Yachting in St Barts.
The Caribbean’s Most
Glamorous Harbor.
On a January afternoon, Gustavia Harbor holds more superyachts per square meter than anywhere else on earth. For the global yachting world, St Barts is not just a destination — it is the destination.
Gustavia Harbor: Where Superyachts Come to Be Seen
Gustavia Harbor is the heartbeat of St Barts. A floating fleet of Perini Navis, Lurssens, and Feadships that transforms a modest colonial harbor into a maritime jewelry exhibition. For the global yachting world, St Barts is not just a destination. It is the destination.
Gustavia is a natural deep-water harbor capable of accommodating yachts of virtually any size. The inner harbor is lined with restaurants and luxury boutiques — and in peak season, the view from the harbor wall is worth the trip to St Barts alone.
Gustavia Harbor — the world’s most glamorous superyacht anchorage, at capacity every January
Gustavia Marina: What Every Captain Needs to Know
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Harbor depth | 10–15 meters throughout |
| Berth capacity | ~40 berths, yachts 15–80+ meters |
| Fuel | Available dockside at the capitainerie |
| Shore power | 220V/380V at dock |
| Customs clearance | Required; 8am–5pm daily in season |
| Free anchorage | Available in the outer harbor |
| VHF | Channel 16 for harbor master |
| Peak season reservations | Essential — book 3–6 months ahead |
Your Best Day on the Water
Day charter operations in Gustavia offer everything from 40-foot catamarans to sleek motor yachts. The standard experience: depart 9am, sail west to Colombier Beach for snorkeling, anchor in a secluded bay for crew-prepared lunch, return to Gustavia by 5pm — sun-soaked and perfectly at peace.
Private full-day charters for up to 10 guests: $1,200–$2,500. Most include open bar, snorkeling equipment, and crew-prepared lunch.
The St Barth Bucket Regatta
Held annually over four days in late March, the St Barth Bucket Regatta is the most prestigious superyacht sailing event in the world. The fleet — dominated by magnificent sailing yachts exceeding 40 meters — races around the island while Gustavia erupts into a week-long festival of parties, gala dinners, and waterfront spectacle.
Position a chartered day boat offshore during race starts for an unforgettable perspective. The harbor wall in the evenings becomes the best free show in the Caribbean.
New Year’s Eve in Gustavia Harbor — the world’s most spectacular floating party, and the hardest berth to reserve
New Year’s Eve in Gustavia Harbor
Every December 31st, Gustavia Harbor transforms into the most spectacular floating party on the planet. Dozens of superyachts fill every inch of the anchorage. Decks draped in fairy lights, helicopters ferrying guests between vessels, and at midnight, a fireworks display that lights every mast and hull simultaneously.
Berths for New Year’s week must be reserved 6–12 months in advance. Check our full events calendar →
Island-Hopping from Gustavia: The Leeward Islands by Sail
St Barts sits at the center of the northern Leeward Islands — ideally positioned for extended sailing itineraries. Most crewed charter guests combine St Barts with two or three neighboring islands over 7–10 days:
Sint Maarten / Saint Martin
Gateway airport hub, duty-free shopping, the legendary Maho Beach aircraft approach, and a vibrant French-Dutch dual culture.
Anguilla
Seventeen miles of powdered white sand paired with a rapidly maturing restaurant and boutique hotel scene. The Caribbean’s finest beaches by any measure.
Sint Eustatius
An almost completely unspoiled Dutch island with extraordinary diving on submerged 18th-century colonial ruins.
Saba
The “unspoiled queen” — a volcanic peak erupting from the sea with world-class hiking, diving, and a hamlet called The Bottom.
Book Your St Barts Stay Around the Water
Villas and hotels within walking distance of Gustavia Harbor — because the best yacht is sometimes the one you don’t have to captain.
More of St Barts, Curated
Common QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions: St Barts Yachting
Can you charter a yacht in St Barts?
Yes — St Barts is one of the Caribbean’s premier yachting destinations. Day charters depart from Gustavia Harbor daily in season. Weekly crewed superyacht charters are available for full Leeward Islands island-hopping itineraries. Operators line the Gustavia quay each morning and welcome walk-in inquiries.
What is the St Barth Bucket Regatta?
The world’s most prestigious superyacht regatta, held every March in Gustavia Harbor. The fleet — dominated by sailing yachts exceeding 40 meters — races around the island for three days. The associated social events are equally legendary.
How do I get to St Barts by yacht?
St Barts is approximately 24 nautical miles from Sint Maarten — typically a 3–4 hour sail under trade winds. Gustavia Harbor offers both marina berths and free outer anchorage. Contact the Port Capitainerie (VHF Channel 16) in advance — peak season berths book up fast.
How much does a day charter cost in St Barts?
Private full-day charters for up to 10 guests range from $1,200–$2,500 depending on vessel size and inclusions. Half-day charters start around $600–$900. Most include open bar, snorkeling equipment, and crew-prepared lunch.
When is the best time to visit St Barts by yacht?
December through April offers the most reliable trade winds and finest weather. New Year’s Eve in Gustavia Harbor is the annual apex — reserve your berth 6–12 months ahead. March brings the Bucket Regatta. Shoulder seasons offer calmer anchorages and significantly lower charter rates.
