Charter a yacht in St. Barths
Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barths, is an island among the Leeward Islands in the north-eastern Caribbean that comprise the French West Indies, along with Saint Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique.
St. Barths – The St. Tropez of the Caribbean
Put on your white linen and get ready for the ultimate Caribbean social scene – Welcome to St. Barths, the St. Tropez of the Caribbean. This is where the essence of the French Riviera meets tropical paradise. This isn’t a destination for quiet contemplation; a luxury yacht charter here is an invitation to be part of the show, surrounded by beautiful people, fabulous restaurants and an electric atmosphere. This is where you go to be seen.
Beach Clubs & Long Lunches
A typical day on a St. Barths yacht charter is a feast for the senses, with the action happening both on the water and ashore. The island’s social heart beats on St. Jean’s Beach, home to some of the most famous and exclusive beach clubs in the world. This is where you immerse yourself in the scene, enjoying a lively long Rosé lunch with your toes in the sand.
At Nikki Beach, you find yourself in a playful, luxurious atmosphere, with all-white sunbeds, chic teepees, and the chance to spot the world’s most well-known celebrities. Next door, Pearl Beach offers a sublime blend of French culinary art and Caribbean flavors, hosting various events from DJ sets to fashion shows. It’s an unbeatable spot where fun and fine dining collide. To get around, you rent a brightly colored Mini Moke, zipping along the winding roads with the wind in your hair. The island is your playground, with every turn offering a new view, a new boutique to discover and an air of irresistible chic.
Dining & Dancing in Gustavia
As the sun begins to set, the island transforms. The focus shifts from the beach to Gustavia’s world-class culinary and nightlife scene. St. Barths boasts an incredible array of French and Creole restaurants as well as Japanese fusion, where dining is an experience in itself. You step off your yacht and into a world of elegant dining and impeccable service.
French & Mediterranean Flair – Indulge in classic French cuisine at Le Fouquet’s , where Pierre Gagnaire’s menu reinterprets Parisian brasserie classics with local flavors, all with a panoramic view of the marina. For a chic and festive vibe, Bagatelle brings its “joie de vivre” to the harbor with updated French cuisine and signature cocktails.
A Taste of the World – The dining scene is wonderfully diverse. You can enjoy authentic Japanese fusion at Kinugawa or Orega, which sources its fresh ingredients from markets in Tokyo and New York. At Bonito, perched on the hillside, you can savor French-Peruvian dishes with stunning sunset views.
The Nightlife Beckons – After dinner, the night truly comes alive. The bars and clubs are where the beautiful people gather. Places like Baz Bar, with its sushi and live music, offer a perfect warm-up. For those ready to dance, clubs like the legendary Le Ti St Barth or Casa provide a vibrant, festive atmosphere where the music is pumping and the champagne flows freely. For this group, relaxation and culture come absolutely last; the nightlife is the next thing they go for.
A Yacht Charter’s – Eye View
Your yacht is your exclusive sanctuary in the heart of all this action. It provides the perfect balance: a comfortable and private retreat for you and your friends, but with the flexibility to be in the middle of it all whenever you choose. You can enjoy the intimacy of a gourmet meal prepared by your private chef onboard, or you can take the tender ashore for a night on the town.
A private yacht charter in St. Barths is more than a vacation – it is an unforgettable experience, a celebration of a vibrant lifestyle, Caribbean style.
LIFE ON A CHARTER YACHT - A STORY
Friends, Festivities & the Freedom of a Private Yacht A Celebratory Trip
Let us tell you about a group of eight friends. After a few exhilarating days spent diving and perfecting their swing on the lush greens of St. Kitts and Nevis, they are waking up to a new kind of adventure. The yacht is humming with a gentle, excited energy as they prepare for a short, beautiful cruise to one of the most glamorous destinations in the Caribbean: St. Barths.
The morning unfolds at a leisurely pace. They gather on the aft deck, laughing and sharing stories of their trip so far over freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas and infusions. Their chef and stewardess present a vibrant breakfast spread of tropical fruits, flaky pastries, and mouthwatering savory eggs. The conversation is lively, a perfect soundtrack to the rhythmic sway of the yacht.
With breakfast complete, the yacht sets sail. This is their time to reconnect and relax. Some friends settle into comfortable sunbeds, soaking up the Caribbean sun and enjoying the gentle breeze, while others grab a drink and gather in the main salon for a game of cards. The music plays softly, and the sparkling turquoise water stretches to the horizon as they travel toward their next port of call.
As they approach St. Barths, the yacht slows to a graceful halt, anchoring in the secluded and magnificent waters of Anse de Colombier. The beautiful, undeveloped beach, once owned by the Rockefeller family, is a breathtaking sight. They enjoy a light lunch on the top deck, toasting their arrival with a crisp rosé as they soak in the tranquil beauty of the bay.
After their peaceful lunch, some relaxation is called for before a swim, snorkel, and paddleboarding.
Later, the yacht makes a short trip south and anchors in the magnificent waters off Gustavia. The iconic red-roofed buildings of the town, perched on the hillsides around the busy harbor, come into view. It is a breathtaking sight.
The early evening invites exploration, and the group prepares for a trip ashore, eager to experience the island’s famous charm. They explore chic boutiques showcasing the latest fashions, quaint streets, fabulous architecture, and a rich French Caribbean atmosphere before settling in a fashionable and trendy bar close to the port for sundowners. They enjoy a selection of elegant cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery oranges and soft purples.
The yacht’s dinghy arrives with the bosun and deckhand, very dapper in their evening uniforms. With lots of giggles and smiling faces, they board the dinghy and are soon back on the yacht, tired but happy. The mood is pure celebration, a perfect day of travel and exploration.
For a moment, the group disappears to their cabins for a quick refresh, as dinner, a sophisticated affair, is soon served. The theme for this evening is ‘James Bond – 007,’ so appropriate attire is called for. The friends are soon seated at a beautifully and elegantly dressed table. To the group’s surprise, the crew has now all changed and are dressed up as James Bond characters. This sets the scene for many Bond quotes and anecdotes. Their chef has prepared a memorable four-course meal, each dish a culinary delight, perfectly executed and with fabulous presentation and 007 touches.
After dinner, the group moves into the saloon and aft deck, where the theme continues with Martinis, shaken – not stirred of course, some cigars and cognacs.
Some of the group, feeling the energy of Gustavia’s nightlife, decide to head back ashore to experience one of St. Barth’s famous bars. Le Select or La Ti for a burlesque evening that goes on until daw sounds interesting. The captain arranges the tender to take them.
The others, feeling content and completely relaxed, choose to stay on board. They find a comfortable spot on the foredeck with a nightcap, simply enjoying the tranquility and the spectacle of the harbor lights glittering across the water as they share stories and giggles, grateful for this time together.
This truly is the magic of a private yacht charter: a holiday that perfectly caters to every mood, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy their dream vacation, their way.
⚓ Anchorages of St. Barths: A Guide for Yacht Charter Guests
St. Barths offers a blend of vibrant town harbors and secluded, pristine coves. While some areas are protected rest assured your captain and team will expertly navigate the options to find the perfect spot for your luxury yachting holiday.
Gustavia Harbour: The Iconic Hub
- Type: Town Harbor / Port – The primary location for access to the town.
- Vibe: Vibrant, social, chic jet setting and essential for drinks, dining, shopping, and to be seen.
- Location / Key notes: Main port of St Barth’s and located on the west coast of the island. Immediate tender access to the famous boutiques, designer shops, and fine dining establishments lining the waterfront and hillside with beautiful sunset views. French dining at Bonito, Italian dining at L’Isola, French & Creole cuisine at Eddy’s Ghetto just to mention a few.
Anse de Grande Galet / Shell Beach
- Type: Beach Club / Easy Town Access. Technically a natural beach, it is also an excellent choice for proximity to Gustavia.
- Vibe: Highly convenient and social, known for its unique seabed covered in millions of tiny shells (hence the name). Excellent for a late afternoon stop and sunset viewing.
- Location / Key notes: South of Gustavia on the west coast of the island. This cove is the closest beach anchorage to Gustavia Harbour, making it perfect for a quick swim before heading ashore for dinner or shopping. It features Shellona Beach Club, offering sophisticated, feet-in-the-sand dining and cocktails. This bay provides calm, sheltered waters for comfortable day-anchoring, especially popular for tender operations due to its proximity to the capital.
Anse du Gouverneur: The Undiscovered Gem
- Type: Natural Beach Anchorage.
- Vibe: Relaxed, secluded, and pristine. This expansive bay is one of the island’s most beautiful, known for its soft white sand and stunning views with no development on the beach itself.
- Location / Key notes: Located on the south of the island. Ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the tranquil, clear turquoise water. Note: As it is exposed to the south, your captain will assess the wind and swell conditions to ensure the anchorage remains comfortable for lunch and water activities. While the beach is undeveloped, renowned restaurants like Le Tamarin are a short drive tender/taxi drive away.
Anse de Grande Saline (Saline Beach)
- Type: Natural Beach Anchorage.
- Vibe: Wild, natural, and beautiful, backed by dramatic dunes and salt ponds, offering a completely undeveloped and natural beach setting.
- Location / Key notes: Neighboring bay to Anse du Gouverneur in the South of St Barth’s. It provides a stunning scenic backdrop for anchorage. The bay itself is usually quiet, contrasting sharply with the energy of St. Jean. There are excellent dining options located just behind the dunes, such as L’Esprit, accessible via a short stroll from the beach access point. Note: As it is exposed to the south, your captain will assess the wind and swell conditions to ensure the anchorage remains comfortable for lunch and water activities.
- Type: Beach Club Anchorage.
- Vibe: Chic, energetic, and perfect for daytime dining and people-watching. The bay is known for its calm waters and easy access to the social scene.
- Location / Key notes: This bay grants easy tender access to some of the island’s most famous venues: Eden Rock Resort, the high-energy Nikki Beach Club, refined fusion Nao Beach Club and Mediterranean style La Guérite Beach Club. It is the ideal spot for a luxurious lunch ashore. Popular for day stops, the calm waters are protected, making it a favorite spot to drop anchor.
Anse des Flamands
- Type: Beach Club Anchorage / Resort Access.
- Vibe: Luxurious, open, and picturesque. This long, sweeping beach is home to some of the island’s most exclusive resorts.
- Location / Key notes: Located on the top of the island. The bay is known for the stunning Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France resort, offering another option for exquisite onshore dining, drinks, and spa services via tender. Due to the potential for swell, this is typically a favoured daytime anchorage when conditions are calm, providing a stunning scenic outlook.
Anse de Colombier: Seclusion and Serenity
- Type: Natural Beach Anchorage – the ultimate undeveloped experience.
- Vibe: Tranquil, pristine, and entirely natural. This secluded cove on the northwestern tip is a nature reserve with no commercial structures or beach clubs.
- Location / Key notes: Only accessible by sea and located on the north-western tip of the island and is a known habitat for sea turtles. This bay is a designated Marine Reserve.
Anse Gros Jean
- Type: Natural rocky coastline.
- Vibe: Tranquil, pristine, and quiet.
- Location / Key notes: Located just south of Marine Reserve at Anse de Colombier on the north-western coast of the island. No beaches as such but a spot to enjoy the yacht and amazing sunsets.
St. Barths Regional highlights
Where to cruise to and from on your Saint Barthélemy yacht charter.
Leeward Islands Yacht Charters
The Leeward Islands are one of those yachting destinations where yachts are coming and going regularly, so you can enjoy laidback luxury one day and wild excitement the next. The mix of gorgeous natural beauty and well-developed infrastructure for yacht charters stretches from east of Puerto Rico to southeast of Guadeloupe and make sailing the Leeward Islands hard to beat. Explore Anguilla, the Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, and other beautiful islands with plenty of activities and excursions to offer.
Sailing in the Virgin Islands
Made up of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Virgin Islands provide you with a mix of over 80 small and large islands you can explore with a yacht charter. Why limit your sailing adventure to 2 or 3 islands when you can see and experience so much more? Start at St. John, spend the day hopping from one islet to another, and go snorkeling in between. We offer plenty of charter yachts to choose from.
What type of yacht would you prefer?
Motor Yacht
Book our St Barts luxury motor yacht charter and you won’t have to worry a thing. Our crewed motor yachts will ensure you get to enjoy many activities and shore excursions with every detail taken care of on your behalf. Sail the seas with our experienced, professional, and friendly yacht charter crew.
SAILING YACHTS
We have an excellent St Barts sailboat charter with yachts in a size available for a worldwide charter. Start your sailing adventure from St Barts and travel from there to see the rest of the world, all the while enjoying world-class charter yachts, St Barth services and first-class accommodation.
SAILING CATAMARANS
With up to 5 cabins that sleep 12, our St Barts catamaran for sailing is perfect for a family getaway or with a group of friends. It can also accommodate a corporate event. Why settle for the usual event ideas if you can charter St Barts yachts with plenty of room aboard to enjoy?
POWER CATAMARAN
Book any of our power catamarans for your next St Barts sailboat charter and cruise adventure. Apart from spacious interior and exterior, enjoy the smoothest and most stable ride. Party aboard with friends, family, and/or colleagues, while floating on the iridescent waters of St Barts.
Book a St Barts charter
With plenty of yachts, gorgeous beaches and excellent amenities that cater to the jet set, St Barts is a premier destination for anyone gearing up for their winter holidays in the Caribbean and those looking for a tropical Yacht charter escape. Sail to St Barts for half a day, one day or more aboard a luxury yacht charter or a sailing catamaran. Use this form to create an outline of your ultimate yacht charter.
You can then island hop on one of the many available yachts to St Martin and other amazing locations.
Whether seeking adventure, a bit of personal time, or a relaxing sunset cruise, Nicholson Charters can help you discover the island vacation of your dreams.
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