There are many reefs around this and most other islands in the Caribbean.It is strongly recommended that yachtsmen consult proper charts at all times when navigating local waters as entrances to anchorages and marinas can be extremely deceptive. Check in the classified section of this directory for local chart suppliers.
Excellent cruising guides to the waters of this and nearby islands have been published by the likes of Chris Doyle, Cruising Guide Publications and Donald Street. These guides are very informative but should be used in conjunction with a local chart.
The eastern end of this large and popular bay provides a good, sheltered anchorage. There is a sandy beach and plenty of activity in the form of water sports, day boats and vessels entering and leaving the lagoon. The close proximity of Princess Juliana Airport means that there is some disturbance from aircraft. However, the bay is close to good shopping, dining and nightlife spots.
This 12 square mile inland lagoon is one of the finest anchorages in the NE Caribbean and is serviced by more than half a dozen marinas as well as providing first rate moorings. The lagoon spans the Dutch/French borders and can be accessed either via the lift bridge in Simpson Bay or the lift bridge in Marigot Bay. 
This is the main commercial port of St. Maarten, and is an ideal anchorage if you want to visit Philipsburg. The outer part of the bay is about 30 feet deep, shoaling suddenly to just 10 feet and then gradually to 7 or so feet up to the beach. There are plenty of services, shopping, dining, etc. It is not a good anchorage when the wind is from the south or southeast, and is certainly not a hurricane shelter.
This wide bay with its long, curving sandy beach is a popular anchorage for those gastronomes eager to try out one or more of the numerous excellent restaurants for which Grand Case is famous. The long, main street of the village fronts onto the beach. In addition to the restaurants there are a number of good bars and a couple of food stores. The anchorage is generally good for overnight stays but can be rolly. It is advisable to exercise extra caution when securing your dinghy, as thefts have been known.
This small, picturesque marina lies at the head of a small bay. A channel, running alongside a nice beach, leads to the secluded marina of Port Lonvilliers. There are two classy hotels and a handful of bars, restaurants, shops, a dive shop and a small chandlery. The whole complex is enclosed on the landward side by craggy hills affording a good deal of privacy.
Claiming to have the finest beach in the Caribbean, Orient Bay also has a couple of good anchorages. One is at Green Cay at the southern end of the bay and the other is at Pinel Island at the northern end.
This picturesque lagoon on the eastern side of the island spans the Dutch and French border (though the water is administered by the Dutch side) and is a truly picture postcard anchorage. Access is via a marked channel through the reef and should be treated with caution. Water depth in the outer part of the pond is about 10 feet, falling to 3 feet towards the inner shores. Check your cruising guide for details including the sand bank in the center of the pond.
