St Lucia Crewed Yacht Charters

St. Lucia sits in the middle of the Windward Islands, stretching 25 nautical miles from Rodney Bay to the Pitons. Popular west-coast stops like Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, Anse Cochon, and Soufrière offer easy access by boat.

This central location allows vessels to head north or south.

Highlights include anchoring below the Pitons and visiting the sheltered bay at Marigot.

Most St. Lucia yacht charters operate from December to April on the winter trade winds. St. Lucia serves as an ideal base for exploring the region between Martinique and the Grenadines.

Why Charter a Yacht in St. Lucia

St. Lucia's leeward coast stretches from Rodney Bay in the north to the Piton Management Area in the south. Because the island's wind shadow protects this entire area, travelers enjoy a week of short, calm hops.

This is rare for a Windward Islands charter, which is why many crewed catamarans and sailing yachts spend winter here. Many of the best spots, like the mooring field beneath the Pitons, the reefs at Anse Cochon, and the inlet at Marigot Bay, are accessible only by boat.

The Pitons and a Coast Best Seen from the Water

Gros Piton and Petit Piton rise over 2,000 feet from the sea, creating the views travelers envision when booking St. Lucia yacht charters.

This area operates as a marine park, so vessels must use mooring buoys instead of dropping anchor, per Soufrière Marine Management Association guidelines. North of the mooring field, Anse Cochon and Anse Chastanet feature shallow reefs sheltered from trade winds. Because roads do not reach these spots, a yacht charter is the best way to visit.

A Natural Base for the Windward Islands

Martinique is a day's sail north of Rodney Bay, while St. Vincent is a longer day's sail south of the Pitons. St. Lucia’s location makes it the ideal hub for yacht charters compared to neighboring islands.

Charters heading south reach the Grenadines by the second day. Guests on a standard seven-day trip can also reach Bequia, the Tobago Cays, and Mayreau. Charters heading north visit different islands, cultures, and anchorages before returning at the end of the week.

Where to Sail on a St. Lucia Yacht Charter

St. Lucia charters typically move between anchorages: Rodney Bay in the north, Marigot Bay in the center, and Soufrière and the Pitons in the south.

This route lets yachts complete the journey in one week while leaving extra time for anchored stays.

Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island

Rodney Bay is a partially landlocked harbor at the north end of the leeward coast. Vessels anchored inside enjoy calm water despite strong offshore trade winds.

The Rodney Bay Marina offers full-service port-of-entry facilities, making it the standard start or end point for charters. Yacht tenders provide quick access to Pigeon Island National Park and the Fort Rodney ruins.

Gros Islet lies a ten-minute ride across the bay, offering convenient access to the Friday night street party.

Marigot Bay and Anse Cochon

Marigot Bay is a narrow, palm-fringed inlet that has protected yachts as a hurricane hole for centuries. Capella Marina, located within the inlet, operates as a full-service port of entry. The bay is one of the Caribbean’s most photographed anchorages.

Travelers often anchor for two nights to explore the water and local shore-side restaurants. A short sail south reaches Anse Cochon. This boat-only snorkeling stop features a reef near the beach and clear water on the leeward side.

Soufrière and the Pitons

Soufrière is St. Lucia's primary southern destination because it offers the best access to the iconic Pitons. Yachts visiting the mountains must use mooring buoys when anchoring within the Piton Management Area.

On shore, Soufrière offers access to the Diamond Botanical Gardens, the Sulphur Springs, and the Tet Paul Nature Trail. Hikers must book guided tours for Gros Piton in advance.

South to the Grenadines, North to Martinique

Two onward routes open from St. Lucia. The North route leads to Martinique for a change of flag and cuisine over a shorter passage.

The South route leads through St. Vincent and the Grenadines toward Grenada, the more popular of the two. Both routes cross international waters and require clearing customs before departure.

Sample St. Lucia Charter Itinerary

The one-way charter from St. Lucia to Grenada covers 121 nautical miles across the Windward Islands, with stops at Marigot Bay, the Pitons, St. Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, and the Tobago Cays.

The sail from St. Lucia to St. Vincent is the trip’s longest leg, and guests clear customs at each border. This route suits guests who want to see the entire Windward Islands arc.

View the full Saint Lucia to Grenada itinerary for details.

Choosing Your Charter Yacht

The yacht choice depends on the group, the route, and how much time will be spent under sail. Catamarans and sailing yachts work well along the leeward coast, while larger motor yachts offer the range needed for two-country itineraries.

Catamarans and Sailing Yachts

Most guests in St. Lucia book crewed catamarans. These boats can hold up to 10 guests, stay stable at anchor, and fit easily into shallow spots like Anse Cochon or the Piton mooring fields.

Sailing monohulls also hold 10 people and are perfect for an authentic sailing experience. For example, sailing from Rodney Bay to the Pitons offers an excellent half-day on the water. Both types usually offer all-inclusive pricing.

Motor Yachts and Superyachts

Motor yachts and superyachts can hold up to 12 guests. The motors on these yachts let guests travel quickly to the Grenadines or Martinique, giving them more time at anchor.

These ships can dock at Rodney Bay Marina, which can handle large vessels up to 280 feet with 15-foot drafts. These yachts usually operate on a 'plus-expenses' basis.

What’s Included

A crewed St. Lucia yacht charter combines private use of the yacht with the services of a professional crew. Crew composition varies by yacht and may include a captain, chef, and additional service or deck crew, depending on the vessel and charter arrangement.

Meal service is typically tailored to the charterer's preferences and dietary requirements. Before the charter, a preference sheet helps the crew plan menus and provisioning according to the charterer's requirements.

Depending on the yacht and rate structure, charter rates may include meals, selected beverages, and use of onboard water toys and equipment such as snorkelling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks. Inclusions vary by yacht and should be confirmed as part of the charter terms.

How Much Does a St. Lucia Yacht Charter Cost?

The weekly rate depends on the yacht type, yacht size, season, and demand. Peak weeks over Christmas and New Year command the highest rates.

All-Inclusive and Plus-Expenses Rates

Most crewed catamarans and sailing yachts in the Caribbean use an all-inclusive model. One weekly rate covers meals, fuel, water, and equipment use.

Larger motor yachts and superyachts use a 'plus-expenses' model. The base rate covers the yacht and crew, while guests pay for fuel, food, and dockage through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA).

Guests pay the APA to the captain before the trip usually 20 to 25 percent of the base rate for sailing yachts and 30 to 35 percent for motor yachts.

The captain provides a detailed expense report at the end of the charter. Any unused funds are refunded, while any additional expenses are settled at that time.

Extra Costs

Whether the yacht operates on an all-inclusive or plus-expenses basis, the charter rate and inclusions vary by yacht and should be confirmed as part of the charter terms.

Gratuity is optional but standard in the Caribbean at 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee. Guests pay this directly to the captain at the end of the trip. The broker will clarify all included costs and extra expenses before booking.

The Best Time for a St. Lucia Yacht Charter

The Caribbean charter season lasts from December through July. St. Lucia lies within the hurricane belt from June to November.

Peak Season: December to April

Dry winds, calm seas, and 75°F to 85°F temperatures make December through April the best time for a St. Lucia yacht charter. Water temperatures stay near 83°F year-round.

This busy season fills up quickly, so book your yacht six to nine months early. Holiday dates like Christmas and New Year sell out a year in advance.

Hurricane Season and the Shoulder Months

St. Lucia sits in the hurricane belt from June to November, with the most storms occurring between August and October. Many yachts leave the region during these months.

May and early June offer a quieter, warmer alternative to the peak season with better rates. The St. Lucia Jazz Festival in early May attracts visitors to the island. Late November also signals the return of yachts as the new season begins.

Getting to St. Lucia and Getting Aboard

St. Lucia has two airports. Hewanorra International in the south caters to long-haul flights and is 90 minutes from Rodney Bay, while George F. L. Charles in Castries serves regional flights and is just 15 to 20 minutes from Rodney Bay.

Plan Your St. Lucia Yacht Charter with Ritzy Yachts

Our yacht brokers prepare a complimentary, tailored proposal based on your group size, preferred travel dates, itinerary, and charter preferences.

Contact our brokers about sailing the Windward Islands and browse our available fleet of luxury yachts, from crewed catamarans and sailing monohulls to motor yachts and superyachts across the Caribbean, including the Grenadines, the British Virgin Islands, and St. Martin, St. Barts, and Anguilla.