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Destination comparison

Florida vs Saint Barthélemy

Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.

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Quick Comparison

Dimension Florida Saint Barthélemy
Region US East Coast & Florida Caribbean
Peak season Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Shoulder May, Nov Nov, May
Sailing difficulty beginner friendly moderate
Recommended level beginner intermediate
Avg wind (winter / summer) 15 / 9 kn 18 / 13 kn
Hurricane risk Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct Aug, Sep, Oct
Currency USD EUR
Mid-tier price (7 days) $12,000 $22,000
Luxury tier price $55,000 $90,000
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At a Glance

US East Coast & Florida
Florida

Florida is the US catamaran gateway: huge fleets, bareboat-friendly checkout, and 300+ days of sun. November-May is the season - 75-80°F, Gulf Stream easterlies and calm Keys water. June-October brings afternoon storms and hurricane risk, but also the lowest prices of the year.

  • • 2 base marinas
  • • 3 must-visit anchorages
  • • 11 boats in our fleet database for this region
Caribbean
Saint Barthélemy

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

Florida averages 15 knots in winter and 9 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Jun, Jul, 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, Florida is generally rated beginner friendly 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):

Florida
  • Low season: $4,800
  • Mid season: $12,000
  • High season: $28,000
  • Luxury / crewed peak: $55,000+
Saint Barthélemy
  • 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

Florida
  • Florida Keys Overseas Highway — Key Largo to Key West - 100+ miles of reef-protected, shallow water
  • Dry Tortugas National Park — Fort Jefferson and the clearest water in Florida; a 70 nm passage from Key West
  • Everglades (Flamingo) — Mangrove wilderness and a real offshore feel just an hour from Miami
Saint Barthélemy
  • 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?

If you've never chartered before

Choose Florida. It's the more forgiving first-charter ground — charter fleets are abundant, marina staff speak English, checkout sails are standard.

If you want warmer / tropical water

Choose Saint Barthélemy. Warmer water year-round (often 75–85°F), palm-fringed anchorages.

If you want history / culture / food

Florida has 0 cultural anchorages vs Saint Barthélemy's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.

Captain's Take

"Fort Lauderdale is the least intimidating place in the world to start a catamaran charter - the Intracoastal gives you a protected shakedown and the Keys give you your first ocean miles in tiny steps. The classic week is down the Keys with an overnight in Key West. Keep an eye on the Gulf Stream: it runs north at 2-4kt and decides every passage you make. Summer afternoons bring building storms; plan to be anchored by 15:00."

— Captain E. (2Hulls editorial charter captain), local captain · year_round note · verified 2026-09-09

Timing and Budget: Florida vs Saint Barthélemy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florida or Saint Barthélemy better for a first-time charter? ▾
Florida is the safer first-charter choice — sailing is beginner friendly and beginner. Saint Barthélemy is better as a second-charter destination: intermediate.
Which is cheaper to charter — Florida or Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Florida is the cheaper of the two at the mid-tier: ~$12,000/week vs ~$22,000/week for Saint Barthélemy (mid-size catamaran, shoulder season). Bareboat low-season starts around $4,800 in Florida vs $8,000 in Saint Barthélemy.
When is the best time to visit Florida vs Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Florida: peak Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr; shoulder May, Nov; off Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Saint Barthélemy: peak Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr; shoulder Nov, May; off Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Both are Caribbean-style (peak = Dec–Apr).
How do sailing conditions compare — Florida vs Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Florida: typical winter winds 15 knots, summer 9 knots. Sailing difficulty: beginner friendly. Hurricane risk: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Saint Barthélemy: typical winter winds 18 knots, summer 13 knots. Sailing difficulty: moderate. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
Which has better flight access — Florida or Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Florida: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) / Miami (MIA), also Key West (EYW), Tampa (TPA) for the Gulf. Saint Barthélemy: Gustaf III (SBH), also Connection through SXM.
Which is more beginner-friendly, Florida or Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Florida is the more beginner-friendly choice (beginner). Saint Barthélemy is geared toward intermediate charterers and you'll want sailing experience to handle its conditions confidently.
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