If you’re looking for a truly unique and luxurious vacation experience, look no further than a boat experience in St. Barts. The tiny volcanic island of Saint Barthélemy or St Barth is located in the French West Indies and is renowned for its many beautiful beaches and exclusive resorts. Its designer boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, fine wines, superyacht culture, and natural beauty attract the rich and famous year-round.

However, experiencing St Barths by water is not an experience limited to yacht owners only. Keep reading for our insider’s guide to boat activities in St. Barts.

Caribbean islands

The Caribbean is made up of two groups of islands, the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands. The Leeward Islands are located to the east of the Caribbean Sea and include the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat, and Guadeloupe. St Barths is also one of the Leeward Islands. The Windward Islands are located to the west of the sea and include the islands of Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and Trinidad & Tobago. No matter which group of islands you visit, a charter in the Caribbean is sure to be a memorable experience.

Ferry ride from St Martin to St Barts

The most popular way to experience St Barts by water is to fly into the nearby island of St. Maarten/St Martin at the Princess Juliana International Airport and then take the ferry to St Barth. Ferries to St. Barts depart multiple times per day from both the Dutch side of St Maarten (Philipsburg) and from the French side of St Martin in Marigot. The journey can take about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on whether you travel with Great Bay Express or Voyager.

Learn more about the ferry from St Martins to St Barts. Click here to learn more about traveling to St Barts.

St Barth yacht charter vacation

A charter yacht allows you to explore St Barth along with the surrounding islands and coral reefs at your own pace, and there are many different types of yacht charters to choose from depending on your preferences. Whether you opt for a catamaran, motor yacht, or sailing yacht, a charter in St. Barts is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Learn more about St Barts yacht charter.

Find more general information about Caribbean yacht charter.

Crewed yacht charter vs. bareboat charters in St Barts

There are two main types of yacht charters in St. Barts, crewed and bareboat. Crewed charters in St Barths include a captain and crew who will take care of everything on the yacht, from navigation to cooking to cleaning. Crewed luxury yachts are the perfect option for those who want to relax and enjoy their time on luxury yachts in St Barths. Bareboat charters do not include a captain or crew, and it is the responsibility of the charter party to navigate and take care of the yacht. This option is best for those with experience boating and who are comfortable taking on the responsibility of the yacht.

Best anchorages for luxury yachts in St Barts

There are many different anchorages in St. Barts, each with its own unique charm. One of the most popular anchorages is Gustavia Harbor, which is its main harbor located in the capital city of Gustavia. This St Barths harbor is known for its beautiful views and its convenient location, as it is within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. Other popular anchorages in St Barths include Anse de Grand Cul de Sac, which is known for its sheltered waters and excellent snorkeling; and Anse des Flamands, which is known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Best time to go on a St Barts yacht charter

The best time to enlist a St Barths yacht charter is during the winter months, from December to April. This is when the weather is at its best on this Caribbean island, with warm temperatures and little rainfall. However, it’s important to note that hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s best to avoid chartering yachts in St Barths during this time. If you’re planning on a yacht charter in St Barths during the summer months, be sure to check the hurricane forecast and make sure that your chosen destination is not in the path of any storms.

What to pack for a St Barts yacht charter

When packing for a St Barths yacht charter, it’s important to pack light and comfortable clothing. The temperatures in this Caribbean island are warm year-round, so you won’t need to worry about packing any heavy or warm clothing. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. You’ll also want to pack swimwear and beach towels for days spent lounging on the deck or swimming in the ocean. And finally, don’t forget to pack your camera to capture all of the memories you’ll make on your charter yacht adventure.

Yachting events in St Barts

There are many different sailing events that take place in St. Barts each year. One of the most popular events is the Bucket Regatta, which is a five-day event that takes place in March. This regatta attracts some of the world’s best sailors and features a variety of racing classes.

Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille is also one of the most popular sailing regattas in St Barts, and it is a weeklong affair in mid-April.

However, these sailing events in Saint Barthélemy are not just for superyacht or yacht owners. Even if you are not participating in the races and don’t have a yacht of your own or a charter, the island makes for a fantastic experience whether you are watching the races from a great vantage point on its beaches or restaurants, or enjoying the lively nightlife.

Another excellent sailing event to witness on the island is the New Year’s Eve Regatta, which is a sight to behold for participants and onlookers alike.

Boat tours in St Barths

There are many different tours available in St. Barts. One of the most popular tours is the sunset cruise, which departs from Gustavia Harbour and takes you around the island and its beaches to watch the sunset. Other popular tours include snorkeling trips, scuba diving trips, fishing trips, and day sails.

Submarine tours in St Barths

There are many different submarine tours available in St. Barts. One of the most popular submarine tours is the wreck tour, which takes you to see the remains of shipwrecks that have sunk around the island. Other popular submarine tours include reef tours, which set sail to see the colourful shallow reefs and the diverse marine life surrounding the Caribbean island.