Motor Yacht Charter in St Barts

St Barts is the Caribbean’s superyacht island. Gustavia harbour fills with motor yachts over the holidays, and the beaches, restaurants and boutiques are all a tender ride from the anchorage.

Most charters combine St Barts with St Martin and Anguilla. On a motor yacht these are short runs, so you can dine in Gustavia, swim at Anguilla’s Shoal Bay the next day and be back for sunset.

Why charter a motor yacht in St Barts?

• Short runs between three islands. St Martin, St Barts and Anguilla sit within a few hours of each other, easy on a motor yacht even when the trade winds are up.
• Space and stability at anchor. St Barts anchorages can roll. A larger motor yacht with stabilisers makes nights off Gustavia and Colombier far more comfortable.
• Built for the holidays. New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour is one of the great yacht parties in the world, and the best motor yachts are booked early.

Where to go

• Gustavia. The harbour town: restaurants, shopping and Shell Beach a short walk away.
• Anse de Colombier. A protected bay on the north-west tip, reached only by boat or on foot. The classic first night.
• Saint-Jean. The beach-club and people-watching end of the island.
• Ile Fourchue. An uninhabited horseshoe island just north, for a quiet swim stop.
• St Martin and Anguilla. Grand Case for dinner, Anguilla’s Shoal Bay and Sandy Island for the beaches.

Planning your charter

St Barts airport (SBH) only takes small aircraft, so most guests fly into St Maarten (SXM) and board there, or take the short hop or ferry across. Christmas and New Year carry premium rates and minimum stays, and the best yachts for those weeks are often booked a year ahead.

Every motor yacht below is crewed and bookable through DMA Yachting. Filter by size, budget or toys (see yachts with jet skis or luxury motor yachts), or ask a broker for a shortlist. For catamarans and sailing yachts as well, see our full St Barts charter guide on myStBartsCharter.

Motor Yacht Charter in St Barts: questions we get asked

How do I get to a St Barts yacht charter?

Fly into St Maarten (SXM), which has direct flights from the US and Europe. Board the yacht there, or take a short flight or ferry to St Barts and board in Gustavia.

How early should I book a St Barts charter for New Year?

As early as you can. The best motor yachts for Christmas and New Year are often booked a year ahead, and holiday weeks usually have minimum stays.

Can we visit Anguilla and St Martin on the same charter?

Yes. Most St Barts charters include both, and the runs are short on a motor yacht. The captain handles customs between the islands.

When is the best time to charter a motor yacht in the Caribbean?

The main season runs from mid-December to April, with the calmest, driest weather from February to April. Christmas and New Year are the most expensive and book first. Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November; some yachts keep chartering through the summer while many larger motor yachts move to the Mediterranean or New England.

What does a motor yacht charter cost on top of the base rate?

Most motor yachts add an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), usually 25 to 40 percent of the base rate, which pays for fuel, food, drinks and dockage and is reconciled at the end of the week. Fuel is the biggest variable on a motor yacht, so a route with long runs costs more than a relaxed one. Some smaller yachts in the Caribbean are quoted all-inclusive instead. Your broker will show you which terms apply before you book.

Other Caribbean motor yacht destinations

• Motor Yacht Charter in the BVI
• Motor Yacht Charter in the US Virgin Islands
• Motor Yacht Charter in Antigua
• Motor Yacht Charter in the Grenadines
• Motor Yacht Charter in St Maarten