Located 15 miles north-west of St. Maarten (3 hours by sea), Saint-Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts, is a 25 square-kilometer gem set in the Caribbean sea, and is one of the most beautiful destinations that the Petites Antilles have to offer.
With exquisite waters and a good breeze, beautiful diving spots, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the island is renowned for the warm welcome it offers, sumptuously paired with its authenticity and respect for the environment. Its exceptional restaurants, luxury hotels, incredible shopping opportunities and chic yet chilled ambiance make it a go-to destination for mega-yacht owners and jet-setters.
St. Barts boasts several marine areas within its nature reserve. Anchoring is prohibited in these zones, except in Anse du Colombier and Ile Fourchue, where specific zones have been allocated for anchoring and where moorings are provided for yachts.
GUSTAVIA
17°54.3’N - 62°52.0’W
A glamorous port with Swedish history
Gustavia, the island’s oh-so-chic capital, is known by some as the Caribbean Riviera, and it is a must-visit for anyone travelling t St. Barts. Picturesque little streets, typical red-roofed houses, luxury brands alongside charming designers boutiques, countless restaurants, ancient forts and ruins standing testament to the island’s past under Swedish rule… Everything here adds to this destination’s irresistible charm.
YACHT SERVICES
Berthing in Gustavia Port, the island’s only harbour, requires dropping an anchor and going stern-to the quay wall. You can also get a mooring in the inner part of the harbour (you need to call the Port of Gustavia to see if there are any available). Gustavia is very popular and the port is often full during high season.
Before entering or maneuvering within the port, all yachts must obtain specific authorization from the Port Captain’s office (call VHF Ch. 12 ‘Port de Gustavia’). You can also anchor outside the port, as long as you avoid the access Channel. There is dinghy dock at the harbour.
Technical services available in/nearby Gustavia: a boatyard, a well-stocked chandlery, a mechanical shop, a sailmaker.
St.Barts hosts several nautical events including the St Barts Bucket Regatta, one of the most important sailing races in the Caribbean.
SHOPS AND SERVICES
Gustavia is a great place to provision your yacht with many supermarkets, gourmet shops, wine cellars, bakeries to choose from. There is also a launderette, many car/scooter rental companies, a pharmacy and numerous shops for fun shopping.
WINE & DINE
Gustavia boasts countless restaurants that will delight all tastes and styles, from the simplest pleasures to the most elegant experiences.
TO DO AND SEE
Fort Gustav III and The Lighthouse - If you’re feeling active, you can take on the steep 200m trail and be rewarded with a breath-taking view over the bay.
The Swedish Bell Tower, the Catholic and Anglican church and a few traditional wooden structures are waiting to be discovered at the foot of the bay.
ANSE DE COROSSOL & DU PUBLIC
17°54.1’N - 62°51.2’W
North-west of Gustavia, Anse de Corossol and Anse Public are two other popular anchorages, they can be rolly.
TO DO AND SEE
In Corossol, you can find the last traces of straw-working craftsmanship
ANSE DU COLOMBIER
17°55.5’N - 62°52.8’W
A secluded bay with a particularly rich and colorful sea bed
At the north-eastern part of the island, Anse du Colombier, with its steep hills, beautiful blue waters and postcard-perfect beach is a well-protected anchorage. Accessible only by sea or on foot, it is part of the St. Bart’s Marine Reserve: anchoring in the zone is subject to regulations, moorings are provided. Spearfishing, jet skiing and water skiing are forbidden. Scuba-diving is subject to regulations.
TO DO AND SEE
The sea beds around the bay are perfect for snorkeling, accompanied by the local sea turtles.
BAIE DE SAINT-JEAN
17°54.2’N - 62°50.1’W
Renowned for its magnificent beach and the ballet in the sky created by passing planes
On the northern side of St. Barts, Saint-Jean is bordered by a long, white sand beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Given its proximity to the airport, anchoring is prohibited in part of the bay. Anchoring is authorized beyond the coral reef, 150 metres from the shore. Small, local boats are allowed in the south-eastern corner of the bay. Anchorage can be rolly and unsustainable due to swells from the north-eastern section to outside of the bay.
SHOPS AND SERVICES
The heart of the island’s tourism, several businesses and services are based close to the beach, accessible by dinghy. You will find there supermarkets, gourmet shops, bakeries, fashion boutiques, a pharmacy, doctors and more.
WINE & DINE
There’s plenty of choice of restaurants along the beach and nearby (Pearl Beach, Gyp Sea, Nikki Beach …), so you can make memories through the night.
ANSE DU GOUVERNEUR
17°52.6’N - 62°49.6’W
This hidden gem of an untouched beach is an absolute must-visit
On the south side of the island, anchoring is easy access in Anse du Gouverneur, with good protection in calm weather conditions only. You’ll love this untouched beach, which remains a pretty well-kept secret away from the crowds. Legend has it that the infamous pirate Monbars hid his treasure on the beach.
ILE FOURCHUE
17°57.2’N - 62°54.2’
An uninhabited island, with countless cacti
Located on the route between St. Martin and St. Barths, this little private island is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Its landscape stands out with its arid valleys surrounded by deep blue waters. Anchoring is easy access and well protected, and you anchor at 4 meters of depth. Like Anse Colombier, the site is part of the St. Barth Marine Reserve: anchoring in the zone is subject to regulations, moorings are provided. Spearfishing, jet skiing and water skiing are forbidden.
TO DO AND SEE
From the little beach to the east of the anchoring zone, you can take a stroll up to the island’s peak to take in the incredible panoramic view (sturdy shoes are a must).