The perfect first time on the water
A half-day boat tour is the easiest way to discover St Barts from the sea without giving up a whole day. You board a private, crewed yacht in Gustavia harbor, your captain chooses the anchorages according to the wind and swell, and you spend three and a half hours swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding in water you will not believe is real.
It is the format we recommend for a first time on the water, for a family morning between villa breakfast and lunch, or for an afternoon escape after a lazy start. The half day is available on all three of our yachts.
Morning or afternoon?
Morning half day
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Fresh light and calm anchorages to start the day. It is also the best time to admire wild Gouverneur Beach from the water.
Afternoon half day
1:00 – 4:30 PM
Warm afternoon water and a relaxed pace. On the Lagoon 55 or Pardo 43 you can extend it into the Afternoon + Sunset formula (1:00–7:30 PM).
A typical half day, two anchorages
A half day typically combines two anchorages, and our guests’ favorite pairing is Colombier and Shell Beach. Here is what a morning looks like — the afternoon follows the same rhythm from 1:00 PM:
Departure from Gustavia harbor and a briefing with your captain, who tailors the route to the day’s conditions.
Colombier Bay: a beach with no road access, calm turquoise water, paddleboarding and sea turtles below the boat.
Shell Beach, a few steps from Gustavia: a last swim from the boat in front of a beach covered in tiny seashells.
Back at the dock in Gustavia.
Depending on the conditions, the captain can also show you Gouverneur Beach or St Jean Bay. Read more about each stop on our destinations page.
Which yacht for your group?
Lagoon 55
Up to 25 guests. Huge deck, shaded lounge and stability at anchor — the choice for families with young children and larger groups. Paddleboards on board.
Pardo 43
Up to 12 guests. A fast, sleek Italian motor yacht, ideal for couples and small groups who want to beach-hop in style.
Contender 39
Up to 12 guests. The adventurous option: a sporty ride between anchorages for active groups.
What’s included & what to bring
Every half-day charter includes a professional captain and crew, fuel, soft drinks, snorkeling gear and water-sports equipment. A gourmet lunch on board is part of the full-day charter; on a half day, extras such as champagne or a chef can be added when you book.
Bring swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and tell us the children’s ages when booking so the crew prepares the right safety equipment.
Good to know
- Meeting point: Gustavia harbor, Rue de la République, 97133 Saint-Barthélemy. Pick-up at your villa’s closest beach or at a hotel pontoon can be arranged on request.
- No license needed: every charter is fully crewed by a professional captain and crew.
- Best season: the water is warm year-round (80°F+). High season runs from November to April with the calmest seas; for the festive weeks (December 20 – January 5), book 2–3 months ahead.
- Weather: if conditions are unsuitable, your captain proposes an adapted itinerary, another time slot or a reschedule at no cost. Cancellation terms are detailed in our FAQ.
Looking for something else? See the sunset cruise, the snorkeling boat tour or all experiences.
Half-day boat tour — FAQ
How much is a half-day boat tour in St Barts?
Rates depend on the yacht, the formula and the season, so we don’t publish a fixed price: the exact price for your date is shown instantly when you book online. The price is for the whole yacht and your private group. Every charter is private and all-inclusive — professional captain, crew and fuel are always covered — and you can pay in euros or US dollars.
What are the half-day schedules?
The morning half day runs from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and the afternoon half day from 1:00 to 4:30 PM, both departing from Gustavia harbor.
Where does a half-day boat tour go?
A half day typically combines two anchorages, most often Colombier Bay for swimming and Shell Beach for the scenery. The captain adapts the route to the wind and swell.
Is lunch included on a half day?
The gourmet lunch on board is included on full-day charters. Half days include soft drinks, and extras such as champagne or a chef can be added when you book.
Which yachts offer the half-day tour?
All three: the Lagoon 55 catamaran (up to 25 guests), the Pardo 43 motor yacht and the Contender 39 (up to 12 guests each).
Is a half-day tour suitable for children?
Yes. Families charter with us every week — share the children’s ages when booking so the crew prepares adapted safety equipment. Colombier is a favorite with kids.
Plan your half day at sea
Choose morning or afternoon and see live availability for your date.