Yachting Season in the Caribbean  

The yachting season in the Caribbean typically runs from December to May. The season is in full swing from Christmas to March. The season kicks off with the Antigua Yacht Show, where yachts are on display before the upcoming season. The season usually wraps up with Antigua Sailing Week in late April-early May, where sail boats participate in several regattas.

Most boats will depart from Fort Lauderdale or somewhere along the east coast of the United States and spend the entirety of the season birthed somewhere in the Caribbean, where they will prep for boss trips and charters through the season. Here are some helpful tips when it comes to provisioning for upcoming trips as well as what to do with that precious down-time. Also listed are some possible guest activities for different areas in the Caribbean.

St. Maarten

Provisioning for a yacht in St. Maarten is exceptional, you just need to be brand flexible!

There are plenty of options in St. Maarten when it comes to provisioning for charters and guests trips. Many yachts spend the entire Caribbean season calling St. Maarten their berth. Provisioning a large charter yacht in St. Maarten is ideal because their are so many options for guests and crew alike.

Market Garden – Simpson Bay – Orchids, travel sized toiletries, luxury snacks, international dry goods, fruit, meat and fish. All guest quality goods.

Carrefour – Phillipsburg branch is larger and great for basic provisioning.

Epicerie de Marie – Food and beverage supplier for guests.

Simpson Bay Fish Market – Fresh fish and lobster available daily, but it is cash only and be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss out on the days fresh catch.

ACE Hardware, PDG, Nespresso, L’Occitane – located on the island of St. Maarten.

Shoreside Support – Has a warehouse on the island and it is pretty well stocked with items for yachts and crew.

Mooi Florist – Flower arrangements, orchids and succulents.

Activities for Charter Guests and Crew

There are plenty of activities for guests and crew in St. Maarten. Several beach clubs offering full day experiences with amazing food. There is shopping available all over St. Maarten, but Grand Case, Marigot and Philipsburg stand out. And if you and your crew are feeling adventurous, there are tours and excursions; like Topper’s Rhum Distillery and Loterie Farm.

Grand Case – Best dining and boutique shopping. Rainbow Café Beach Club and Ocean 82, an amazing French restaurant with a view of the water, are popular spots to visit.

Marigot – Shopping.

Philipsburg – Duty free shopping.

Orient Beach – Home of the Coco Beach Club and KKO Beach Club, great spots for crew and guest to spend time. There is kite surfing, shopping and restaurants.

Moho Beach – Is a must visit for guests and crew. You can watch planes take off and land, feeling the power of the jet engines. It is also a great spot to watch the sunset.

Topper Rhum Distillery Tours – Take a tour of the distillery and learn about the one and only rum used to make a proper “Pain Killer”. Samples are available in the tasting bar after the tour. Great activity for guests, you can even host your own rum tasting on board.

Loterie Farm Zip-lining and Pool Oasis – Incredible experience for crew and guests. There is a pool party on the weekends with live DJs. There is an extensive cocktail and food menu available to order from your own private cabana.

Rainforest Adventure – Take the chairlift to the top of the hill for exceptional views and then take the challenge of zip-lining down.

St. Barth’s

Provisioning on St. Barth’s is not as bountiful as provisioning on St. Maarten, but it can be done.

Marche U – The larger supermarket on the island.

AMC – The smaller grocery on the island.

American Gourmet – Has specialty products for guests such as wine and caviar. They will deliver directly to the dock.

Choisy Bakery – Has croissants and pastries baked fresh every day.

Flower Saint-Barth – Provides flower arrangements as well as loose flowers. Delivers directly to the dock.

Activities for Charter Guests and Crew

Gustavia – Rue de la Republique is located right on the harbor and is a beautiful street with shops and restaurants.

St. Jean – Nikki Beach and On-the Rocks @ Eden Rock are great beach clubs for guests and crew to enjoy.

Gyp Sea Beach Club – Beach club with a delicious restaurant. It is a great place to spend a day off, or send the guests here for a fun-filled day of snorkeling, paddle-boarding and a full spa.

Le Ti – Great spot to have dinner and a show. Shows nightly at 9pm, with the after party kicking off at 11pm with live DJs, dancing on the tables and access to the fancy dress room.

Le Petite Plage, Bagatelle and La Guerite – Exceptional restaurants offering fine dining in a Caribbean atmosphere.

Casa – A trendy nightclub designed as a loft. There is fantastic food, music drinks and dancing.

Shellona – Restaurant and beach club that is great place to watch sunsets after spending the day.

The Caribbean is beautiful all year round, but due to hurricane season many yachts will only be in the area until the beginning of May, when they will either head back to the US or over to the Mediterranean.

If you have not yet begun your career in the yachting industry and would like to, please read more about crew positions and duties to figure out your path. We offer courses from introductory to master level. Start your yachting career with Professional Yacht Training, USA. Contact us and Register for Classes today.