Destination comparison
Saint Barthélemy vs French Polynesia (Tahiti)
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Saint Barthélemy | French Polynesia (Tahiti) |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | South Pacific |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | May, Nov |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | moderate |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 18 / 13 kn | 14 / 15 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Currency | EUR | XPF (pegged to EUR) |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $22,000 | $16,000 |
| Luxury tier price | $90,000 | $70,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
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
Cyclone season December-April (most charter companies halt). Tuamotu archipelagos reachable by ~150nm passages. Society Islands (Tahiti/Raiatea/Bora) easier. Reefy anchorages.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 5 must-visit anchorages
- • 4 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Saint Barthélemy averages 18 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
French Polynesia (Tahiti) averages 14 knots in winter and 15 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Jan, Feb, Mar.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Saint Barthélemy is generally rated moderate and French Polynesia (Tahiti) is moderate. They're at the same level — your decision will hinge on route and vibe, not on whether you can handle the conditions.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $8,000
- Mid season: $22,000
- High season: $40,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $90,000+
- Low season: $6,500
- Mid season: $16,000
- High season: $30,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $70,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- 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
- Bora Bora — Iconic lagoon
- Fakarava — UNESCO biosphere; hammerhead dives
- Rangiroa — Tiputa Pass dive; drift snorkel
- Taha'a — Vanilla-scent; same lagoon as Raiatea
- Huahine — Less-touristy; vanilla plantations
Which Should You Choose?
Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Saint Barthélemy or French Polynesia (Tahiti).
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Saint Barthélemy vs French Polynesia (Tahiti). Read the must-visit lists above.
Saint Barthélemy has 1 cultural anchorages vs French Polynesia (Tahiti)'s 3. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Timing and Budget: Saint Barthélemy vs French Polynesia (Tahiti)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Barthélemy or French Polynesia (Tahiti) better for a first-time charter? ▾
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When is the best time to visit Saint Barthélemy vs French Polynesia (Tahiti)? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Saint Barthélemy vs French Polynesia (Tahiti)? ▾
Which has better flight access — Saint Barthélemy or French Polynesia (Tahiti)? ▾
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Choose Between Saint Barthélemy & French Polynesia (Tahiti)
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