Within the same region
Anguilla vs Saint Barthélemy
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Anguilla | Saint Barthélemy |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | easy to moderate | moderate |
| Recommended level | beginner friendly | intermediate |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 17 / 13 kn | 18 / 13 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | XCD (pegged to USD) | EUR |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $11,500 | $22,000 |
| Luxury tier price | $45,000 | $90,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Quiet, family-friendly. Often skipped by American bareboat fleet who focus on BVI. Short hop from St Martin (5nm).
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Most expensive Caribbean charter destination. Suited to crewed charters; bareboat limited. New Year's / Christmas fully booked 6+ months in advance.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Anguilla averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
Saint Barthélemy averages 18 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Anguilla is generally rated easy to moderate and Saint Barthélemy is moderate. The difference matters: Saint Barthélemy asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $4,500
- Mid season: $11,500
- High season: $22,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $45,000+
- Low season: $8,000
- Mid season: $22,000
- High season: $40,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $90,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Shoal Bay — Often voted world's best beach
- Mead's Bay — Calm; long beach
- Prickly Pear Cays — Day trip; BBQ lunch
- Rendezvous Bay — Anchorage; mellow
- Gustavia — Red-tin-roof harbor town
- St Jean beach — Iconic landing strip beach
- Colombier Beach — Hike-in or anchor; pristine
- Pointe à Lézard — Turtle and reef
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Anguilla. It's the more forgiving first-charter ground — charter fleets are abundant, marina staff speak English, checkout sails are standard.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Anguilla vs Saint Barthélemy. Read the must-visit lists above.
Anguilla has 0 cultural anchorages vs Saint Barthélemy's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Timing and Budget: Anguilla vs Saint Barthélemy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anguilla or Saint Barthélemy better for a first-time charter? ▾
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When is the best time to visit Anguilla vs Saint Barthélemy? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Anguilla vs Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Which has better flight access — Anguilla or Saint Barthélemy? ▾
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Choose Between Anguilla & Saint Barthélemy
Tell us your dates and group. We'll recommend the right one — honestly.