My favorite St. Martin (and St. Barths) anchorages and destinations by boat:
- Grand Case. Excellent anchorage with sand at 10-20 feet depth all the way to the beach. Protected in all but a north swell, but wind funnels through the anchorage most of time in microbursts. New dinghy dock that doesn't eat dinghies. Best selection of restaurants in the island ranging from LoLos (locally-owned, locally-operated food stalls) to Michelin-rated restaurants all within a short walk of the dinghy dock.
Anse a Peres/Friar's - between Marigot and Grand Case, good holding in 20-30 feet, protected in all but a north swell. Nice beach, but nothing ashore at night. Wonderfully calm at night.
Anse Marcel - good holding in 10-15 feet, occasionally rolly. Nice beach and there are restaurant options at the hotel/resort at night. Inbound/Outbound clearance can be done at the Capitainerie.
Ile Tintamarre - I believe that the mooring balls are back now, otherwise anchoring in good holding at 15-25 feet. Great day stop (popular and busy in season) with a fantastic beach with soft sand and some good snorkeling as well as diving. If conditions are settled then it also makes for a great overnight stop. It is usually empty after 16:00 and there's nothing ashore.
Ile Fourchue (St. Barths) - a well-protected anchorage with many free mooring balls, plus ability to anchor in 20-30 feet. Uninhabited nature reserve island with some nice vistas; but the beach is only pebbles. Good snorkeling and great diving.
Anse Colombier _(St. Barths) - one of my favorite
anchorages. Lots of free mooring balls and usually quite protected. When all the mooring balls are taken anchoring in 10-20 feet in good holding is possible. Fantastic beach and snorkeling, plus some nice hiking around to Anse Flamands and towards the airport.

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