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 feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Anse du Colombier	4.6 ★	Review summary: Visitors enjoy Anse du Colombier for its clear waters and well-maintained free mooring balls, though conditions can vary with weather. The anchorage provides good protection in easterly winds, enhancing the overall appeal for sailors who appreciate ease of access and natural beauty.
	Ile Fourchue	4.6 ★	Review summary: Visitors enjoy anchoring or using free buoys at Ile Fourchue, with clear water providing excellent conditions for spotting marine life like sea turtles. The anchorage is well-protected, making it a favored stop despite occasional rolling and a rocky shoreline.
	Gustavia	2.8 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Gustavia is often challenging with overcrowding and prevalent rolling conditions. Despite the scenic setting, visitors frequently mention discomfort from wakes and unsatisfactory amenities despite potential high costs. The town offers European flair in the Caribbean with various dining and shopping options within proximity.

Moorings

	Ile Fourchue	4.7 ★	Review summary: A visit to Ile Fourchue offers a beautiful setting with well-maintained mooring buoys. The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling with turtles, and there are opportunities for hiking ashore. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, despite some rolling conditions at times.
	Anse du Colombier	4.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring is supported by free mooring balls for a maximum of four nights. Marine life, including turtles, is abundant, with snorkeling opportunities. While generally calm, the north side is less crowded, and some reviews note optimal conditions there.
	Gustavia	2.8 ★	Review summary: Mooring buoys in Gustavia are private and unavailable for visitors, as expressed in multiple Reviews. Anchoring near the back of these moorings is an option for those interested. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Saint Barthélemy.

Useful yacht clearance links

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.