Hey everyone, Hayden here from SV Island Spirit! After a wonderful couple of months exploring Antigua in January and February, we sailed over to Sint Maarten / St. Martin for March and April. This was hands-down one of our most chill seasons yet. No big mile-crushing passages—just settling into the rhythm of island life aboard our little IP35-165.
St. Martin (the French side) and Sint Maarten (the Dutch side) offer the perfect blend of cultures, cuisines, and cruising convenience. We spent most of our time anchored in the protected Simpson Bay Lagoon. It’s a cruiser’s paradise: calm waters, easy access to both sides via dinghy, and a mix of bustling marinas, quiet anchorages, and stunning views. Our 35-footer was often the smallest boat in the anchorage, tucked among 40–55 footers, but she held her own like a champ!
Life in the Lagoon
We alternated between anchoring outside in Simpson Bay (a bit rolly but scenic) and inside the lagoon (glass-calm and protected). The lagoon felt like our floating neighborhood—great holding, easy provisioning runs, and frequent diver visits. We had the bottom cleaned twice while there, and our paint held up beautifully thanks to the solid prep work back in Jolly Harbor.
Daily life was simple and joyful: morning coffee with views of the hills, dinghy explorations to Marigot for fresh baguettes and French pastries, and afternoon swims. We loved the easy access to everything—chandleries on the Dutch side, gourmet markets and beaches on the French side. No major boat projects, just maintenance and enjoyment. This is what slow cruising is all about.
One highlight was simply watching the world go by from the cockpit. Sunrises over the lagoon, planes landing at the nearby airport (always a thrill!), and colorful sunsets that painted the sky. We felt grateful every day for this lifestyle.
Favorite Moments
- Exploring both sides of the island by dinghy, Dutch vs French
- Quiet evenings at anchor/mooring with the gentle lap of water.
- Meeting fellow cruisers and sharing stories.
- The pride of seeing our little Island Spirit thriving in big-boat territory.
As April wound down, we prepared to head back to Antigua for haul-out and storage. Season 26 wrapped up feeling refreshed and recharged. St. Martin delivered exactly what we needed: beauty, convenience, and that special Caribbean soul.
If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend spending time in the lagoon. It’s cruiser-friendly, scenic, and full of surprises.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time there (capturing the essence of daily life, anchorages, boat views, sunsets, and island vibes):
Thanks for following along, friends! Drop a comment if you’ve cruised St. Martin—what was your favorite part? We’ll be back in the islands for Season 27 come December. Fair winds!
— Hayden & Radeen, SV Island Spirit (Follow us on Facebook @svIslandSpirit for more real-time updates)