St Barts Yacht Charter – Your Next Vacation?
St. Barts is what we call the Monaco of the Caribbean—not just because it’s a luxury yacht charter destination, but because it’s small but mighty, and packed with amazing things to do: There’s a high concentration of great restaurants, stylish bars, boutique shopping, and high-end beach clubs, all packed into an island that’s easy to explore. You get sophistication and prestige, but with a tropical, more relaxed tone – think barefoot luxury instead of formal Riviera.
The other reason it works so well for charter clients is simple: the yachts match the destination. A lot of the same top-tier yachts you’d see in the South of France reposition here for winter, so you’re getting that Riviera standard, just in better conditions. And the value is fantastic: St. Barts charters have 0% VAT, compared to 20% VAT in the South of France—a major difference on a high-end weekly charter.
Logistics are easy, too. Most guests fly directly into St. Martin from the US, board quickly, and cruise an island group with short distances, covering St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Barts, Antigua, and St. Kitts within 7–10 days.
The St. Barts Yacht Charter Fleet
St. Barts is a true superyacht destination. As we said, a big part of the winter fleet repositions from the Mediterranean, so you’ll see 40–70+ meter motor yachts that feel like floating resorts with impressive beach club setups at water level, big toy selections, and increasingly a wellness focus (gym and spa-style amenities depending on the yacht).
Motor yachts make planning easy: at 12 knots+, island hops stay short. Even a longer move in this area, like St. Kitts to Antigua, is no longer than 3–4 hours, done while you’re having lunch.
We also charter luxury sailing and power catamarans here. They’re slower, so if you want to cover multiple islands comfortably, we recommend extending your charter to 10 days rather than compressing the route.
“St. Barts is one of those places that’s small but mighty. It’s incredible how much it packs into such a compact island you can spend the afternoon anchored in a stunning, quiet bay, and then be in Gustavia for a proper high-end dinner or a beach club the same evening.”
–Nadja Asmus, Yacht Charter Broker with DMA Yachting
Costs & Value: The Big VAT Advantage
As a simple guide: high-end catamarans usually start around $40,000–$90,000/week, motor yachts commonly run $100,000–$350,000/week, and 60m+ superyachts start around $400,000/week+. All yacht charters in St Barts also carry an APA of 30–40% for fuel, food, and operating expenses.
But a big advantage of chartering a yacht in St Barts is VAT. In the South of France, the charter VAT is 20%. In St. Barts, it’s 0%. On a $250,000/week charter, that’s $50,000 saved immediately.
Best Time to Charter a Yacht in St Barts
High Season (December to April): This is the peak season when the weather is ideal, but it’s also when prices are highest and anchorages are busiest. The holiday season is particularly popular.
Shoulder Season (May to June, November): Offers great weather, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices. It’s a good balance of value and experience.
Avoiding Hurricane Season (July to October): This period is generally avoided due to the higher risk of hurricanes, though prices are lower and the island is quieter.
Starting in St. Martin vs St. Barts
For the easiest transition, we recommend our clients start their yacht charter in St. Martin. It has an international airport that is well connected (especially for U.S. travelers), and the transfer from the airport to the marina is quick. That matters more than people expect, because the best charters start without stress. You arrive, you step onboard, and the holiday begins immediately. From St. Martin, you can then head to St. Barts by yacht as part of your itinerary.
The second, fun option is to take a short hop from St Martin to St Barts by small plane if you want that “arrival moment.” St. Barts is famous for its short runway and dramatic landing, ten minutes in the air, and you’re suddenly in a place that feels like the Caribbean’s answer to the Riviera. It’s not necessary, but it’s memorable, and for the right guests, it sets the tone.
Best Itineraries: The Leeward Islands in a Week
Because the islands sit close together, you can build a week that feels full without long cruising days. We usually start from St. Martin or St Barts, then choose between a one-way route or a round-trip loop, depending on your flights and preferred pace.
Top Luxury Yachts for Charter in St Barts in 2026
These yachts have been handpicked by expert yacht charter broker and ex superyacht crew Nadja Asmus. Nadja has explored St Barts and the Leeward Islands extensively and knows the cruising grounds and yachts very well.
MAVERICK
SEVEN SINS
LA LA LAND
BABA’S
Celebrate New Year’s in St. Barts ✺
St. Barts is one of the Caribbean’s most in-demand destinations for Christmas and New Year’s, and it earns that reputation. The island is lively, the yachts are excellent, and the atmosphere is very “all the bells and whistles.” If your group wants the social side of the destination: beach clubs, great dinners, and a scene that feels elevated, this is the period when St. Barts is at full volume.
Because it is so popular, it is important to inquire with us early. The best yachts are rarely available at the last minute, and advance booking for berthing and dining plans makes a real difference during peak season.
Best Spots to Visit on Your St Barts Yacht Charter
St Barts
This is the main feature. We plan St. Barts around two things: quality time on anchor and going ashore for proper dinners and beach clubs. Gustavia is the hub, and the island is compact enough that you never feel like you are commuting.
Highlights: Gustavia • St Jean • Colombier • Shell Beach • Grand Cul de Sac
St Martin
We use St. Martin as the gateway because it makes the first day easy. Flights are straightforward, marinas are close, and you can be onboard quickly. It is also a practical place to provision properly before you head off.
Highlights: Princess Juliana Airport • Marigot • Philipsburg • Maho Beach
Anguilla
Anguilla is where we slow the pace down. It is the beach day island in this circuit, with clear water and an easy, quiet feel that balances St. Barts perfectly.
Highlights: Shoal Bay • Meads Bay • Rendezvous Bay • Prickly Pear Cays
Antigua
Antigua is a strong finish if you want the week to feel bigger without adding long cruising days. It has real harbour life and a different character from the smaller islands, so it is a good final chapter.
Highlights: English Harbour • Nelson’s Dockyard • Falmouth Harbour • Shirley Heights
St Kitts
We add St Kitts when clients want one more stop that feels different. It is scenic, less about the scene, and it rounds out the route nicely without complicating the itinerary.
Highlights: Basseterre • South Friars Bay • Frigate Bay • Brimstone Hill Fortress
Tintamarre
This is an easy win close to St. Martin, especially on the first or last day. Good water, good snorkelling, and it does not cost you time.
Highlights: Snorkelling • Turtles • Quiet anchorage
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Colin
Aug 06, 2024
“…5 Star Customer Experience”
Contact at the outset wasn’t forced, there was no ‘hard sell’, and responses to questions were fast and deeply explanatory. Sarah was amazing; she provided very clear information that made it very easy to understand every aspect of our planned trip.
DG
Doreen Granpeesheh
Aug 08, 2024
“…Chris was a terrific agent.”
Chris was a terrific agent. He helped us find the perfect yacht and was always responsive to all our needs. I highly recommend DMA Yachting.
MT
Malloy Tulsa
Jun 11, 2024
“…An incredible experience”
Very professional, communicated clearly and planned an amazing trip for us. Louis Lamprell did an amazing job connecting us with the unbridled yacht and crew. It was a trip of a lifetime. Our family highly recommends both DMA yachting and the unbridled charter. Everything was perfection!
What Our Clients Say
Our clients speak of unparalleled service, exquisite yachts, and a seamless booking process, highlighting the excellence of their St Barts charter experiences.
Our Team
Our team includes brokers with real onboard backgrounds and real time in the places we recommend. That’s why our advice sounds specific—because it is. The goal isn’t to sell you “luxury.” The goal is to match the right yacht to the right route, set expectations clearly, and deliver a charter that feels easy from the moment you land.
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