Everything Takes Time

St. Martin is not a big island, about 35 square miles total. You wouldn’t think there could be so much bureaucracy in one small place.

According to our “Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands” guide, the Dutch were the first Europeans to take advantage of the land but the French came along and fought for control as well. As legend has it, they partitioned the island with the Dutch side, Sint Maarten and the French, Saint Martin.  Lonely Planet reports that when they  partitioned the island the Dutch were drinking some “dodgy gin” and had to “sleep off the ill effects” thereby getting a smaller portion Than the French.  Both sides received separation from their homelands in the early 2000’s and rule their part of the island separately.

Since our arrival we had been anchored in the Dutch side of Simpson Lagoon. This is where the sail lofts, marine stores and various other businesses we needed are located so it’s where we started. Nearing the end of our tasks we wanted to move to Marigot Bay on the French side since we had not done so last year.

Both the Dutch and French sides have bridges allowing entry to opposite sides of the large Simpson Lagoon.  The two sides are actually divided by yet another bridge spanning across the entire Lagoon just near the border between the sides. Each has their own opening schedule and as it turns out, their own holiday schedules.

We had been busy the Saturday morning before Easter but did make the 2:15 opening of the Causeway bridge and entered the French side of the Lagoon. Jeff launched the dinghy as soon as he was able and headed back over to the Dutch Immigration office to clear out (about a mile), unfortunately he arrived the cashier window was just closing. Although the Customs and the Immigration windows were still open he could do nothing without having paid at the cashier window. They were open in the morning so he headed back Sunday morning and cleared us out, thankfully  the working from home method is working wonders for more oportunities.

We then both headed over to Marigot by dinghy thinking we would be able to clear in on the French side. Clear out papers are always required by the next country.  The office in town was closed until Tuesday but we had a very nice lunch at Restaurant Le Galion to pass the time.  We were back aboard Echo in time to raise our anchor and head over to the Sandy Ground bridge for it’s 5:30 opening and then dropped anchor in Marigot Bay. Although less protected from weather, this is much nicer than being inside either side of the Lagoon. Easter Monday is a holiday here too but we discovered the customs office in the marina was in fact open so we were able to clear in.

Phew…lots of papers and fees involved but we got through it and were then free to explore the French anchorages. It is important to note that the process of clearing in and out of the French and Dutch sides is really only necessary for the boat and is mainly about paying fees to the appropriate government.  People can move back and forth at will on land and there is no immigration process involved.

Now on the French side we made a few stops in some beautiful bays. Grand Case is a popular spot filled with French boutiques and restaurants.

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Anse Marcel, also a beautiful spot. Lonely Planet indicates it’s for wealthier vacationers with some of the islands fancier properties located here.  There is a marina, an “all inclusive” resort along with some private accommodations.

Mary and Echo at Anse Marcel

Beach Bar, Anse Marsel

Tintamarre, a small island off the east coast of St. Martin, has a beautiful beach and some nice hiking.  Not much there but a very nice stop!

Structures on Tintamarre

Atlantic side of Tintamarre

Tintamarre

Even though it had not been our plan to stop here in St. Martin we have enjoyed our stay.  It’s been so nice to be out of Simpson Bay and enjoying the beauty of the island.

Next stop – St. Barth

Please Note:  We are in St. Kitts at the moment, just a little behind on posts.  We hope to catch up in the next few days since we have pretty good internet access here.

~ Jeff and Mary ~

Working on his splicing skills