Guide · Updated 2026-08-01
The St Barts Day Charter: How a Boat Day Actually Works
Boats, prices, the classic loop and the weather rule — the day charter, demystified.
What a day charter is
A crewed boat, yours from roughly 9 to 5: captain, fuel, snorkel gear, usually an apéritif, sometimes a chef. Departure from Gustavia or Corossol, and the island’s other face — the one only visible from the water — for a day.
The classic loop
Colombier by water while the morning is glass, the turtles over the seagrass, then Fourchue — the wild islet north — for anchored lunch and an afternoon of swimming in blue that photographs like a lie. Home past Shell Beach as Gustavia turns gold.
Boats and budgets
Rigid inflatables and open cruisers for six: €1,800–€2,500. Catamarans for a family or party of twelve: €2,500–€4,500. Motor yachts with cabins and crew service: €4,000 to five figures. All plus the chef if he boards — the single best upgrade the day takes.
The weather rule
Book the boat for the week, float the day: committing 48 hours out to the calmest forecast is the whole secret of great boat days. In winter, north swell chooses the coast for you; the captains here read it like a menu. Pair it with the house via our villa-and-boat guide.
Questions
Is seasickness a real concern?
On the classic lee-side loop in normal trades, minimal — these are short, sheltered hops. Sensitive guests should pick the catamaran and the calmest forecast.
Do charters include food?
Apéritif and soft drinks usually; lunch either by the villa chef aboard, a cooler you provision, or a swim-ashore table where the day allows.