We are traveling to St. B in March and happen to be there during the Bucket. We will be 2 families with young teens and preteens. Would love to see fireworks one night and watch the boats and anything else that might be fun for families. Any advice to first timers? We are booked at Le Barthelemy. Thanks so much.
First timer, will be in SB during Bucket
- Thread starter emcash
- Start date
Thank you! Is there an area where the festivities usually are? Would we likely be near events if we book dinners in Gustavia and/or St. jean over that weekend?
Thank you!
phil62
Senior Insider
Most of the festivities for the Bucket occur on the quay, in Gustavia, each night of the 4 day regatta. There is usually a bar, and very often live music. Also, just walking the quay and viewing these magnificent, world class yacht's is a fantastic experience in itself. In case you haven't figured it out yet, the Bucket is our favorite time to be on Island. I'm sure you and your group will love it. BTW, advance dinner reservations are a must during this time.
Phil
Tiffany
Senior Insider
With it being your first time, I would take a drive to St. Jean and Gustavia from Le B when you get there so that driving at night will not be your first experience on the road there. The kids would enjoy the lower path walking to Columbier beach, it's only accessible by foot or boat. They may also enjoy walking around Toiny and Grand Fond beach, which is closer to your hotel. Not a safe swimming area, but lots of shells, coral and rocks on the beaches to look at. When we were there last week, the Christopher Hotel was showing movies by the pool on certain nights...it was advertised in Le News which is available all over the island. My kids started going as preteens and still love it at 16 and 18, happy to answer any questions if you have them.
KevinS
Senior Insider
One Bucket activity which some here like to do is a shared charter on a catamaran and follow part of the race.
TopLoc is the firm usually mentioned for such shared charters. https://www.toplocstbarth.com/EN/catamaran-ride-st-barts.php
St Barth Sailor may offer a similar option. http://www.stbarthsailor.com/
St Barth Sailor also operates the Yellow Submarine excursion. http://www.stbarthsailor.com/yellow-submarine
TopLoc is the firm usually mentioned for such shared charters. https://www.toplocstbarth.com/EN/catamaran-ride-st-barts.php
St Barth Sailor may offer a similar option. http://www.stbarthsailor.com/
St Barth Sailor also operates the Yellow Submarine excursion. http://www.stbarthsailor.com/yellow-submarine
Izzy
Senior Insider
Some information about on-land viewing can be found in this thread.
Viewing from the water is much better and the start is generally the best experience (a few pics are in this thread). The shared charter with TopLoc that Kevin mentioned has been very well received and has been very cost effective. Because of your numbers, you might also consider a private charter through Toploc, St Barth Sailor or others. If you do this, be aware that the the 3 days of full fleet racing are Friday through Sunday and that the start can be expected to last from about 11AM through at least 1230. Whatever you book should enable being at he start throughout this period. This may require booking as "full day" for a private charter. The TopLoc shared charter approach of watching the start and then sailing to Colombier where a few hours can be spent would also be a great way of organizing a day on a private charter. A cat is probably most comfortable. Power boats let you follow along with the race (the Bucket boats are much faster than the charter cats) but most people seem quite content with sailing to a beach after the start.
The preliminary social schedule as listed on the Bucket website
Viewing from the water is much better and the start is generally the best experience (a few pics are in this thread). The shared charter with TopLoc that Kevin mentioned has been very well received and has been very cost effective. Because of your numbers, you might also consider a private charter through Toploc, St Barth Sailor or others. If you do this, be aware that the the 3 days of full fleet racing are Friday through Sunday and that the start can be expected to last from about 11AM through at least 1230. Whatever you book should enable being at he start throughout this period. This may require booking as "full day" for a private charter. The TopLoc shared charter approach of watching the start and then sailing to Colombier where a few hours can be spent would also be a great way of organizing a day on a private charter. A cat is probably most comfortable. Power boats let you follow along with the race (the Bucket boats are much faster than the charter cats) but most people seem quite content with sailing to a beach after the start.
The preliminary social schedule as listed on the Bucket website
stbartshopper
Senior Insider
A great spot to view the Bucket activities in the Harbor is lunch or dinner at Repaire restaurant in Gustavia. Book it soon. The boat suggestions are a must for your family. Make these arrangements now, but pay attention to the Bucket schedule.
Thank you all so much! This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping for.
