Saint Martin 'the friendly Island' is the most cosmopolitan of the Caribbean archipelago. It offers fantastic beaches, grilled meat in small 'Lolos' (taverns), free tax shops, exquisite restaurants and very up to date bars. The whole on top of the emerald sea and below the green mount "Pic Paradis".

Not far north, Anguilla, flat and long island, will seduce you by its calm, deserted beaches, turquoise waters, its cliffs, pelicans, rare  hotels, its islets and unforgettable lagoons (Prickly Pear, Dog Island, Sandy Island, Scrubb Island...) all inhabited and diving paradise. You should not miss that.

As close as Anguilla, Saint Barthélemy ("St Barth", department of Guadeloupe) shows its red roofs, luxury villas and high summits offering wonderful views, appealing boutiques and, of course the beaches.   

Between these major islands, some inhabited islets offer quiet anchorages in wonderful surroundings. 'Ile fourche' with lunar landscape and great diving spot, 'tintamarre' or 'Pinel' for the beaches. 

More south, Saba, Statia, St Kitts and Nevis offer a great contrast with higher summits, green slopes covered by a unique white cloud. It is a forest trekking paradise, and diving down to the black sand covered by a rich colorful flora is unique. 

NAVIGATION

St Martin, St Barth and Anguilla is a perfect sailing area for a week cruise. Within 15 miles from each other they offer a wide variety, each one having its own specificity. 

The southern islands (Saba, Statia, St Kitts and Nevis) will be visited in a frame of two weeks including the Saint Martin weekly  cruise. This last cruise is advised for experienced sailors or those who like long legs at sea (10 hours maximum).

You will have a choice between numerous anchorages and a few marinas. Some anchorages can be subject to little swell mainly in January or February when the trade winds are at the top (25/30 knots).

CLIMATE

The West Indies have pleasant weather condition all year round thanks to the trade winds.  The air temperature is between 25 and 30 C, the hottest in summer, water between 26 and 28 C.  

During the dry season (December to May) the trade winds are permanently between 15 - 20 knots. Local showers can bring some extra wind for a short period of time. 

During the wet season (June to November) winds are not that stable. It is also a season when tropical storms may appear. (September October)

ON SHORE

Take the opportunity to be at St Barth to hire a buggy or a  4x4 to discover the island... impressive sights upon the sea, a good alternative to sailing.

About the local cooking, the northern islands have a good reputation of using various influences to create the dishes. It is a mixture of French, Thai, Creole, Japanese with an exotic touch.

MISCELLANEOUS

Language spoken: French and Creole in St Barth and St Martin, English and Creole in the other islands.

Currency: Euro (St Barth and St Martin), Dollar US or Dollar Caribbean 'EC' anywhere else.  

Visas: No visa for US citizens and EEC citizens. Passport for all nationalities (even EEC) requested.

Telephone: Orange and Bouygues in  St Barth and St Martin, three-band anywhere else.

HOW TO REACH ST MARTIN

Regular flights from Europe or the US towards St Martin/Phillipsburg.