Unmissable Things to Do in St. Barts

The glamorous Saint Barthélemy, known as St. Barts or St. Barths, emits a captivating fusion of European sophistication, unspoiled natural beauty, and laid-back island charm. The main attractions are the white sand beaches. They beckon from isolated coves or sprawl along charming coastal villages, luring travelers with pristine waters and coral reefs, all surrounded by rolling, lush green hills.

On this stunning Caribbean island, there are no high-rise resorts. Instead, hidden by tropical greenery, boutique hotels and private villas draw celebrities and business moguls to endless sunshine, which shines, on average, 300 days of the year.

Whether you choose to enjoy outdoor activities on the untamed, undeveloped beaches, on and in the clear Caribbean waters, or on the verdant French West Indies, St. Barts offers a wide range of options for being active or relaxing. More tranquil pursuits like spas, massage and relaxation centers, or beauty salons abound.

We’re offering all our tips on unmissable things to do in St Barts. So, look no further than this indispensable travel guide on how to make the most of your holiday exploring this spectacular, French-speaking island. Santé!

Getting To and Around St. Barts Island

Many visitors arrive by yacht or private aircraft, and those who opt for a commercial way are aware that the island is worth the lengthy journey.

From your starting point, you’ll likely fly to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten, where you’ll board a tiny Winair plane for St. Barts. You can also take a short flight from Guadeloupe to Saint Barthélemy as an alternative.

The boat is the best option if you’re looking for a fantastic way to get from one island to another. You can board a ferry in St. Maarten or Guadeloupe if you’d rather travel by water. For those who don’t want to spend the entire day on a boat, the trip to St. Barthelemy only takes around an hour on the open ocean. Additionally, you’ll take in both islands’ dazzling surroundings and perhaps even make new friends.

Bonus: Taking a ferry means you can travel with pets, too, which is only sometimes the case in smaller aircraft.

Rent a Car

When you arrive in Saint Barth and step off the plane or boat, the first thing you should do is rent a car. This is a must as taxis are few and far between. Not to mention, expensive! In addition, there are no ride-hailing services like Uber on the island. Driving on the small island is extremely safe and straightforward, and renting a car or a scooter is the ideal way to get around this nearly ten-square slice of paradise.

If you plan ahead, rental companies will bring the automobile to the harbor when you arrive if you are arriving by boat. Alternatively, you can ask the concierge at your hotel to arrange a transfer for you and have the vehicle rental reserved and brought to the hotel.

The winding roads in St. Barth make for entertaining driving because you never know when you’ll arrive at a bend at the top of a hill with a breathtaking vista. You could see the entire island in one day, though we highly suggest taking your time to enjoy it fully.

Swoon-Worthy St. Barts Beaches

It goes without saying that there are dozens of magnificent beaches on St. Barts island. Most have little to no development, and all are public with striking white sand and brilliantly blue Caribbean waters.

There are the standard Caribbean resort hotels with private beaches, restaurants, and watersports facilities, but you’ll also find some secret strands frequented primarily by locals, celebrities, or if you’re lucky, just yourself.

Additionally, even though it is expressly prohibited, St. Barths is one of the most well-liked locations in the Caribbean for topless and nude sunbathing. So, be ready to see it all, even if you’re unwilling to bear it all.

Below are our picks for the top five best beaches in St. Barts:

Saline Beach

Saline Beach is accessible through a short but occasionally challenging trail. Still, it is well worth the effort, especially if you prefer nude sunbathing. Unofficially, the naturist area is on the left half of the beach, while the family-friendly right side is accessible to everyone.

However, Saline Beach lacks amenities, and there is no shade, so even if you leave your swimsuit at home, make sure to pack your food, drinks, chairs, umbrellas, and sunscreen. Also, be careful if you swim on Saline Beach because it is exposed, rendering it windier and a little rougher than others.

Shell Beach

The only major beach on St. Barths situated in a town is Shell Beach. It’s notable for the millions of unusual seashells that wash ashore here. In addition, the capital city of Gustavia, which frequently holds weekend events on the shore, is walkable from Shell Beach.

Shell Beach’s calm waves invite cliff divers for those seeking a little adventure. There are numerous eateries for lunch and dinner, including the laid-back Shellona restaurant. Watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand and your toes in the sand.

Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach

You can find the calmest seas on St. Barths at Grand Cul-de-Sac, which is protected by a coral reef and has shallow waters that extend quite a distance into the lagoon. The lagoon is also a hotspot for additional water sports. Windsurfers, kitesurfers, and sailors make the Grand Cul-de-Sac particularly popular with families.

If you’re new to water sports, lessons are easily accessible. You can rent paddle boards and kayaks if you’d like a more tranquil approach to enjoying the bay. You’ll never run out of things to see, do, eat, or drink because the beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, and outfitters for all of your aquatic needs.

Colombier Beach

Although it can be reached by boat from Gustavia, most visitors choose between two coastal hiking routes that lead to Colombier’s pristine sandy beaches. The upper trail starts at Lookout Point and is more challenging since it follows a steep, log-stairway-constructed mountainside. For a less challenging hike, you can embark on the lower trail that begins near Flamands Beach, which leads down the island’s stunning northern shoreline.

Colombier Beach is frequently one of St. Barths’ most desolate expanses of beach. Also known as Rockefeller Beach, it’s a tranquil getaway from the island’s busy capital with calm waters, excellent snorkeling, and plenty of privacy.

It does, however, lack services, so if you intend to spend the day there, pack a lot of snacks, drinks, and other supplies. Additionally, if you have the right equipment and, preferably, a local guide, you can camp here overnight as many locals do.

Gouverneur Beach

Cobalt seas along the Gouverneur Bay shore make for great swimming and snorkeling. Due to its more remote location, Gouverneur Beach, a lovely expanse of white sand, attracts very few visitors.

This beach is another well-liked location for nude sunbathing, with fantastic views of Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Kitts. But it’s a long trip from Gustavia, and the closest restaurant is a good distance away, so pack everything you’ll need for a day in the sun.

Wining, Dining, & Nightlife in St. Barts

Aside from beach hopping, the main pastime on St. Barts is trying out the island’s numerous fantastic eateries. St. Barts has a fabulous food scene, and it’s incredible how many top-notch eateries there are on this tiny island.

There is a restaurant in St. Barts for everyone, whether you want a café au lait and croissant for breakfast, a lobster roll with a glass of rosé for lunch, or a multi-course gourmet tasting evening. For those long, leisurely lunches with your feet in the sand, there are excellent beach clubs and bars, like Nikki Beach and Sand Bar.

In addition, there are dozens of great markets, boulangeries, and patisseries to stock up on for people who want to whip up their own meals or have a picnic on the beach. The greatest of France’s cuisine, including its finest wines and cheeses, may be found in various well-stocked grocery stores and specialty food shops.

The island is also home to numerous well-regarded nighttime establishments. Nightclubs often open at 9 p.m., but the action doesn’t start until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. Bagatelle, Sky Bar, and Le Piment are just a few of the buzzing bars that remain open to visitors seeking late-night entertainment. Gustavia, in particular, comes alive at night, with Sky Bar and Bagatelle being two of the greatest dancing locations. Try the Moulin-Rouge-style show at Pointe Milou’s Le Ti Cabaret for something different.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

On St. Barts, designer and locally produced goods are available for purchase. It’s a fascinating mashup where the official currency is the Euro. However, the US dollar and credit cards are widely accepted. Due to this island’s duty-free exemption, keep an eye out for reasonably priced French luxuries like cognac and perfume.

St. Barts has two central shopping districts: Gustavia and St. Jean. Both have upscale shops that sell designer goods from French fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Dior, Hermès, and others. The main shopping avenue in the lively capital of Gustavia is the “rue du Couturier”-named Quai de la République, which runs along the port. It competes with Madison Avenue in New York and Avenue Montaigne in Paris for exquisite displays inside exciting designer boutiques. St. Jean’s Pelican Shops and La Villa Créole are well recognized for their stylish, up-to-date boutiques where one may find the latest, on-trend European fashions.

Additionally, you’ll discover local specialties like vanilla rum and woven goods created by locals. The women of Corossol and Colombier skillfully craft unique, one-of-a-kind items like elaborate, hand-braided purses, hats, lovely baskets, intricate handbags, and broad-brimmed hats from the native latanier palm straw.

Are you looking for a special souvenir or an intriguing gift? Bring home locally-made beauty products like lotions and oils derived from the island’s plants. A few stores even carry a variety of apparel and accessories made in St. Barts. Furthermore, many talented artists call the area home; you can find their work in the many various galleries.

Additional Things to Do in St Barts’ Capital, Gustavia

• Admire Fort Gustav or Fort Karl from Gustavia Harbor.
• Enjoy a meal on the quay overlooking the harbor while people-watching.
• Tour the Wall House Museum.
• Attend the pedestrian-only Rue General De Gaulle outdoor market on the first Sunday of the month.
• Visit the Swedish Clock Tower and the adjacent Swedish jail. This colonial building, constructed in 1799, is the oldest in Gustavia.
• Walk to the Gustavia Lighthouse, built in 1961, for some amazing views and ‘gram-worthy pics. Better yet, enjoy a picnic at sunset.

Take a Hike

Aside from the hidden gem that is Colombier Beach, there are numerous other hikes to be taken in the hilly, lush landscape of St. Barts.

The Washing Machine

Starting at Grand Fond, this 30-minute climb will take you along a rocky beach and up high on impressive cliffs overlooking the water. Next, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of a little beach where the sea churns and violently slams against the coast. Locally, this is referred to as the “washing machine.”

Swimming is not permitted at the washing machine, but the hike continues to the turquoise waters of the natural pools. You can then cool yourself at this well-known attraction before making the heated journey back to Grand Fond.

Le Toiny

After leaving your car parked at Toiny Beach, make your way along the left-hand portion of the beach until it ends and the path starts. The walk meanders along the coast, providing panoramic views of the luminous blue ocean, crashing waves, and dark volcanic soil contrasting with the colorful plant life.

Keep a lookout for a herd of goats likely to be grazing on the mountainside. Hikers will encounter a set of granite stairs leading to the top near the trail’s end. Those seeking to extend their hike should keep going toward the opposite coast. Follow the road down to Le Toiny beach parking once you’ve arrived at the parking structure over Hotel Le Toiny.

Petit Cul de Sac

To get to the breathtaking natural ponds of Petit Cul de Sac, one must make a difficult journey uphill and downwards. This hike is truly a hidden gem because access is restricted due to weather conditions.

We strongly advise against doing this specific climb on a cool day when the ocean is harsh owing to the enormous waves. However, the scenery and natural pools are worth the journey, so choose a clear, sunny day, put on your bathing suit and sunscreen, take a few snacks, and start hiking.

Day of Pampering

You can take advantage of the many “mobile spa” businesses in St. Barts, where you can get a massage in the comfort of your villa or apartment rental. Alternatively, you can visit a luxury hotel spa if you prefer a more opulent experience.

Favorite spas include those at the Guanahani, Le Barthélemy, and Cheval Blanc. Spas, of course, are in high demand and include private treatment rooms and relaxation areas. So plan ahead and reserve your day of pampering as soon as possible.

A Vacation of a Lifetime Awaits

While you’re certain to have a fantastic getaway to St. Barts simply by lounging under an umbrella with your sand in the toes, nose dug into a great book, listening to the calm, clear Caribbean Sea in the background. By doing only a few of these best things to do on St. Barts, you’ll take your vacation from serene to magical. The only question left is, what will you do first?