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A Quick Guide to Saint-Barthélemy Island – St Barts
Saint-Barthélemy Island, also known as St. Barts (English) or St.Barth (French), is one of the French Overseas Territories in the Caribbean (French Antilles), together with Saint-Martin, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.
St. Barts Island’s capital is Gustavia, where you will find high-end shops and restaurants. Besides the luxe vibe, the island has many flawless beaches, perfect for relaxing, having fun at a beach club, or doing water sports.
Known as the jewel of the French Caribbean, a trip to St. Barts will make for a glamorous holiday, as the island is the playground for the rich and famous! Check out this St. Barts travel guide for first-timers, where you will find all you need to know to organize your St. Barts vacation.
How to Get to St. Barts Island
Like most of the secluded Caribbean islands, getting to St. Barts is not easy. Here’s how to get to St. Barts island:
How to Fly to St. Barts
Gustaf III Airport (SBH) is the airport on Saint-Barthélemy island. There aren’t direct flights to St. Barts from the US and Europe, so you can only fly to St. Barts’ Gustaf III Airport from neighboring islands.
In fact, you will most likely land at St. Maarten Airport (SXM) and arrive at St. Barts by a small commuter plane, which transfer lasts for only 15 minutes – Click here to book your flight tickets to St. Barts
By Cruise
There are only a few companies providing “classic” cruises to St. Barts. You can book a cruise that calls on St. Barts through the following lines: Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Star Clippers.
Getting Around St. Barts
First things first, there is no public transport on the island. So, the easiest way to get around St. Barts is by renting a car or a scooter to have complete freedom to explore it at your own pace.
Car rental services are available at the airport and the port. I recommend reserving a car in advance at DiscoverCars for the best choice and prices – Click here to book your car in St. Barts
Best Time to Visit Saint-Barts Island
Low Season
Hot temperatures and strong wind characterize the summer period from June to August, as it is the start of the hurricane season.
While the weather could be better, visiting St. Barts in the low season means you won’t find crowds around and can enjoy empty beaches. Prices during the low season are lower, too.
High Season
December to February is the best time of year to visit St. Barts Island. The tropical weather, with an average temperature of 27C (81F) and almost no rainfall, makes the island a perfect wintertime getaway.
However, peak season means tourists everywhere, with the prices of activities and hotels rising.
Hurricane Season in St. Barts
Caribbean Islands are annually hit by hurricane season, with the weather being highly unpredictable.
The hurricane season in St. Barts begins in late summer and goes through fall (until November). The hurricane season brings uncomfortably hot temperatures and lots of wind in St. Barts.
Things to Do in Saint Barts Island
Most people travel to St. Barts for a relaxing holiday, but there are also some fun things to do for more active travelers.
Beach Day
St. Barts has a great collection of wonderful and varied beaches.
One of the best beaches on the island is Shell Beach (west), which has a unique surface made up of millions of tiny shells instead of sand.
The gorgeous Flamand Beach (northwest), with yellow sand and palm trees, is the perfect spot for relaxing as it is rather secluded and offers more privacy than other beaches.
The picture-perfect beaches of Anse de Colombier (northwest) and Guanahani Beach (northeast) are considered the most beautiful beaches in St. Barts. With turquoise-blue waters and white-pearl pebbles, visiting it is a must!
A pretty cool beach with a festive atmosphere, Nikki Beach (Gustavia) is a boho-chich club frequented by world-famous stars. This beach club is particularly popular for its large New Year’s Eve celebration.
Visit Gustavia, the Capital
Gustavia is St. Barts’s capital city, a lively place where Caribbean charm and upscale elements mix. With luxurious yachts anchored in the harbor and haute-couture boutiques, Gustavia is also a great spot to learn about the island’s colonial past.
St. Barts’s colonial heritage is evident in Gustavia’s architecture, in its elegant, colonial-style houses and churches. One of the most notable examples of colonial architecture is Gustavia Church.
Keep exploring St. Barts’s past by visiting Karl Fort and Fort Gustave. Both were built during the Swedish rule of the island. Karl Fort is located on a small hill overlooking the stunning Shell Beach. Fort Gustav was originally constructed as the harbor’s protection, and it is free to visit today.
Lastly, stop by the Territorial Museum of Gustavia (La Pointe, Gustavia; opens from Monday to Saturday), also known as Wall House, which was established to safeguard the local heritage. The museum is very small but well-organized and displays historical pieces and a lot of local art.
St. Barts Water Activities
St. Barts is a true paradise for water activities enthusiasts!
Go diving at Lorient Beach, on the island’s northern shore, which houses a large coral reef with lots of sea life. The spot is known for being inhabited by sea turtles.
St. Barts is a surfing mecca with great swells that are a true dream for pro surfers. Head to Lorient Beach, Anse des Cayes, and Anse Toiny for perfect swells that are ideal for every level.
Discover Saint Barthélemy island on a jet ski tour of the island from Grand Cul-de-Sac beach! Supervised by a qualified guide and instructor, this jet ski tour in Saint Barthélemy is an unforgettable experience that combines thrills, short breaks for swimming, and the sublime landscapes unique to this small Caribbean island.
Windsurfing is another of the popular things to do in St. Barts. The best spot on the island to windsurf is Anse Grand-Cul-de-Sac, a perfect bay hit by sea breezes and frothy swells. A great alternative is Saint-Jean Beach.
Hiking
Unmissable while on St. Barts is hiking up to the island’s highest points to marvel at breathtaking views. The best spot to do it is Morne du Vitet, which, with its 286 meters, is St. Barts’s highest point. There are lovely trails around it that you can walk for a fun afternoon.
St. Barts offers plenty of highly rewarding hiking trails. Head to the path that starts alongside Saint-Jean Beach to arrive at the natural pools of Grand Fond for a special swim.
Hike out to Pointe à Toiny, which trail begins just past the Hotel Le Toiny and stretches along great viewpoints. Pointe à Toiny is perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch.
Experience St. Barts’s Gourmet Festival
If you are visiting St. Barts in November, you must attend the Gourmet Festival. A four-day festival that celebrates the French gastronomic experience, it is sponsored by Michelin-starred participants. The festival hosts some of France’s finest chefs for unforgettable luxurious multi-course tasting dinners.
The St. Barts Gourmet Festival has become one of the most popular festivals on the island, celebrating worldwide talent and the expertise of the local chefs working at top-notch restaurants and hotels.
Get ready to experience the best of French cuisine in a paradisiac environment!
Take a Boat Tour
No trip to a Caribbean island would be complete without a boat tour! Exploring the tropical St. Barts island aboard a boat is the best way to enjoy the area’s incredible scenery and experience a blissful day in paradise.
Rent a boat in St. Barts, with or without a skipper, to enjoy a day out in the Caribbean Sea. Cruise around crystal-clear waters, and drop the anchor here and there for a refreshing swim, wonderful snorkeling, or a sublime paddle in the ocean.
For an extra special experience, take a luxury motorboat tour or chart a catamaran with a private skipper for the day!
Click here for all the boat rental options in St. Barthélemy
Enjoy the Beach Clubs
St. Barts might be a tiny tropical island, but it has a vibrant nightlife and luxurious beach clubs for all-day fun. Animated by great music, with expert bartenders ready to make you incredible cocktails and great restaurants, beach clubs are a great way to spend your time!
Gyp Sea Beach Club (Baie de Saint-Jean) is an incredible bohemian-chic place on the stunning Pelican Beach. The club includes a bar, a restaurant that serves delicious meals, and a boutique selling stylish clothing and accessories. At night, the club turns into a lively hangout spot.
Shellona Beach Club (Shell Beach, Gustavia) is perfect if you prefer a more intimate atmosphere. The club offers private cabanas and sun loungers for a great sunbathing time, a restaurant where you can taste innovative Greek food, and a bar by the pool with vibey music.
Shopping in St. Barthélemy
St. Barts is a shopping paradise! Duty-free products can be bought in Gustavia, and they are usually cheaper than in France mainland.
The center of the retail action is Gustavia’s Quai de la République, nicknamed “Rue du Couturier.” Haute-couture brands like Bulgari and Hermès and luxury items such as perfumes, watches, and liquors make Gustavia one of the shopping capitals of the Caribbean.
Head to the upscale Carré d’Or Plaza to shop St. Barts’s local brands and creative designers.
If you prefer to shop for local crafts, Gustavia is also the right spot! Look for intricately woven straw baskets and bags or striking art items, including models of Creole cazes and fishing boats, for a great souvenir.
Best Places to Stay in St. Barts Island
St. Barts is undoubtedly a luxury destination, so you won’t find camping spots or bed and breakfast solutions for budget travelers. However, there is some variety in accommodation as you can opt between all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels, and luxury villas.
All-inclusive resorts on St. Barts island are more affordable as they include food, drinks, activities, and entertainment in the booking price. These are the best resorts in St. Barts (highlighted on the map above):
Luxury hotels in St. Barts offer guests a wide range of on-site facilities, like a spa, gym, outdoor pool, and restaurant, as well as finely decorated suites with top-notch amenities. Here’s a top choice of luxury hotels in St-Barths (highlighted on the map above):
- Tropical Hotel St Barth
- Hotel Villa Lodges 4 Epices
- Hotel Les Ondines sur La Plage
- Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
Luxury villas are the best places to stay in St. Barts. Besides being in a great location with fantastic views, luxury villas feature special architectural details, design elements, and upscale amenities like a hot tub or a private swimming pool. Browse the map above to find some good deals.
And there you have it, a quick St. Barts travel guide with the best things to do in St. Barts, how to get around, and the best hotels and resorts on St. Barts island.