Saint Barthélemy

Saint-Barthélemy (St Barts) is a small French island in the northeastern Caribbean, with most cruising activity concentrated along the leeward coast around Gustavia and nearby bays. Anchorage and mooring options are limited, and exposure can be significant outside sheltered areas. The marine reserves are a popular highlight for cruising yachts.

Gustavia is the island’s cultural and administrative centre, with historic streets and a compact harbour area reflecting its French and Swedish past. Don't miss the incredible views of the bay from the lighthouse. It’s the main place crews head ashore to wander the town, pick up supplies, and soak up everyday island life.

Close to Gustavia Airport, a well-known viewpoint at the end of the runway gives a close-up of arriving aircraft. Watching planes pass just overhead is a memorable stop for crews exploring the island.

Colombier Bay is valued for its undeveloped setting and marine reserve status. Further north Île Fourchue, an uninhabited island within Saint Barthélemy’s nature reserve, offers protected waters, scenic hikes and snorkeling close to shore.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Anse du Colombier ★ 4.8 Mooring balls are available for free, though they require careful monitoring. The beach and hiking trails are highlights, providing scenic views and exercise opportunities. Visitors frequently mention an abundance of marine life, particularly turtles, enhancing the experience.
	Ile Fourchue ★ 4.8 Anchoring at Ile Fourchue provides a remote setting with clear water, good holding, and abundant marine life. Visitors reported enjoyable dives and hikes, though some noted occasional rolling conditions. The presence of generators from charter boats can disrupt tranquility.
	Anse De Gouverneur ★ 3.7 Anchorage in 3m of sand offers good holding, with calm conditions noted by visitors. However, some reported a rolly experience due to wrapping swells in certain wind conditions. The beach is described as beautiful, facilitating easy access to shore activities.
	Gustavia ★ 2.7 Expect a tightly packed anchorage with significant roll from swell and traffic. The anchorage conditions can lead to uncomfortable nights, though access to town offers dining and shopping nearby. Costs can be high, with recent stays reported around €40 per night.

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Moorings

	Ile Fourchue ★ 4.8 Multiple Reviews highlight the well-maintained mooring buoys, providing a beautiful anchorage with clear water for snorkeling. Visitors note the rolling conditions at times and suggest the beach-side buoys for increased comfort. Hiking opportunities and unique island character add to its appeal.
	Anse du Colombier ★ 4.7 The mooring balls are generally in good condition and included in the marine park fee. Visitors often report clear waters and abundant marine life, especially turtles. Reception for certain networks is limited, and fees vary depending on the length of stay.
	Gustavia ★ 2.8 Moorings in Gustavia are generally private and not available for use. Anchoring options may lead to a rolly experience, and although the bay is crowded, visitors note a beautiful nearby swimming beach. Costs for anchoring can be high, reaching €35 per night.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

St Barth Marine ★ 5.0 A well-stocked chandler offers a wide range of products, including electronics and courtesy flags. Though prices for electronics may be higher compared to other locations, hardware and cleaning products are at standard rates.

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Saint Barthélemy:

The trade winds influence the weather pattern here, typically blowing from the northeast and remaining steady throughout most of the year.

There is no established off-season liveaboard community, and most cruisers relocate south to areas such as Grenada or Trinidad where protection and facilities are better suited to longer stays.

• Best times of year to sail here: December to April
• Most common type of shore power: 220-230 V, 60Hz, European-style plugs (type E)
• Cost for provisioning: High
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Personal security: Crime rate is low; petty theft can occur.
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • Police: 17
  • Fire: 18
  • Ambulance: 15
• International dialing code: +590
• Time zone(s): UTC -4 (with no daylight saving)

Saint Barthélemy's maritime history is rich, beginning with its earliest known Arawak and Carib inhabitants who navigated its waters long before European arrival. The island was named by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was subjected to European colonization attempts from the 17th century onwards, involving French and later Swedish control, which shaped much of its coastal development and trade routes.

By the 18th century, Saint Barthélemy had gained significance as a free port under Swedish rule after being ceded from France. This established the island as a hub for seafarers and merchants, enhancing its development as a trading center and influencing its architecture and infrastructures, such as the notable fortifications.

Modern Saint Barthélemy reflects a tranquil blend of its Swedish and French maritime legacies. The annual Saint Barth’s Bucket Regatta has become an event of repute, attracting luxury yachts and crew from around the globe, showcasing both the island's enduring maritime importance and its luxurious modern-day appeal.

Among the island's historical sites, Fort Gustav offers insight into its Swedish era, providing spectacular views of the duty-free port below and illustrating the strategic importance of Saint Barthélemy throughout its maritime past.