Island glamour, hidden anchorages and long lunches by the sea — charter a yacht in St Barths.
Arriving in St Barths by yacht reveals the island gradually. Gustavia’s red-roofed buildings rise around a natural harbour filled with sailing yachts and superyachts, while steep green hills frame the coastline beyond. Ashore, French influence is part of daily life, reflected in the restaurants, boulangeries and boutiques lining the capital’s compact streets.
A luxury yacht charter in St Barths makes it possible to move easily between the island’s very different shores. Anchor in Colombier, where a curve of white sand sits beneath undeveloped hills and the absence of road access keeps the bay peaceful. Continue south to Gouverneur and Saline, two of the island’s most striking beaches, or cruise towards Saint-Jean, where aircraft descend dramatically over the hillside before touching down beside the Caribbean Sea.
The atmosphere changes towards the end of December, when St Barths becomes one of the Caribbean’s major New Year yachting destinations. Superyachts gather around Gustavia, restaurants and beach clubs fill for the festive period, and New Year’s Eve culminates with celebrations across the island and aboard yachts in the harbour. Beyond the festivities, mornings can still begin quietly at anchor, followed by swimming off Colombier, lunch ashore and an evening overlooking Gustavia — a contrast that has made St Barths a longstanding fixture of the Caribbean winter season.
St Barths Yacht Charter in Pictures
Top Tips for Your St Barths Yacht Charter
VIEW
the sunset over Gustavia Harbour from Fort Karl, with sweeping views across the red rooftops, surrounding hills and yachts anchored below.
EXPLORE
Gustavia’s designer boutiques, independent galleries and elegant streets, stopping for lunch before continuing along the waterfront and discovering the island’s capital.
RELAX
on the white sands of Gouverneur Beach, surrounded by green hills and clear Caribbean waters, with your yacht anchored just offshore nearby.
DISCOVER
Colombier Beach, a secluded stretch of white sand reached only by boat or hiking trail, with calm waters perfect for swimming nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
PLANNING YOUR ST BARTHS YACHT CHARTER
What is the best time of year for a luxury yacht charter in St Barths?
The best time for a luxury yacht charter in St Barths is between December and May, during the island’s dry season. These months typically bring warm temperatures, abundant sunshine and favourable conditions for cruising, swimming and enjoying the island’s beaches.
December and early January are particularly popular for yacht charters, with St Barths becoming one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations over Christmas and New Year. March is another notable time to visit, coinciding with the St Barths Bucket Regatta, which attracts an international fleet of sailing superyachts.
What is the weather like in St Barths during the prime charter season?
During the prime St Barths yacht charter season, generally between December and April, the island enjoys a warm tropical climate with plenty of sunshine and relatively low rainfall. Average temperatures are around 27°C (81°F), typically ranging between approximately 22°C and 30°C (72°F–86°F).
December to April falls within St Barths’ dry season, bringing some of the most favourable weather for cruising, swimming and spending time on deck. Sea temperatures remain warm throughout the year and can reach approximately 29°C (84°F), making conditions particularly appealing for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities during a luxury yacht charter in St Barths.
Which airports provide the most convenient access to St Barths for a yacht charter?
The most convenient international gateway for a St Barths yacht charter is Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten (SXM). St Barths does not accommodate long-haul aircraft, so most international travellers connect through a neighbouring Caribbean island before continuing to Rémy de Haenen Airport (SBH) in St Barths.
From Sint Maarten, the connecting flight to St Barths takes approximately 15 minutes. San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) and Antigua (ANU) are also convenient gateways, with scheduled and private air connections to the island.
Rémy de Haenen Airport is located in Saint-Jean, just a few minutes by car from Gustavia, making onward transfers to the harbour and your charter yacht straightforward.
VAT & Charter Costs
What is the applicable VAT rate for a luxury yacht charter in St Barths?
St Barths does not impose local Value Added Tax on luxury yacht charters, as the island operates under an independent tax regime. However, additional taxes may apply depending on the yacht’s registration, embarkation point and charter itinerary, particularly when cruising between different Caribbean territories.
For an accurate breakdown of the costs associated with your St Barths luxury yacht charter, Phoenix Charter Brokers can advise on the applicable taxes and additional expenses.
What is the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and what does it cover?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a sum paid in advance to cover charter expenses that are not included in the charter fee. These may include fuel for the yacht, tenders and water sports equipment, food and beverages, berthing dues and harbour charges, local taxes, divers’ fees, customs formalities, waste disposal, water and electricity taken from shore, ships’ agents’ fees (where applicable), personal laundry, communications and internet use, and any special equipment requested by the Charterer. The Captain will provide detailed accounts of expenditure, and any balance will be settled at the end of your St Barths yacht charter.
What is the standard percentage for gratuities in yachting?
Gratuities are not included in the charter fee. It is customary, though always at the Charterer’s discretion, to leave a gratuity in recognition of excellent service. As a guideline, a gratuity in the region of 10 to 15 per cent of the contracted gross Charter Fee is considered appropriate.
Destinations & Experiences in St Barths
What are the most exclusive yacht charter destinations in St Barths?
Some of the most sought-after destinations to explore during a luxury yacht charter in St Barths include Colombier Bay, Gustavia, Saint-Jean, Gouverneur and Grand Cul-de-Sac.
Colombier Bay is particularly well suited to arriving by yacht, as its beach is accessible only by sea or hiking trail. Part of the island’s protected marine environment, its clear waters are known for snorkelling and sightings of sea turtles. Gustavia offers a contrasting experience, with its harbour placing guests close to the capital’s restaurants, luxury boutiques and lively social scene.
Around the island, Saint-Jean is known for its beachside atmosphere, restaurants and water activities, while Gouverneur offers a quieter natural setting with white sand and clear waters. Grand Cul-de-Sac, with its shallow lagoon, is particularly popular for swimming and water sports. Together, these locations showcase the variety that makes a St Barths yacht charter particularly appealing.
Which iconic attractions should I explore during my St Barths yacht charter?
A St Barths yacht charter offers access to several of the island’s most distinctive landmarks and experiences. Begin in Gustavia, the island’s historic capital, where Swedish-era architecture, Fort Karl, designer boutiques and waterfront restaurants sit around the harbour.
Along the coast, visit Shell Beach, known for its shoreline covered with tiny shells, or cruise to Colombier Bay, part of the Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Barthélemy and accessible only by boat or on foot. Gouverneur Beach and Saline Beach are also among the island’s most celebrated stretches of coastline.
For a different perspective, explore the waters surrounding Île Fourchue, a protected uninhabited island between St Barths and Saint Martin, where clear water and marine life make snorkelling and diving particularly rewarding. A yacht provides an ideal way to experience St Barths’ coastline while remaining within easy reach of Gustavia’s dining, shopping and nightlife.
What bespoke experiences and activities can I enjoy while cruising in the St Barths?
A luxury yacht charter in St Barths can be tailored around experiences both on the water and ashore. Spend the morning snorkelling in the protected waters around Colombier Bay, enjoy paddleboarding and other water sports directly from your yacht, or arrange a diving excursion to explore the island’s reefs and marine life.
Ashore, your itinerary can include private dining experiences, reservations at St Barths’ leading restaurants, luxury shopping in Gustavia, spa and wellness treatments, or a day at one of the island’s renowned beach clubs. Private excursions, sunset cruises and secluded beach visits can also be arranged according to your preferences.
For guests visiting over Christmas and New Year, St Barths is particularly renowned for its celebrations, with superyachts gathering around Gustavia and a busy programme of dining, parties and events across the island.
Where are the best restaurants and culinary experiences along the St Barths?
St Barths has one of the Caribbean’s most sophisticated dining scenes, with internationally recognised restaurants, beachfront dining and private culinary experiences. In Gustavia, Bonito is a longstanding favourite for its elevated setting overlooking the harbour, while L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Saint-Barth offers refined French gastronomy in a waterfront setting.
For dining by the sea, La Case at Cheval Blanc St-Barth presents a menu by Jean Imbert inspired by French and Caribbean flavours, while Fouquet’s at Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf offers another refined option overlooking Gustavia. Nikki Beach Saint Barth and Gyp Sea Beach Club provide a livelier setting for long lunches beside the water.