How to Participate
For this year's SXM Poker Run we have arranged participation into two tiers. For 2024, we were able to offer free participation for all spectator boats, but due to the costs involved in the organization and logistics, all vessels will need to sign-up under one of the following levels...
Premium Vessel
Register your vessel as a Preim Vessel and you'll receive the following benefits for your vessel and passengers...
- Official Poker Run Flag
- 1 Free SXM Poker Run T-Shirt
- 50% Discount Price on all official apparel, such as Shirts and Hats
- 1 Free bottle of Rum
- 1 Free Poker Hand for your vessel
- Poker Hands can be purchased for $100 each
- Free entry at official events at Poker Stops
The cost of entry for all Premium Vessels is $250 for all Vessels. Boats and Jet skis welcome.
Spectator Vessel
Register your vessel as a Spectator Vessel and you'll receive the following benefits for your vessel and passengers...
- Official Poker Run Flag
- 1 Free SXM Poker Run T-Shirt
- 25% Discount Price on all official apparel, such as Shirts and Hats
- 1 Free bottle Rum
- Poker Hands can be purchased for $150 each
- Nominal Fee to enter official events at Poker Stops
The cost of entry for all Spectator Vessels is $150. Boats and Jet Skis welcome.
General Rules of Conduct
Safety First, Safety Last
- All vessels should be duly registered and in a seaworthy condition
- All Captains should have the necessary qualifications and experience needed for any passengers they are carrying
- Obey all 'rules of the road' on the water and be respectful of other marine traffic.
- Captains should be aware of all marine regulations specific to the local waters.
- Slow down when approaching areas where other vessels, swimmers, or other hazards are likely to be present.
- Ensure you have all necessary safety equipment on board, including flares, medical kits, etc.
- In addition to monitoring VHF16, listen for Poker Run announcements and instructions on VHF68
Respect our Marine Environment
- Watch out for sea creatures, especially Turtles! Slow down in bays and grassy-bottom areas where sea turtles are likely to be feeding or swimming.
- DO NOT anchor in sea grass; anchor only in sand. Set your anchor carefully, and mind your vessel does not drag through the seagrass.
- DO NOT harass or touch our local marine creatures such as rays, turtles, urchins, etc. Look but don't touch.
- Keep your wake to a minimum when travelling close to shore or inside the lagoon. Creating a huge wake not only disturbs other boaters, it also disturbs and damages our fragile coastal ecosystem.
- Learn more and support our marine environment guardians...
The SXM Poker Run is NOT a race
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There are no prizes for who gets where first. Keep your speed appropriate for your surroundings and the safety of any passengers on board. Mind your wake, especially when approaching other vessels, no-wake zones, or other sensitive areas.
When cruising inside the St Maarten Lagoon, be aware that the maximum speed limit is 5 knots. The entire lagoon should be treated as a no-wake zone.
Party hard but in Moderation
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We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the experience. It's a party, after all! All we ask is that you be respectful to other participants and especially, the local inhabitants and establishments at any of our stops along our route. Your behaviour reflects on the entire SXM Poker Run event, and we want to be seen as something positive for SXM rather than something that has to be 'endured'.
Don't be that guy or gal that gets all salty after a few too many rum punches...
