Based on reports to Noonsite from cruisers, petty theft is on the rise in the Caribbean in general. Cruisers should take basic safety precautions and use common sense when ashore. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially at night. Don’t carry large amounts of cash around or wear expensive jewelry.
The risks of petty theft, pickpocketing and assault increases during regattas and festivals. Do not leave drinks unattended.
Dinghy thieves operate throughout the Caribbean. Be sure to lift, chain, and lock your dinghy and outboard when not in use, especially at night. When leaving your dinghy ashore, ensure that your dinghy and outboard are securely locked.
AirTags and other cell based/Bluetooth tracking devices are being used by cruisers to track their dinghys/outboards. Some thieves are aware of this practice and may detect, locate and disable them. Understand the limitations of using tracking devices. (See this May 2024 Jost Van Dyke, BVI CSSN report.) The use of GPS trackers (rather than Bluetooth trackers) is recommended. See this Report by David Lyman.
Advice throughout the Caribbean is to remove items from the deck that may be tempting for thieves. When going ashore close all hatches, lock your boat, hide valuables out of sight and secure any loose items, including fuel/jerry cans and jugs. Keep the boat well-lit to deter boarders. It is also advisable to keep your cockpit/salon areas and hatches locked at night when sleeping onboard.
A new method of corruption appearing in Caribbean islands is for a “finders” fee to be demanded when a stolen dinghy is “found”. (See this Nov 2023 Tyrell Bay, Carriacou CSSN report and this Apr 2024 Clifton Harbour, SVG CSSN report.)
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN) collects and shares reliable reports of crimes against yachts in the Caribbean, helping cruisers make informed decisions.
The CSSN website offers current and past incident reports, stats, regional piracy info, and annual summaries. Here are some of the ways to use their site:
Visit the CSSN Interactive Map to keep up to date with the latest incident reports.
Also review Noonsite's Security Reports St. Barts.
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Checked in on June 8th, 2022. No request made by Captainaire for information about covid vaccine or negative test. Seems they just stopped caring about Covid, as masks do not exist on the island either.
“When going from the French side of St. Martin to St. Barts, no outgoing clearance is necessary…”
Does this mean I could return to St Martin (French) after St Barts without having to clear back in (if I don’t clear out prior to St Barts)?..Don’t want to get in trouble or anything, but it would be convenient not to go all the way back to Marigot (since Oyster Bay is closed).
Customs immigration COVID update: no test required for vaccinated persons. One stop shop for both customs and immigration.
So does anyone know the fees to visit for a US flagged boat with a US captain and a Mexican crew member? 44 CSY PH, 29 tons gross. Tia.
Hi John, port dues are payable in the main harbour of Gustavia and they are collected by a roving harbour patrol. The daily fees depend on length and location, being lowest if anchoring in the outer harbour, higher in the inner harbour and if coming stern-to the quay. One is charged per night of stay depending on the length of boat. I suggest you contact the Harbor Master for the latest costs – port.de.gustavia@wanadoo.fr
The restrictions for travel into and between French Overseas Departments have now been lifted (Oct 14, 2021). If this article is accurate, all you need is proof of vaccination.
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/compelling-reasons-for-travel-lifted-between-french-islands
I need to know if I go from Saint Martin to St Bart (or from St Barth to St Martin) by sailing, I would have to do another PCR Test?? Please help!!
See https://www.noonsite.com/place/st-martin/formalities/#biosecurity-section
It is my understanding from the latest arrete (linked to from biosecurity) that a test is required wherever you come from.
Suggest you email Send to DM Martinique/CROSS AG/chef de quart: fortdefrance.mrcc@developpement-durable.gouv.fr explaining your situation, how long you have been in the French Islands etc. and get the final word from them.
On march 9, 2019 we sailed from St. Kitts to St. Bart : after the very bad experience we had with officials from Kitts & Nevis : we arrived in another world :people on Port Gustavia were singing behind the desk welcoming us when we arrived at the front door !!!! we can only recommend Port Gustavia !
The best anchorage is in front of the harbor, just outside you will find a buoy or you can anchor. Be careful about the two southern bays. It is worth renting a motorbike but is very expensive. For dinner Eddies.