St.Maarten

[Fliegerfahrer]

Hello,

We are planning to move in the next days for a week or so to st Maarten where we wanna spend the time anchored and not be in a marina.
I found a lot of confusing and sometimes even contradictory informations on the internet.
Anybody has some hints on where we can find a good and free place to anchor and where is it cheap to clear in?
I think the Dutch side is more expensive to clear in but what about anchorage fees in Simpson bay for example??

Thanks for your input :-)

[SailFastTri]

Whether outside Simpson Bay, or inside. I don't know how you define "expensive" but I was there about 2-3 years ago and it was not expensive to clear in, whether French or Dutch.

I liked Marigot better. We anchored in Marigot Bay, and also anchored outside Simpson Bay and dinghied inside.

[boatman61]

Anchor in Marigot Bay.. its sheltered from the E winds and when the N swell kicks in head for the N corner of Grande Case.. some great restaurants..

[Fliegerfahrer]

Is it true they charge for anchoring in Marigot and Simpson bay?

[AiniA]

Unless it has changed recently you do not have to pay to anchor inside the lagoon on the French side. Also it was much cheaper to clear in on the French side.

[hpeer]

We just spent 5 weeks in Marigot Bay and paid nothing. Check in at Island Water World. Take dink into the lagoon through the French bridge and immediatly turn left. There is a small IWW store down there. Park dink at end of channel near restaurants and walk on street back toward bridge. It will be a couple of hundred yards on your left.

[Fliegerfahrer]

Thanks for all your replies!!