nature reserve lagoon of Grand Cul-de-Sac are ideal.
Surfers get into the water!
With your hair blowing in the wind, watching the swell for a thrilling surf outing, in warm water to boot, it's the dream of every surfer, whether beginner or experienced. You'll be won over by Saint-Martin's spots for all levels: if you're in the mood for small waves, then opt for the Baie du Galion, which offers regular waves all year round. To get to the spot, there are two options: row from the left end of the beach towards the spot, or make an appointment with the Saint Martin Surf Club surf school to go there by boat for a few euros. For the wild and difficult-to-reach side, you'll be delighted by the Wilderness spot, accessible from Cul-de-Sac and Anse Marcel. More for the experienced, as the reef is present, here are two secret spots that only the locals know about... well, not anymore! One is at Anse des Pères near Friar's Bay, the other at Beacon Hill. It's best to go with a surf school, like Windy Reef at Galion beach. Plum Bay (where the waves can be fickle) and Mullet Bay are ideal for beginners and advanced surfers alike. If you need advice and, above all, equipment, head to Surf'Ace in Marigot.
For surfing the waves of Saint-Barth, Lorient beach, easily recognizable with its colorful surf hut, is ideal for first-time surfers. The beach at Saint-Jean is another option, with a shallow bottom and a current that allows you to ride up to the peak of the wave. The north-facing Anse des Cayes promises powerful waves and a current to be wary of. The wilder, east-facing Anse Toiny is the place to be for seasoned surfers, but beware of the strong current!
Windsurfing and kitesurfing
Saint-Martin enjoys trade winds from mid-November to the end of April. The island is windy all year round, averaging 12-14 knots. June and July receive the tropical waves and are the windiest months in terms of strength and regularity.
Here are the best spots on Saint-Martin. Orient Bay stretches over 3 km and remains one of the most versatile spots in the Caribbean. It's a free rider's paradise. There's the Papagayo lagoon, top for speed, turquoise water and, of course, initiation (on the right), the Atlantic swell offshore for free riding, waves on windy days, with lips over 5 m to 6 m. The bay is surrounded by the islands of Caye-Verte, Tintamare and Pinel. Waves as soon as the wind reaches force 4. The Big Mamma wave, behind Caye-Verte, is reserved for waveriders who know the site well. The coral spuds are shallow and the current quite violent. Sailing side-on, starting on starboard tack facing the waves... The small bay of Galion provides waves for windsurfers. The reef is flush with the water, so you need to get out quickly at the end of the surf. Ideal for jumping on starboard tack in south-southeast winds. It's a surfers' den and a great kitesurfing spot. Perfect for beginners too. La Longue Baie-Nettlé on the Caribbean coast is a good starting point for long tacks to the island of Anguilla.
On Saint-Barthélemy, windsurfing is practiced in Saint-Jean, where you can also rent equipment from Jean-Michel of CaribWaterplay, who has been serving water sports since 1983! The only place where kitesurfing is allowed is in the Grand Cul-de-Sac cove, outside the anchorage zones. Don't hesitate to contact Enguerrand, one of the island's best-known kiteboarding instructors, who can advise you on where to go: the lagoon in flat water, and the waves at the end of the lagoon for the more experienced.
The foil has the wind in its sails!
Undoubtedly the new generation of kiteboarding. The kitefoil is a board fitted with a hydrofoil (submersible rod) that launches you out of the water. It's becoming increasingly popular, wind permitting. Baie Orientale on Saint-Martin is the ideal spot, and a championship is held every year in February.
On Saint-Barthélemy, foiling is practiced at Grand Cul-de-Sac for kitesurfers and at Saint-Jean for windsurfers.
Hop! Let's get some height
The illusion of flying over the blue expanse of the Caribbean, of touching the clouds with your hands - that's the sensation guaranteed by a parasailing session. Towed by a boat, 100 meters above the sea, you'll enjoy an exceptional panorama and feel like you're growing wings. The perfect place to get your adrenalin pumping is Orient Bay on Saint-Martin, as at Bikini Beach WaterSport. A local school, SXM KiteSchool, offers introductory and advanced courses.
Sailing fans?
Yacht charter companies have chosen Saint-Martin and offer a full range of monohulls and multihulls, with or without skipper, for weekend to multi-week cruises to the rhythm of the trade winds. Trade winds are generally north-easterly from November to March, and east-southeasterly from April to October, at speeds of 10 to 25 knots. The advantage of sailing in the Leeward Islands is that you don't necessarily need to be a skilled sailor. It's also undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy Saint-Martin, the pristine beaches of Anguilla, the island of Saint-Barth, the island of Saba and its precious world-famous diving spots, for both short and long cruises. Charter and yacht-hire companies are a little less numerous since the passage of Irma in 2017, but the remaining companies will be able to advise you well, as they have been present on the island for a long time. More than 1,200 boats suffered the ravages of Cyclone Irma, and although many wrecks have since been removed, some still litter the lagoons. The Morring in Marigot offers bareboat and crewed charters, as well as beautiful itineraries.
In Saint-Barthélemy, sailing is the national sport! The Saint Barth Yacht Club is the main player in this discipline, with its friendly sailing school on Public beach. You can take lessons or rent a dinghy, laser, kayak or paddle. From day trips on a sailboat to island cruises with a skipper or a sunset outing, everything is possible in Saint-Barth, with an excellent level of service! Our favorite is the famous local sailor Miguel Danet. With St Barth Sailor, he offers catamarans and his famous yellow submarine ! Motorboat excursions, with or without skipper, and private shuttles to and from Saint-Martin are also available with Master Ski Pilou and Jicky Marine.
Exceptional anchorages
Anchorages should be chosen with care, as the island of Saint-Martin has two marine reserves. So, wherever you are, the seabed and the various species making up the local flora and fauna are protected and can reproduce and develop in peace. Most dive sites are equipped with mooring buoys to prevent damage from repeated anchoring. The beaches of Friars' Bay and Happy Bay are exceptional for enjoying this dream landscape. The long bay of Grand-Case makes for a calm anchorage, and allows you to take advantage of the island's excellent restaurants!
Saint-Barth and its 14 islets offer exceptional anchorages. One of the most idyllic, and a favorite with connoisseurs, is the nature reserve Anse de Colombier. L'Anse de Gouverneur offers beautiful panoramic views, while the calm waters of Baie de Saint-Jean are ideal in front of the famous airport and Eden Rock. Shell Beach invites you to pick up the shells that line the beach, and for the traditional Corossol and its charming fishing village with its beautiful little huts. We strongly advise against visiting Toiny and Grand-Fond because of their dangerous nature. Please be aware of the precautions to be taken in nature reserve zones. You'll find all the information you need at the Port of Gustavia and at the Tourist Office.
Regattas have the wind in their sails!
Did you know that you can take part, with a charter yacht, in the many exceptional regattas organized around the islands? The most famous, the Heineken Regatta, brings together the best crews from the Caribbean and Europe for three days around Saint-Martin at the beginning of March. Want to outdo yourself and beat the spray? Look out for legendary races such as the Guavaberry Regatta, the Transcaraïbes des Passionnés and regattas such as the Transat Paprec in Saint-Barth.
All eyes are on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta every early March. Not only has it become the must-attend event for Caribbean sailing enthusiasts, but for all the world's top sailors. It's the biggest event on St. Martin in terms of economic impact and reputation. No fewer than 35 countries take part in this joyous and sporting regatta. For 4 days, the boats (no fewer than 200) waltz with the waves, opening the ball for Maxis, Monohulls and Performance Multihulls. Accompanied by more local craft, fishermen's boats and boat charters, the professionals of the sea go all out to put on the finest show. Acrobatics in the bareboats: these boats are hired especially for this regatta, and are notable for the many legs swinging overboard. The crew's legs swing against the wind to gain speed, and if one of the spectators is invited to be rail meat, it's all down to their weight! Beach cats are also highly original. These boats move around the race course with frogman-like crews decked out in wetsuits, shoes, goggles and other accessories. And when evening comes, there's no time for rest... the famous beer flows freely at the Regatta Festival Village: entertainment, shows and discussions between sailors of the day and the local population.
The regatta culture is also very much alive in Saint-Barth. They come one after the other, and no two are alike!
Since 1995, the Bucket Regatta in March has brought together the finest yachts over 100 feet (30 meters) in Saint-Barth for 4 days of regattas and festivities on the quayside. A breathtaking spectacle for these impressive giants of the sea. In April, Les voiles de Saint-Barth brings together professionals and amateurs on boats of all sizes, including technological gems worth astronomical sums, but whose beauty is unrivalled. During the 5 days of racing, Gustavia becomes the headquarters for over 80 boats and 1,200 sailors. Hundreds of volunteers work to make this event the jewel in the crown of Caribbean sailing. After Les Voiles, the West Indies Regatta returns to the island's maritime past, with traditional boats mingling with folklore on the quayside. A cultural and historical atmosphere. Experienced sailors won't want to miss the Transat Paprec, organized since 1992 by Pen Duick (organizer of La Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe). Held every two years in April, the race covers no less than 9,000 kilometers from Concarneau to Saint-Barth, representing 3 weeks at sea and a challenge that has won over generations of enthusiasts. Catamarans have a blast at the Cata Cup in November. It's a hard-fought race for sports cars, with a very festive atmosphere!
