Plan the day
From the Berth: What Guests Can Do Around the Island’s Main Marinas
Let the actual berth shape the day; a nearby plan is often better than a longer island crossing.
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4 min
Last reviewed
23 July 2026
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Purser · Charter planner · Travel adviser
The marina name does not tell you where guests will meet the car. Start with the exact berth, gate or tender landing; then choose what is genuinely convenient from there.
- Best for
- Building the day from the yacht
- Confirm
- Full marina name, gate and pickup
- Keep separate
- Guest plans and vessel operations
Plan from the access point
Two yachts described as being in Simpson Bay may have different gates, pickup routes and practical shore options. A yacht at anchor may use a tender landing that changes the start completely.
Before presenting a plan, confirm the berth or anchorage, exact landing, security procedure, vehicle meeting point, walking conditions and return gate. Nearby should mean practical for these guests on this day, not merely close on a map.
Give the driver a written access note rather than only a map pin. Marina security, one-way traffic and a berth change can move the usable pickup point even when the yacht remains in the same district.
Great Bay and Simpson Bay
Great Bay puts Philipsburg’s waterfront, Boardwalk, Front Street, Great Bay Beach, architecture and daytime dining close to the starting point. Cruise traffic, heat and the exact walking route can still change the plan.
Simpson Bay gives access to beaches, restaurants, water activities and evening venues, but its marinas have separate gates. Arrange the vehicle against the yacht’s actual facility rather than treating the district as one walkable marina.
Cole Bay and the west end
Port de Plaisance is a distinct Cole Bay pickup point with on-site amenities and driver access in several directions. Confirm which marina area and guest privileges apply before promising an on-site plan.
From Porto Cupecoy or another west-end pickup, keep a short plan around one beach, a meal or a private appointment. Mullet Bay and Maho may fit, but they add conditions, crowds and airport-safety considerations.
Marina Fort Louis and Marigot
Marina Fort Louis opens onto Marigot’s waterfront, dining, selected shopping, market area and historic streets. Fort Louis has a bay view but requires a climb; the waterfront is the more comfortable option for guests who want a level route.
A driver can extend the day toward Grand Case or Loterie Farm. Market activity, restaurant availability and road conditions should be checked before departure.
Keep berth decisions in Captain’s Desk
This guide begins after the berth is confirmed. Vessel fit, bridge dependency, clearance, channel access and berth acceptance remain operational matters for the captain, authorities, marina and Captain’s Desk.
Sea Grapes can then arrange the guest-facing sequence from the confirmed starting point, including drivers, reservations, activities and changes.
Planning list
Start with the exact pickup
- Actual berth, anchorage or tender landing
- Full marina name and gate
- Security and vehicle-access procedure
- Walking radius for the guests
- One nearby anchor experience
- Only one driver-dependent area for a short plan
- Return gate and receiving contact
- Current marina privileges and venue status
Questions that change the plan
Settle these first.
Which marina is best for yacht guests?
The captain and agent must first choose an operationally suitable berth. Guest Deck then builds the strongest shore plan from the confirmed location.
Are the main marina areas walkable?
Some have useful places nearby, but walking suitability depends on the exact gate, roads, heat and guest mobility. Confirm rather than assume.
Can all lagoon marinas use the same pickup point?
No. Simpson Bay Marina, Yacht Club Isle de Sol, Port de Plaisance and other facilities have distinct access points and procedures.
Does this article provide berth dimensions or bridge guidance?
No. Those belong with Captain’s Desk, the marina, Port St Maarten, SLAC and the yacht’s own passage planning.
Ready to plan it?
Start with the berth, then build the day.
Give Sea Grapes the marina, landing point, guest profile and available window. The agency can arrange a nearby plan or a driver-led itinerary with a clear return.