Luxury Yacht Charters in St Barths
St Barts, short for Saint Barthelemy, is the jewel of the French West Indies. Often compared to the French Riviera, it’s full of designer shops, trendy bars and glamorous people. As one of the Caribbean’s most elite (expensive) Islands, year after year it attracts the highest concentration of super-yachts in the region. Gorgeous white sand beaches, French flair, outstanding restaurants, and old world charm all add to the Island’s appeal. It’s a truly unique Island and a special place to visit.
Cruising in St Barths
Named for Christopher Columbus’ brother, Bartolomeo, St Barts is located in the northern Leewards, 11 miles east of St Martin. It’s conveniently situated roughly midway between Antigua and the British Virgin Islands.
The picturesque port of Gustavia has allured sailors for centuries. Surrounded by small boutiques, gingerbread style cottages and water-front bistros, you can take a mooring directly in the harbor or dock your yacht quay-side to soak up the ambiance.
Outside of Gustavia port there are secluded bays with pretty beaches surrounded by scenic cliffs. The nearby private Island of Ile Fourchue makes a perfect lunch stop en route from St Martin, and the rocky shore-line features great snorkeling & diving.
What you need to know
The currency of St Barths is Euro’s or in the form of plastic cards – US Dollars are not widely accepted. Stores open 9am until 12 noon and then from 2.30pm until 7pm, Saturday mornings only from 9am until 12.30, and all shops are closed on Sundays.
Mooring spaces in Gustavia harbour are on a first-come-first-served basis, so arrive early in the day to avoid disappointment, especially during peak periods. Accommodation needs to be booked up to six months in advance during major holidays.
Many of the restaurants and shops close down between August and November.
Activities
For shopping St Barths hosts designer boutiques which rival that of London’s Bond Street or New York’s Madison Avenue, with Hermes, Bulgari, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Chopard to name but a few.
Protected by the Marine Park there is excellent snorkeling and diving at Anse de Colombier bay, and at The Saintes & Gros Ilets just outside Gustavia Harbour.
Take a morning hike from Anse de Colombier through the national park for fresh croissants from the local bakery.
Enjoying the views over the sparkling coral reefs of Bay St Jean, lunch at the chic Eden Roc is a culinary highlight.
Hire a car and explore the island’s 22 beautiful beaches packed into 8 square miles.
Have a cheese-burger in paradise at Le Select which claims to be the inspiration behind Jimmy Buffet’s 1978 hit.
If you enjoy beach-combing pick up some original sea-glass at the beautiful Shell Beach just a few minutes stroll from Gustavia port.
Mingle with the rich and famous at “Nikki beach” or any one of the beach-front bars along Bay St Jean.
St Barths – Yacht Charter Highlights
Shopping
Elegant Designer Boutiques Abound
Fine Dining
Chic restaurants & water-front bistros
Sunbathing In Style
Gorgeous white sand beaches (22 in total!)
Celebrity Playground
Hang-out with the rich and famous
Planning Your Yacht Charter in St Barths
A crewed yacht charter is the ultimate indulgence – for some a once in life-time experience, for others a yearly ritual exploring new locations and exciting destinations only accessible by boat. Along with the captain we’ll assist in planning a comprehensive itinerary prior to your charter based on your interests and requests, as well as pointing out the “must sees” in the area.
St Barths hosts a small airport for Island transfers – the closest international airport is on St Martin which tends to be a convenient starting and finishing point for your charter.
Contact our charter specialists and we will guide you through the booking process including assisting with airport transfers and pre charter hotel recommendations.
Choosing A Luxury Yacht & Crew
Once we have discussed your preferences in detail we will present selections of online yacht brochures with photos, menus and crew details and will continue to do so until we find the perfect match for you in terms of size, style & budget.
If you have firm dates in mind we’ll confirm availability with the owner and place a courtesy hold on your dates whilst your charter agreement is prepared and signed. It’s a good idea to have a second choice in mind, especially for busy holiday periods when yachts book up quickly.
We recommend booking your charter at least six months in advance to ensure that we secure your preferred yacht. Some of the most sought after yachts will book one year in advance for certain weeks or events. It is always possible to accommodate last minute bookings however we do recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Twice a year we personally inspect the yachts and spend time with the crew to ensure that we are representing only the very best.
When to go
Gustavia hosts an amazing street party with live bands and fireworks to celebrate New Year’s Eve, plus the port will be jam packed with some of the most expensive yachts in the world.
During the middle of January a classical music festival takes place at night in local churches around the Island.
During the St Barths film festival in April, 35mm films are screened every evening on the beach.
Every March the St Barths Bucket Regatta combines a social flaunting ground with some of the best parties afloat, oh and some racing too.
May/June is a great time of year to visit – the waters are calm and the anchorages, shops and restaurants are less busy than in the winter.
Planning a sailing vacation in the Caribbean ?
We’re the experts in luxury yacht charters throughout the Caribbean. From the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to the Grenadines, we have first hand knowledge of every yacht, every crew, and every anchorage. We’re fully accredited members of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association which means you can book your charter with confidence.
More Caribbean Yacht Charter Destinations
Hint – If you’re finding it hard to decide on a single destination why not enjoy a multi-island cruise ? Get in touch and we’ll help you plan your perfect itinerary…
LUXURY CREWED YACHT CHARTERS IN THE CARIBBEAN
“I just wanted to thank you for the greatest trip of a life time!!
This trip out did our greatest expectations! The crew was amazing, tailoring to our every wish. The food was above 5 star and it was incredible to us how this could be accomplished with such a small kitchen. Each day was better than the next and we have never been more relaxed in our lives. If anyone ever needs a reference please do not hesitate to have them call us. I hope one day we can take this trip again.
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