St Barts Yacht Charter

All You Need to Know about Renting a Luxury Yacht for Your St Barts Yacht Charter Vacation.

Where is St. Barts?

St. Barts, officially known as Saint Barthélemy, is a small French Caribbean island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. It’s part of the Leeward Islands in the West Indies, situated about 22 miles southeast of St. Martin and around 125 miles north of Antigua.

The currency is Euros, and the official language is French, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

How Do I Get to St. Barts?

• By Air: The main way to get to St. Barts is via a connecting flight from nearby islands like St. Martin, Puerto Rico, or Antigua. St. Barts has a small airport (Gustaf III Airport) known for its short runway, so flights are typically on smaller planes.

• By Sea: Alternatively, you can reach St. Barts by ferry or private boat from St. Martin, which is a 45-minute ferry ride or a short sail away.

When is the 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.

Charter Destinations: Where Can I Go From St Barts?

💡 St. Barts is a small island, just 9.7 square miles (25 sq km), with a coastline of 22 miles (35 km). In nautical terms, it’s about 8 nautical miles (nm) from west to east. You can sail around the island in a day, but taking a few days allows you to explore its beaches, bays, and charming towns fully.

Therefore, the most common St. Barts yacht charter itinerary includes visits to surrounding Leeward islands such as St. Martin and Anguilla, which are located only about 15 nautical miles to the Northwest.

Best Locations on St Barts Island

Gustava Harbour

The island’s capital and main port, Gustavia, is where you will start your St. Barts yacht charter. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, luxury boutiques, historic sites, and excellent dining options. If you are looking for a great restaurant or nightclub, check out the French/South American fusion restaurant Bonito, serving local dishes like ceviche and roasted sea bass, and the upscale Italian restaurant L’Isola, a really romantic spot offering gourmet dishes like homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.

Also, do not miss out on the iconic Le Select, a casual, laid-back bar located right on the waterfront in the port. It is perfect for grabbing a drink and soaking in the local vibe. (Known as the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise”)

Shell Beach

Not to be missed is Shell Beach, located on the edge of Gustavia town, only a 5-minute walk from the port. Shell Beach is unique for its shoreline covered in millions of tiny seashells. This scenic spot is perfect for a sunset swim, followed by cocktails at the iconic Shellona Beach Club or the Do Brazil Night Club (Bar de l’oubli), an excellent place to see the sun go down while sipping.

Colombier Bay

This stunning horseshoe bay, located just 2.5 nautical miles from Gustavia, accessible only by boat or difficult hike, is a great place for snorkeling or diving and laid-back time on the beach.

St. Jean Bay

Known for its scenic beauty, St. Jean Bay is popular for watersports and beachside dining. Anchoring here gives you access to the famous Eden Rock Hotel and Nikki Beach.

Île Fourchue

A short sail from St. Barts, this uninhabited island offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the area. The bay is well-sheltered, making it a great spot for an overnight anchorage.

Anse de Grande Saline

One of St. Barts’s most beautiful beaches, Grande Saline, is known for its wide stretch of sand and clear waters. It’s a more tranquil spot, perfect for sunbathing or swimming without the crowds.

Nearby Islands

From St. Barts, you can easily sail to St. Martin, Anguilla, and Saba on a 1-week charter itinerary. Each offers its own unique charm—St. Martin for shopping and nightlife, Anguilla for pristine beaches, and Saba for rugged hiking.

Longer Voyages

If you have more time or a faster yacht, you can also plan a longer charter to islands like Antigua or St. Kitts and Nevis, which are a bit further but accessible within a day’s sail.

What Type of Yacht is Best for St. Barts?

Crewed Catamarans

• Pros: Catamarans offer the best of both worlds with stability, space, and ease of handling. They’re ideal for families or groups looking for a comfortable and spacious charter. Their fuel consumption is significantly lower than motor yachts, especially if you use sails and wind. This has a significant impact on your overall charter cost.
• Cons: Catamarans are slower than motor yachts. Consider this when planning your itinerary–if you wish to travel far and wide, you should add more time so you do not feel rushed.

Crewed Sailing Yachts

• Pros: Perfect for an authentic sailing experience with a focus on the journey rather than just the destination. St. Barts’ steady trade winds make sailing here a joy. Sailing yachts are still the most affordable option, and you can save significantly on reduced fuel consumption.
• Cons: Sailing yachts have limited onboard space compared to catamarans and motor yachts. Some people do not like the healing (the yacht leaning over when under sail).

What Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in St. Barts?

• Base Charter: The cost can vary widely depending on the yacht type, size, and season. Generally, prices range from $10,000 to $60,000+ per week for a crewed yacht. Sailing yachts are the cheapest option, starting at around $10,000, and luxury motor yachts are the most expensive, starting at around $30,000 for a decent boat.

• Additional Costs: Don’t forget to budget for fuel, food, drinks, mooring fees, and gratuities, which can add 20-30% to the base charter cost. This fee is in yacht charters known as APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) and is added on top of the base charter fee. It allows for a more customized yacht charter, where you pay for what you use rather than being limited to what has been decided to be included.

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Best Activities on a St. Barts Yacht Charter

• Snorkeling and Diving: The clear waters around St. Barts are excellent for snorkeling and diving. Spots like Colombier Beach and Île Fourchue are renowned for vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

• Water Sports: St. Barts has the perfect wind conditions for wind-driven water sports such as wind- and kitesurfing. Many charter yachts come with a big water toy selection on board, as well as instructors on staff for those who wish to try something new. Poplar water toys include:
  • Jet Ski (See all Yachts with Jet Skis)
  • Scuba Gear (See all Yachts with Scuba Gear)
  • Seabobs
  • Wind- and Kitesurfing
  • Efoils
  • Wakeboarding & Waterskiing
  • and much more….

• Hiking: Trails to places like Fort Karl and along the coastline offer stunning views and a chance to explore the island’s natural beauty.

• Marine Life: Encounter turtles, dolphins, and various tropical fish while snorkeling or diving. Whale watching is also possible during their migration season from February to April.

• Shopping: Gustavia is known for its luxury shopping, with high-end boutiques selling designer goods, jewelry, and unique local items.