Saint Barthélemy, often called St Barth, is one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive yacht destinations. Its blend of French island character, elegant harbour life and beautiful beaches makes it a natural choice for a private escape. Arriving by yacht offers a memorable perspective on the island, from the approaches to Gustavia to the rugged coastline and clear Caribbean water. For an overview of the region, see our Caribbean yacht charter page.
Gustavia: The Island’s Yacht Harbour
Gustavia is the heart of yachting on St Barth, with a sheltered harbour, a lively waterfront and a French atmosphere that sets it apart from other Caribbean ports. Arriving by sea gives you a view of the town and the surrounding hills that you don’t get from the road. Berthing and mooring depend on availability, yacht size, port procedures and the season, so confirm arrangements before departure. Time in port is worth planning, since restaurants and shops can be busy at peak periods.
Discover Colombier and the Coast
Beyond the harbour, the coastline is more rugged and natural, with rocky headlands, quiet bays and clear water. Colombier is one of the places often mentioned by guests who want a quieter setting away from the harbour. Swimming, anchoring and shore visits are subject to the captain’s assessment, weather, sea conditions and local regulations, and parts of the coast are protected, so the captain will advise where the yacht can stop.
Combine St Barth with Nearby Islands
St Barth sits close to several other islands, which makes it easy to build into a wider itinerary. Many guests begin in Sint Maarten and add Anguilla or St Barth to the same trip. Our guide to day trips from Sint Maarten to Anguilla, St Barths, Saba and St Kitts shows how neighbouring islands can be combined, and you can read more about discovering Anguilla by yacht. For ideas on where to start, see our yacht rental in Sint Maarten page and our guide to the Dutch side and French side of Sint Maarten. Our top 5 Caribbean islands by private yacht gives ideas for wider itineraries. The longer the route, the more important it is to agree the schedule and cruising time in advance.
Choose Your Yacht and Plan Your Charter
The right yacht depends on the number of guests, the length of the trip and the level of comfort you want on board. Catamarans are a popular choice in the Caribbean for their generous outdoor space, and our guide to catamaran vs monohull charters in the Caribbean explains the differences. To see how a crewed charter works day to day, read what to expect from a crewed catamaran charter. One example is the Lagoon 52 catamaran in Sint Maarten. Availability, departure ports and specifications vary by date and season, so confirm them for the yacht you choose.
Weather, availability and how busy you want the island to feel change through the year, so decide your priorities first. Our guide to the best time to charter a yacht in the Caribbean compares the seasons.
Share your dates, group size, departure point and the kind of trip you have in mind, and our team will help you explore suitable options, subject to availability and the captain’s confirmation. Ask for a written breakdown of the charter price and confirm whether fuel, food and drinks, port fees and taxes are included or charged separately. Request a St Barth yacht charter or contact Riviera Boat with any questions.
Saint Barthélemy, often called St Barth, is one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive yacht destinations. Its blend of French island character, elegant harbour life and beautiful beaches makes it a natural choice for a private escape. Arriving by yacht offers a memorable perspective on the island, from the approaches to Gustavia to the rugged coastline and clear Caribbean water.