Top 7 boat excursions in St Barts

St Barts boat excursions offer a unique and unforgettable experience. As you glide along the coastline, you'll be enchanted by this beautiful island, from its pristine beaches to its rugged cliffs. Discover hidden coves and secluded bays inaccessible by land, where you can anchor and swim in crystal-clear waters.

Exploring St. Barts by boat is a must-do and often becomes one of the best souvenirs our guests take home. Viewing the island from the sea provides a beautiful and unique perspective. On a boat, you truly sense the passage of time, giving you a fulfilling day.

Boat tours - Discovering Saint Barts by Boat

During your boat excursion, you'll have the opportunity to reach tranquil bays with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a variety of water activities. Boat charters typically provide snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and floats, allowing you to explore the underwater world or simply relax on the surface. For an added thrill, consider renting a Seabob to enhance your experience.

Alternatively, you can spend your time soaking up the sun on the boat deck or lounging on the beach. Soft drinks, rosé, and beers are often included, and you can arrange for lunch through the boat charter company. An attentive hostess will ensure everything is prepared and help you make the most of your day. The typical crew consists of a captain and a hostess, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout your excursion.

The Ultimate St Barth Excursions Guide

Depending on the time available, weather conditions and the type of yacht charter (motor or sailing yachts), your captain will recommend the st Barth excursion for your day. Their expertise ensures you'll have a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your preferences and the conditions at hand. Below, you'll find a list of the top boat excursions that St. Barth has to offer, categorized into around St. Barth tours and tours to neighboring islands.

Around St Barth Day Trips:

Colombier Beach

One of the most popular and rewarding excursions is to Colombier Beach. Just a short trip from Gustavia Harbour, it's long enough to relish the ride and the stunning views... yet brief enough to avoid any seasickness.

Upon arrival at Colombier Bay, you'll discover a pristine paradise nestled within a natural reserve. The bay boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, offering an incredible underwater experience. As Colombier Beach is only accessible by boat or foot, it's often uncrowded, allowing you to enjoy its beauty in tranquility.

Ilet Fourchue

Fourchue is the island located northwest of Colombier Bay. It's an uninhabited "ilet" (small island) where you can anchor your boat. It's a perfect spot for enjoying lunch, excellent snorkeling in the surrounding waters, and perhaps even taking a leisurely walk on the island's shores.

Saline Beach

Saline Beach is renowned as one of the most stunning beaches in St. Barts. By boat, you can anchor on the east side of the bay, away from the main crowds. Here, you'll find shallow, incredibly clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling in a serene and tranquil setting.

Ilet Coco

Ilet Coco is a small island located off Saline Beach. If the waters are calm, your captain may suggest a visit. While the waters around Ilet Coco are deep, it's a worthwhile spot for serious snorkelers seeking an interesting underwater experience.

St Jean Bay

While not as typical, on days with south winds, your captain may suggest a visit to St. Jean Bay. While St. Jean Beach is easily accessible and a must-visit, arriving by sea offers a fresh perspective of this beautiful bay. In this case, you can enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants, such as Eden Rock, Nikki Beach, Gypsea, La Guérite, or Nao Beach.

Island Hopping Adventures - Discovering Nearby Paradises

Renting a boat offers a fantastic opportunity to explore neighboring islands, particularly St. Martin and Anguilla.

Day trip to St Martin

Departing from Gustavia Harbour, your adventure begins with a visit to Fourchue Island, positioned in front of Colombier Beach between St. Barth and St. Martin. As a natural reserve, Fourchue Island offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities in its pristine waters.

Continuing your journey, head to Pinel Island, a picturesque gem near St. Martin. With only two restaurants, you can indulge in freshly grilled fish, lobster, ribs, and other delicious dishes, all served in a simple and inviting atmosphere.

On your return trip, make a stop at Tintamarre Island, another natural reserve boasting crystal-clear blue waters and powdery white sand beaches.

Before concluding your day, pause for a final drink and swim at either Colombier Bay or Shell Beach in St. Barth, soaking in the beauty of these idyllic spots one last time.

Day trip to Anguilla

Anguilla is renowned for its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts. A full-day boat tour to Anguilla typically includes visits to Fourchue, Tintamarre, Colombier, and Shell Beach, similar to the trip to St. Martin. However, this time, you'll have the opportunity to explore the beaches around Cap Juluca Belmond, Cuisin'Art, Viceroy, and Four Seasons resorts.

In addition to beach-hopping, you can enjoy lunch at one of these prestigious hotel restaurants, adding a touch of luxury to your island experience.

Crystal Clear Waters and Snorkeling Adventures

While snorkeling is included in the boat tours described above, if you prefer to focus on snorkeling and explore specific spots, you can contact the diving centers. These centers specialize in snorkeling tours, taking you to prime snorkeling locations with excellent water visibility and minimal wind interference. They provide all necessary gear and offer expert guidance to ensure you have an unforgettable snorkeling experience.

You can gather more information on the Serial Divers and Islandiving websites.

Sunset Cruises - Romantic Views and Evening Bliss

Sunset cruises are popular tours, offering a wonderful opportunity to admire the island from the sea amidst the breathtaking colors of the setting sun. You can opt to incorporate the sunset experience into a half-day or full-day tour, or book a dedicated sunset cruise. As you sail leisurely around St. Barth, you'll be treated to the mesmerizing sight of the sunset while indulging in champagne. What's not to love?

Private Yacht Charters - Luxury Beyond Compare

The typical boats for these private charters are motor yachts or sail catamarans, both offering great comfort. Catamarans generally provide more space and can accommodate larger groups. Motor yachts are usually more expensive but offer the advantage of faster travel and the ability to cover greater distances.

Boats come with a captain and a hostess. The hostess assists with various tasks and can help organize lunch if it's been ordered for the boat.

Boats are equipped with toilets, a freshwater shower, and provide beach towels. Most tours include soft drinks, beers, and rosé.

Family-Friendly island tours - Adventures for All Ages

Boat tours are especially enjoyable for families with kids. Children love the adventure of navigating and exploring other islands. Floats are also available onboard, which kids thoroughly enjoy. Additionally, organizing a seabob tour can be a fantastic experience for children aged 8 and above.

Moreover, if you take a tour between December and April, you might have the chance to spot whales, an encounter that will create lasting memories for the whole family.

Fishing Expeditions - A Bounty from the Caribbean Sea

Numerous companies offer deep sea fishing excursions. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, you'll thoroughly enjoy this experience and likely return with catches like Mahi Mahi, Fino, Tuna, or even Marlin!

Planning Your Boat Excursion - Tips and Considerations

1. Choose the Right Tour: Consider what you want to see and do during your boat tour. Whether it's snorkeling, visiting secluded beaches, or exploring neighboring islands, there are various tour options available.

2. Check the Weather: St Barth has generally pleasant weather, but it's always a good idea to check the forecast before booking your boat tour.

3. Book in Advance: Boat tours can be popular, especially during peak tourist seasons. To secure your spot and ensure availability, it's advisable to book your tour in advance.

4. Pack Essentials: Don't forget to bring essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and waterproof phone cases. Also, bring motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness.

5. Respect Marine Life: When snorkeling or swimming, be mindful of the marine life and coral reefs. Avoid touching or stepping on coral, and never chase or harass marine animals.

6. Follow Safety Instructions: Listen carefully to the captain's safety instructions and adhere to any guidelines provided.

7. Tip the Crew: If you had a great experience, consider tipping the captain and crew. Tips are appreciated for their hard work and dedication to ensuring you have a memorable boat tour.

8. Be Eco-Conscious: Dispose of trash properly and avoid bringing single-use plastics onboard. Respect the environment and marine ecosystems by minimizing your impact during the tour.

9. Enjoy the Experience: Most importantly, relax and enjoy the breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and unique experiences that St Barth has to offer during your boat tour!

Conclusion

In short, St. Barts boat trips are all about discovering new places while relaxing on the water. Every moment brings a new adventure, from exploring amazing beaches to enjoying the beautiful views. Whether you're snorkeling in calm bays or savoring a sunset cruise, each trip is filled with unforgettable experiences. It's not just a ride; it's a journey that leaves lasting memories of the stunning beauty of St. Barts.