Sailing between St. Barth and St. Martin is one of the most popular day trips in the Caribbean. The crossing takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on conditions and the type of boat. But beyond the ride itself, the real highlight is often what happens in between: stopping somewhere beautiful for a long, lazy lunch on the water.
Whether you’re heading north from Gustavia or south from Marigot, there are a handful of spots along the way that are absolutely worth pulling over for. Some are famous, others are known mostly to locals and returning visitors. All of them are better reached by boat.
On the St. Barth side
If you’re starting your day in St. Barth and want to eat before the crossing, Shellona at Shell Beach is hard to beat. It sits right on the sand with views over the turquoise bay, and the menu blends Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors in a way that feels effortless. Arrive by tender, order the grilled fish, and take your time.
For something more casual, Colombier Beach is a go-to. There’s no restaurant directly on the sand, but many charter guests anchor offshore, swim in, and enjoy a picnic prepared by the crew. If you’re sailing with Infinity Boat, this is exactly the kind of stop they love to arrange — fresh food, calm water, no crowds.
Related : St. Barts Exposed: Beauty, Prices, and What No One Tells You
Mid-crossing: Tintamarre and Pinel Island
If you’re looking for a lunch stop between the two islands, Tintamarre is a great option. The island is uninhabited and protected, so there are no restaurants — but anchoring off its white sand beach for a swim and a meal on board is one of the most peaceful things you can do in the region. It’s the kind of place where you forget what time it is.
A bit closer to St. Martin, Pinel Island offers a completely different vibe. Two small beach restaurants serve grilled lobster, ribs, and cold rosé right on the sand. You can hop off the boat, walk up, and grab a table with your feet in the water. It’s casual, fun, and genuinely delicious.
On the St. Martin side
Once you reach St. Martin, the options multiply. Grand Case — often called the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean — is lined with restaurants that range from refined French cuisine to smoky Creole barbecue stands called lolos. Anchoring in the bay and going ashore for lunch here is an experience in itself.
On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay offers waterfront spots where you can dock and eat without much planning. But for a more relaxed feel, head to Friar’s Bay on the French side. The beach bar there serves solid food, strong cocktails, and has a laid-back atmosphere that feels miles away from the busier tourist areas.
Letting the crew handle it
The beauty of doing this trip by boat is that you don’t have to plan everything yourself. If you’re chartering with Infinity Boat, just let the captain know what kind of lunch experience you’re after — beachfront restaurant, onboard picnic, or a mix of both — and they’ll suggest the best route. The stops mentioned in What to do in Saint-Martin during a day on a boat cover some of these options as well, but a dedicated food-focused trip is something else entirely.
There’s no rush. That’s the whole point. Anchor somewhere beautiful, eat something great, swim it off, and move on when you feel like it.
