St. Maarten

[Ry.]

I am new to this website, sailing, and everything in between. I go to St. Maarten every year, and love it. I stay near simpson bay and have been going since I was a baby. My dream has always been to live there but I never thought of how I could afford it. Then I thought of living on a sailboat. I don't want to be in Simpson bay lagoon. I want to be in the bay itself. Do they allow this? I am alone and have never wanted for much, so something small would be fine. Is this a doable dream? Any info would be a big help. Thanks in advance.

-Ry

[boatman61]

You can/could anchor there or in Phillipsburg... its can get a bit rolly there sometimes though.. as to long term.. not sure.. spent 3 weeks there once coz it was that bit quieter than being under the flight path as the planes took off... then I discovered Marigot and Gran Case and never went back...

[Ry.]

Wow. Thank you for such a quick reply. That sounds good. I have done some research on the internet and found that as a US Citizen, I can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Sounds like a great lifestyle.

[speciald@ocens.]

I'm in Oyster Pond. There is little room for anchoring but there are a few open moorings. Christmas wind has been blowing and it is rolly everywhere.

[Ry.]

I have not been to Oyster Pond ever, but would take that into consideration for sure. Simpson Bay, however, is my dream location. Phillipsburg sounds nice, but it is too crowded with cruise tourists.

[speciald@ocens.]

There is a weekly fee for anchoring in Simpson Bay and Marigo Harbor as well as the Dutch side of Simpson Lagoon but no fee for anchoring in the French side of the Lagoon.

[Khagan1227]

Welcome to CF Ry.

I don't like the noise of the jets, so Marigot or Oyster Pond for me.

[Ry.]

Thank you. Do you have an idea of how much? I am new and don't have a clue on the average anchorage fee.

[Khagan1227]

I believe it was about 40 cents per meter a year or so ago. That doesn't include clearing in fees and the cost varied with stay. I'd check noonsite, they probably have more updated information.

[Zanshin]

I'm actually in the lagoon right now, for the first time. I usually anchor in Marigot. For a liveaboard your options are pretty limited and the Lagoon is most likely going to end up being the only option for long-term stay. I like Marigot but they do patrol that daily and will, at some point in time, hit you with fees.

[Meaban]

Hi, for my guidance is there a fee when passing the bridge on the French side?

[boatman61]

No fee French Side... unless its something very new...

[Meaban]

Many tks Phil. I understand also that the mooring's free inside (French side), not outside on Marigot Bay.
Rgds.

[boatman61]

Anchoring is/was free... inside, but its a bit cramped for mono's...
better if your a cat and can run into the corner behind the Witches Tit...
near the entrance to the bridge you get a lot of wash from the ferries to Anguila...
I've not been there since they've started charging outside... only time one saw the police was if you'd been there more than 24hrs and not cleared in...
All very nice and polite..

[John A]

When I was there, Simpson Bay was quite rolly. The Traffic to and from the bridge with everyone doing a very temp. anchor to await a bridge opening was a constant concern. Anchoring / mooring up close to the channal to the bridge was quite crowded. With day charter boats dominating the moorings.
Now that Bobby'a has moved from Phillipsburg very few boats are found in the very rolly bay.