Exploring St. Barth by Yacht: The Billionaire’s Playground
Exploring St. Barth by Yacht: The Billionaire’s Playground
St. Barts has become the Caribbean’s unofficial capital of ultra-luxury yachting — where gleaming superyachts, hillside villas, and champagne-soaked beach clubs converge on one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Here’s how to experience it.
*Affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why St. Barts is the Caribbean’s Premier Yachting Destination
Gustavia harbor is the Caribbean’s most famous anchorage for good reason. The harbor is deep, sheltered, and beautiful — surrounded on three sides by the colorful colonial buildings of the island’s capital. During peak season (December–April), it fills with some of the most valuable private yachts in the world: 60, 80, 100-metre vessels, each one worth more than most small countries’ GDP. The concentration of wealth is extraordinary, and the atmosphere — sundown aperitifs on deck, tenders shuttling to restaurants, the smell of salt water and two-stroke engines — is completely intoxicating.
Charter Options: Every Budget
The quintessential St. Barts boat day. A modern catamaran, a captain, a crew member, snorkeling gear, and a cooler of drinks. Most charters include a stop at Colombier Beach (the island’s finest snorkeling), a second bay for swimming, and a sunset return to Gustavia. The best single day on the island for most visitors. Book your day charter →
A smaller speedboat for those who want the freedom to anchor wherever they choose. Self-skippered rental requires a boating license. With a captain, no license needed. Perfect for island-hopping to nearby bays, reaching Colombier independently, or a spontaneous sunset run around the island’s coastline.
For those who want to truly explore — multi-day sailing charters from Gustavia can reach the nearby islands of Saba, Statia, and Anguilla. The wind and sea conditions around St. Barts are excellent for sailing. The island itself looks extraordinary from the water, its volcanic hills rising sharply from the Caribbean’s flat blue surface.
For the full St. Barts billionaire experience: a private superyacht with captain, chef, deck crew, and water toys. Gustavia harbor’s superyacht infrastructure — fuel, provisions, crew services — is among the best in the Caribbean. The island is structured around making superyacht visits seamless. Explore charter options →
Best Anchorages Around St. Barts
- Gustavia Harbor: The famous main anchorage. Busy, beautiful, full of services. Watch the sunset from the deck with Gustavia glowing around you.
- Colombier Bay: The island’s most dramatic anchorage — a protected cove surrounded by volcanic cliffs. No road access. Excellent snorkeling. Often occupied by smaller boats and day charters.
- Corossol: A quiet fishing village bay west of Gustavia. Calm, sheltered, atmospheric. Local fishing boats at anchor.
- Grand Cul de Sac: The protected lagoon at the northeast. Very shallow — best for smaller vessels. Calm, warm, excellent for swimming.
- Anse de Grand Saline: Anchor off the beach at Saline for access to one of the island’s finest and most secluded beaches by tender.
From St. Martin to St. Barts by Boat
The 24-nautical-mile passage from Sint Maarten to St. Barts takes 2–3 hours by sailboat or 1–1.5 hours by motorboat depending on conditions. It is one of the finest short passages in the Caribbean — Atlantic swells, trade wind sailing, and the volcanic silhouette of St. Barts appearing on the horizon. Many visitors charter a private boat specifically for this crossing rather than taking the ferry or plane. Browse boat options for the Sint Maarten to St. Barts crossing →
Day charters, sunset sails, superyacht excursions, and island-hopping cruises — explore all options and availability. Browse St. Barts cruise and charter options →
*This page contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
