France
CaribbeanSaint-Barthélemy, also called St Barts, is a small French island in the Caribbean. It is known for beautiful beaches, fine dining and luxury shopping.
Why go
Beaches such as Saint-Jean and Shell Beach.
Gustavia's harbour, old stone buildings and luxury shops.
Surfing, snorkelling, diving and windsurfing.
French and local food in garden restaurants.
Annual events include Carnival in February and The Bucket sailing event in late March.
Best time to go: Christmas and New Year are the busiest period, and high season lasts until mid-April. Low season brings discounts on accommodation and car rentals.
Getting there
By air
- Small propeller planes fly from St Martin and San Juan.
- The airport has a short runway. Pilots need a special licence to land here.
By sea
- Boats and ferries connect the island with St Martin and St Maarten. Crossings can be rough, depending on the weather and season.
- Voyager ferries connect Gustavia with Oyster Pond and Marigot on Saint Martin.
Getting around
Rental car
Everything on the island is within a half-hour drive. Roads are narrow, steep and winding. Small four-wheel-drive vehicles are a popular choice. Some holiday packages include a small car or jeep.
Taxi
Taxis are available. There is no public transport on the island.
Scooter
Scooters are available to rent, but they are not advised because of the narrow, steep and winding roads.
What to see and do
Gustavia
The capital has a harbour filled with sailboats and large yachts. Explore old stone buildings, three forts and a lighthouse above the town.
Anse de Grande Saline salt ponds
Look for tropical birds around the salt ponds.
Saint Jean Bay
East of Gustavia, this bay faces the airport and has the island's most popular beach. It is also a place to surf.
Shell Beach
Close to Gustavia port, this bay has clear water and views of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Corossol
This small fishing village has handmade baskets and hats made from latan leaves.
Surf
Surf spots include Toiny, Lorient, Anse des Cayes and Saint-Jean. Equipment rentals and guides are available in Saint-Jean and Gustavia.
Food and drink
Eddy's
French and local food in a relaxed tropical garden in Gustavia. Wine and cocktails are also available.
Orega
A restaurant in central Gustavia that combines French and Japanese cooking.
Le Tamarin
French and international food in a romantic garden setting in Grande Saline.
Le Select
A place in Gustavia to meet locals and sailors.
Nikki Beach
A beach venue on Saint-Jean known for celebrations.
Le Ti St Barth
A party venue in Pointe Milou with dinner, a cabaret show and dancing to music played by a disc jockey. Guests can use costumes from its Fancy Dress Room.
Money
Euro (€), divided into 100 cents.
- The island mainly serves visitors seeking luxury holidays.
- Deals are scarce during high season.
- Low season can bring significant discounts on hotels, villas and car rentals.
Typical costs
- Some restaurants offer a basic meal for two for under US$100, including two main dishes, a bottle of wine, and salad or dessert.
- Food is expensive because everything except fish is imported.
- Budget hotels and reasonably priced villas and apartments are available.
Language
- French is the official language.
- English is widely spoken, especially by people working in tourism.
- Creole is spoken on the windward side, and varieties of Patois on the leeward side.
- La Pointe is an English-speaking area.
- Bonjour
- Hello; say this when entering a shop or restaurant.
- Au revoir
- Goodbye; say this when leaving.
Staying safe
- Petty theft can occur. Do not leave valuables in your car.
- Use the safe in your hotel or villa.
- Drive carefully on narrow, steep and winding roads.
- Small four-wheel-drive vehicles are preferred for local roads. Renting a scooter is not advised.
Local customs
Do
- Say "Bonjour" when entering a shop or restaurant and "Au revoir" when leaving.
- Greet strangers when passing them in an uncrowded place.
- Greet every person individually when meeting a group.
- Men commonly shake hands on their first meeting of the day.
- Greetings involving women commonly include a kiss on each cheek, starting with the right cheek. This greeting is also usually done only once a day.
Don't
- Avoid honking your horn; it is considered very impolite.
- Do not repeat a handshake with the same man if you have already greeted him that day.
Where to stay
- Accommodation includes budget hotels, apartments and luxury hotels.
- Most visitor rooms are in private villas rather than hotels.
- Villas range from one to six bedrooms. Most are on hillsides, though beachfront villas are also available.
- Hotels are generally small, and there are no high-rise buildings or massive resorts.
Outdoor adventures in Saint Barthélemy
Saint-Barthélemy has beautiful beaches, surfing bays and dive sites close to shore. You can also snorkel, watch tropical birds by salt ponds or climb Morne de Vitet, which rises to 286 metres.
Saint Jean Bay beach
Beachenear Gustavia
Find the beach east of Gustavia, facing the airport.
Shell Beach
Beachenear Gustavia
Visit the bay near Gustavia port.
Pain de Sucre diving
Scuba divingnear Gustavia
Reach the dive site by boat from Gustavia port. The boat trip takes about five minutes.
Anse de Marigot snorkelling
SnorkellingAnse de Marigot
Snorkel from the beach with goggles, a snorkel and fins.
Saint-Jean surfing
SurfingSaint-Jean
Surf in Saint-Jean Bay. Shops in Saint-Jean and Gustavia rent equipment, and guides are available.
Toiny surfing
SurfingToiny
Head to Toiny to surf. Rent equipment in Saint-Jean or Gustavia; guides are also available.
Lorient surfing
SurfingLorient
Head to Lorient to surf. Shops in Saint-Jean and Gustavia rent equipment, and guides are available.
Anse des Cayes surfing
SurfingAnse des Cayes
Surf at Anse des Cayes. Arrange rental equipment or a guide through shops in Saint-Jean or Gustavia.
Colombier Bay diving
Scuba divingColombier Bay
Dive at the sites around Colombier Bay.
Groupers diving
Scuba divingBetween Saint Martin and Saint-Barthélemy
The Groupers dive sites lie between Saint Martin and Saint-Barthélemy.
Morne de Vitet ascent
HikeMorne de Vitet
Climb to the top of Morne de Vitet.
Saint Jean windsurfing
More to doSaint Jean
Use a windsurfing club in Saint Jean. Clubs offer equipment and training sessions.
Anse de Grande Saline birdwatching
WildlifeAnse de Grande Saline
Look for tropical birds around the salt ponds at Anse de Grande Saline.
The Bucket sailing event
Sailing
Late MarchTime your visit for late March, when the annual sailing event takes place.
Airports, metros and trains in Saint Barthélemy
Airports with scheduled flights
- SBHSt. Jean AirportGustavia
People and safety in Saint Barthélemy
LGBT+ travellers
Legal and protected
- Same-sex couples can marry.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 9 of 16 countries can visit Saint Barthélemy easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required9
- Visa required7
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Americas6 of 7 countries
- Europe2 of 3 countries
- Asia1 of 6 countries
Questions
Is Saint Barthélemy part of France?
Saint Barthélemy is a territory linked to France, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit France.
Does a France visa let me visit Saint Barthélemy?
Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for France may not cover Saint Barthélemy. Check the Saint Barthélemy visa page for your passport.
How can I get to Saint-Barthélemy?
Small planes arrive from St Martin and San Juan. Ferries also connect Gustavia with St Martin and St Maarten.
Is there public transport?
No. You can rent a car or take a taxi; scooters are available but are not advised because of the roads.
What money should I use?
The official currency is the euro (€), divided into 100 cents.
When is the busiest season?
Christmas and New Year are the peak period. High season continues until mid-April, while low season offers accommodation and car rental discounts.
Can I get by speaking English?
English is widely spoken, especially in tourism. French is the official language.
Are there affordable places to stay?
Budget hotels and reasonably priced villas and apartments are available, although the island mainly serves luxury tourism.
Is eating out expensive?
Yes, food prices are high because everything except fish is imported. Some restaurants offer a basic meal for two with wine for under US$100.
Where can I snorkel?
Snorkelling is possible close to the beach. Locals recommend Anse de Marigot.
Reviewed by @snuck