St Barths Yacht Charter Information

Saint Barthélemy, also known as St Barths, St Barts or St Barth, officially the Territorial collectivity of Saint Barthélemy, is an overseas collectivity of France. The collectivity is one of four territories among the Leeward Islands in the northeastern Caribbean that comprise the French West Indies, along with Guadeloupe (200 km southeast), Martinique and Saint Martin.

There are as many as 22 public beaches of which 15 are considered suitable for swimming. They are categorized divided into two areas, the leeward side (calm waters protected by the island itself) and windward side (some of which are protected by hills and reefs).

The windward beaches are popular for windsurfing. St Jean beach is suitable for water sports and all facilities have been created for the purpose. The long Lorient beach has shade and is a quiet beach. The Grand-cul-de-sac is a long beach with facilities for water sports. Anse Toiny beach is in a remote location and is considered suitable for experienced surfers as the water current is very strong. The Anse de Grande Saline beach is popular with nudists.

On the leeward side, the notable beaches are: Anse du Gouverneur, the Anse du Colombier and Anse des Flamands. The salt pond near the Flamands beach is marshy and is habitat for tropical birds. Ile islet, an offshoot of the leeward side, has a white sandy beach. Shell Beach is a beach in the southwestern part of Gustavia. A large number of sea shells are scattered on this beach.

On the north coast, on the far eastern side of the island, there are two lagoons called the Anse de Marigot and Anse du Grand Cul-de-Sac.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are a great way to see the nurse sharks, lobsters, conch and green sea turtles that abound in the waters surrounding the little island. The island, is more rugged and less lush than some of the other Caribbean islands, but it has culture, shopping, accommodation and amenities that cater well to the jet set.

St Barts is a major spot for all yachts, but is especially known for its luxury yachts and superyachts, which are well accommodated in Gustavia Port. Gustavia Harbor can now dock up to sixty yachts (200’ maximum) in the inner harbor with anchorages for another 100+ yachts in the outer harbor.