Getting around
A Few Hours Off: Short Shore Leave for Yacht Crew in Sint Maarten
One simple plan close to the yacht usually makes a short break feel longer, not smaller.
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2 min
Last reviewed
23 July 2026
For
All crew
One simple plan close to the yacht will make a short break feel longer. Arrange the return before anyone leaves.
- Best for
- One to four hours off
- Start with
- The real duty-free window
- Protect
- The return and handover
Under ninety minutes: stay local
Use the nearest marina district for coffee, a meal, a quick shop, a walk or one practical errand. Do not spend most of a short break crossing the island.
Two to three hours: choose one purpose
Around Simpson Bay, crew can combine food with a beach walk, gym or practical shopping. Philipsburg can work for a focused shopping run and the Boardwalk.
Pick one district, not a miniature island tour.
Bring a working payment method and keep the return fare separate. The Dutch side now uses the Caribbean guilder, while US dollars are commonly accepted; the French side uses euros. Check the exchange treatment before a small break becomes a payment problem.
Protect the return
Set a hard departure point, allow time to collect purchases and keep the driver's number. If traffic or weather changes, shorten the plan rather than borrowing from the duty handover.
Working list
Before stepping ashore
- Real off-duty window
- Marina or tender landing
- One purpose for the break
- Travel and changing time
- Confirmed return point
- Driver or taxi contact
- Duty handover margin
Questions that change the plan
Settle these before anyone moves.
What can crew do with only one hour ashore?
Eat, walk or complete one nearby errand. The exact choice should depend on the marina and the time needed to get back onboard.
Is Philipsburg practical for a short break?
It can be for shopping, food and the Boardwalk when the transport window works. Check business hours and the return route first.
Should crew pre-book a return taxi?
For a hard duty time, yes. A planned pickup removes one avoidable uncertainty.
Is this the same as a guest itinerary?
No. Crew shore leave should be simpler, closer and built around rest, errands or exercise rather than a multi-stop experience.
Ready to arrange it?
Tell us the available window.
We can suggest an option and arrange the return around the yacht’s location and duty time.