Sailing boat adventure in Saint Martin: Hoist the sails

You steer the boat, not just ride in it

A half-day sailing activity in Saint Martin where you hoist the sails, take the helm and navigate the Caribbean monohull yourself with a captain's assistance. The boat leaves from Marigot Marina and sails past Happy Bay, Friar's Bay, Anse Marcel and Grand Case Bay, letting you feel the wind and learn how the boat responds to the helm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing adventure on Caribbean Sea

• Hoist sails with captain's help
• Navigate near Happy Bay and Frair's Bay
• Glide past Anse Marcel and Grand Case Bay
• Ride along Creole Rock

The experience

Marigot Marina is where the monohull departs, and from there you're not a passenger watching the crew work. You're the one pulling the sails up and steering into the wind. The captain is there to guide you through it, but the boat is yours to handle. You'll sail past Happy Bay and Friar's Bay, then along Grand Case Bay and Creole Rock, with the Caribbean stretching out in every direction and the wind doing most of the talking.

The four-hour window gives you enough time to get the feel of the helm, adjust to how the boat moves, and actually sail rather than just motor out and back. An open bar runs the whole time, so you can pace yourself between the work of steering and the downtime between tacks. The monohull is built for this: responsive enough that you notice what you're doing, stable enough that you're not fighting it.

What’s included

• Open bar throughout the four hours.
• captain's guidance on steering and sail handling.
• use of the monohull sailboat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The soul of pirates

Is this one for you?You do the steering yourself with the captain's help, which means you're learning and working the whole time, not sitting back. Pick this if you want to actually sail rather than just see sailing happen, and if you're comfortable with four hours of active participation on the water.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does it feel like to steer a sailboat for the first time?

Steering a sailboat in the Caribbean means learning how the boat responds to small movements of the helm and how the sails catch the wind. The captain walks you through it, so you're not guessing. You're adjusting and feeling the boat come alive under your hands as you find the right angle to the wind.

Can I sail the boat myself, or does the captain do all the steering?

You take the helm yourself with the captain's assistance. He'll guide you through the mechanics and help you adjust course, but the steering is yours to do. That's the whole point of the adventure.

What are the bays and beaches we sail past?

Happy Bay, Friar's Bay, Anse Marcel and Grand Case Bay are the main stops along the route, each one visible from the water as you sail. Creole Rock is also part of the run, giving you a sense of the coastline and the different anchorages around Saint Martin.

Is this suitable for someone who has never sailed before?

Yes, the captain is there to teach you. Children from age 5 are welcome aboard, and the activity is built around learning as you go, not arriving with experience already in hand.