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For those who enjoy the beach and the ocean, Saint Barthélemy, better known as St. Barts or St. Barth, is one of the best places to travel. When one thinks about this little Caribbean island near the top of the Lesser Antilles, one automatically pictures remarkable fine white sand beaches and the breathtaking beauty of its ocean.
St. Barts boasts some of the best beaches along its mere ten square miles of coastline. The island may be small, but if you want to escape the crowds, many isolated coves are surrounded by shallow reefs, rolling hills, and azure waters.
So, discover the island, bring a picnic, or kick off your shoes and follow our guide to 10 St Barts beaches that’ll render you speechless in no time.
Colombier Beach
- Things to Know: Bring everything you need for the day, as this beach is remote and requires a hike.
- Ideal for: Couples
Colombier Beach, possibly the most beautiful beach on St. Barts, is situated near the western tip of the island where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The scene is just as breathtaking underwater as it is above. While snorkeling, visitors can view lobsters, starfish, leopard rays, and sea turtles foraging on the lush seagrass beds.
It’s a thirty-minute hike through paths starting from the neighboring beach or quaint village of Colombier to reach this protected part of the island’s natural marine reserve. Unfortunately, there are no highways leading there. Alternatively, you can adventure along the idyllic waters of Colombier Bay by arriving by boat and anchoring just a few meters from the shore.
Many people who visit the island have never been to Colombier Beach because of its remote location. The lovely u-shaped beach is undeveloped, with no hotels, villas, restaurants, or shops along its shores—just how its devotees prefer it. However, if you don’t mind dragging your food and other necessities in, this is the finest beach for a memorable afternoon.
Gouverneur Beach
- Things to Know: Clothing is not required on the farther right, more private section of the beach. There are also no restrooms and very little shade.
- Ideal for: Couples seeking a romantic afternoon and snorkeling
Gouverneur Beach is a magnificent stretch on the island’s south shore, below the Village of Lurin. If you want to see the underwater world, excellent snorkeling is possible among the rocks on the east side of the beach.
Gouverneur is typically empty, so you might be the only person if you arrive early. There are signs indicating that the area is private property, but if you keep driving down the road, you’ll find plenty of parking close to the beach.
This is one of many must-see St Barts beaches because it has some of the island’s most striking sea colors and scenery. Keep an eye out because it’s widely believed that the French pirate, Captain Monbars, hid his loot in a cave nearby and never found it.
Saline Beach
- Things to Know: A short distance from the parking lot is Le Grain de Sel restaurant.
- Ideal for: Adults – clothing-optional areas can be found on the beach’s far end.
This hidden gem is located on the southernmost point of St. Barts. It is the definition of a tropical utopia with its seemingly infinite expanse of white sand, flanked by bubbling seafoam and incredibly clear water.
The absence of houses, hotels, or restaurants makes Saline beach unlike any other on the island. You travel there by car along a salt pond, where the beach got its name. The beach’s serenity and quiet in the morning make it a popular location for swimmers, runners, and walkers. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of surf and birds.
The left side of the beach has a coral formation suitable for snorkeling while also being an ideal location for an afternoon of sunbathing. Saline Beach is exceptionally long and deep for St. Barts, with plenty of parking. It’s just a short walk down a sandy path to the beach. Sand can get relatively warm along the trek; therefore, sandals are advised.
Shell Beach
- Things to Know: If your feet are sensitive, use water shoes because the “sand” is comprised of shells.
- Ideal for: Everyone
Shell Beach, tucked away behind the island’s capital’s busy dock, is a fantastic little beach town. Beloved by locals and savvy tourists, it’s the only “in town” beach on the island, just a short stroll from Gustavia’s shopping area. The sands here are covered in an abundance of blush pink and golden-hued seashells.
The beach, which faces southwest, has some of the best sunset views, so stay for that. Visit Shellona restaurant right on the beach to enjoy the crispy mahi-mahi tacos and toast the sunset with a cocktail. Sunbeds, live music, and DJs are all part of the entertainment.
Flamands Beach
- Things to Know: Non-guests can hire chaise lounges and umbrellas from Cheval Blanc Isle de France and Hotel Baie des Anges.
- Ideal for: Everyone but small children
Put on your flip-flops and stroll alongside the waves as they lap at the shore. Covered in wispy, white sand, the west-facing beachfront of Flamands provides views of the sunset’s dazzling hues until it disappears behind the hillsides surrounding Colombier Beach.
Flamands Beach’s surf can be rough, so it’s not suggested for families with young children. Bodyboarders and surfers can be seen when the wind blows over the water.
St. Jean Beach
- Things to Know: This is St. Barts’ most popular beach.
- Ideal for: People-watching, dining with your toes in the sand, and watching small planes take off and land at the airport
Home to the well-known Pearl Beach Hotel, the stunning Saint Jean Beach is one of the busiest and most well-liked beaches. The St. Barts Airport runway ends at this beach’s far western section, which is roped off.
This mile-long stretch of white sand offers a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other beach on the island, with plenty to offer everyone from families to honeymooners and surfers to sunbathers. People-watch while enjoying succulent grilled lobster from Pearl Beach restaurant or possibly spot a celebrity at nearby Nikki Beach. Save some room for the truffle pizza at Eden Rock Hotel’s Sand Bar!
Grand Cul de Sac Beach
- Things to Know: This beach doesn’t have public restrooms. However, you can use the facilities at the hotel restaurants if you make a purchase.
- Ideal for: Anyone who enjoys beachfront dining and watersports
Grand Cul de Sac Beach’s protected, shallow waters are perfect for watersports, including windsurfing, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. As with other well-liked beaches on St. Barts, several opulent hotels, including Le Sereno Hotel, are within walking distance of the beach with mouthwatering restaurants.
This beach is popular with families and snorkelers who love to watch the sea life swimming due to its reef-protected warm, turquoise waters. So, bring the kids to this lovely lagoon for a family-friendly outing you’ll never forget.
Lorient Beach
- Things to Know: There are no restrooms available in this area. However, there are two restaurants and a market directly across the street.
- Ideal for: Families
Untouched Lorient Beach’s long expanse of white sand features a striking backdrop of emerald-green mountains and patches of tin roofs. Lorient Beach is one of the greatest St Barts beaches and a favorite among tourists for its collection of luxury rental homes.
It offers superb surfing at its western end and relatively calmer waves for swimming, snorkeling, kite surfing, and paddleboarding at its eastern end. Lorient is one of the island’s longest beaches, with several tiny natural pools that even the youngest children can enjoy.
Marigot Beach
- Things to Know: This beach is unique, with many shaded areas, and compared to most other beaches, it’s pretty rocky.
- Ideal for: Snorkeling and solitude
Few travel publications feature this short, U-shaped section of shoreline. So, most Margot beachgoers are locals, leaving it fairly empty during the week. Marigot Beach is close to hotels and private villas in the Pointe Milou and Grand Cul de Sac regions on the island’s northeastern coast.
This tranquil small bay, a part of the marine reserve, offers solitude amidst rolling green hills. So pop a cork, plant your toes in the sand, and relax while listening to the waves. Conchs and sea turtles abound!
Corossol Beach
- Things to Know: This beach isn’t close to any restaurants or shops.
- Ideal for: Families seeking a peaceful setting for a picnic, swim, or snorkel
Fishing boats bob in the waves, while charming homes are grouped around shallow blue seas. While taking a break from tanning, stroll by the houses on Corossol Beach, each of which sells handmade goods, like sun hats, woven bags, and even Christmas decor if the season is right.
This small coastal community features a harbor and beach bounded by rugged hills. Locals can be seen unwinding on the narrow stretch of sand next to the sea wall, but tourists are seldom present. Excellent snorkeling is available close to the coast and near the pier. Picnic, swim, sunbathe, and snorkel to your heart’s delight!
Enjoy These Stunning St. Barts Beaches
There you have it- more beautiful beaches than you could visit in just one week vacationing on St. Barts. This might just be what you need to extend your trip just enough to see them all! With beautiful beach houses and luxury villas strewn throughout the island, you can find the perfect accommodation on your idyllic beach.
