What to see in St. Barthélemy: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in St. Barthélemy: 10 must-see destinations, from St. Jean Beach to Gustavia. Predominantly beach and city; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(8)
Walk along the white sand of St. Jean, the most famous beach in Saint Barthélemy, split in two by the rocky Eden where planes touch down just a few meters above your head. Snorkel in the crystal-clear water, watch the yachts anchored in the bay, and sit down at one of the seaside restaurants to order fresh seafood. The east end offers gentle waves ideal for swimming; the west, more wind and windsurfing. End the day with a stroll along the shore as the sun sets over the Caribbean and the Nikki Beach bars light up.
Sail to Colombier Beach or walk down the rocky trail that starts in Flamands, the only access by land. Fine white sand borders a bay open to the Caribbean where sailboats and yachts anchor during the day. Snorkel near the rocks, where sea turtles and tropical fish are often spotted, or walk the shore without coming across hotels or beach bars. There are no facilities, so bring water and some food. At dusk, when the boats head back to Gustavia, the beach is left almost empty and only the waves break the silence.
Walk on the white sand of Flamands, the liveliest beach in northern Saint Barthélemy, and feel how the Caribbean surf beckons you to ride its waves. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters near the rocks, where fish can be seen over the fine sand of the seabed. When hunger strikes, sit down at one of the seaside restaurants and eat fresh fish with a view of the bay. End the day with a walk along the shore as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Walk over the millions of tiny shells that cover Shell Beach instead of sand, just a few minutes on foot from downtown Gustavia. Dive into its calm water for snorkeling among the rocks, hunt for the most curious shells along the shore, and watch the yachts coming in and out of the harbor. Afterwards, sit down at the beachside restaurant for fresh seafood as the afternoon fades over the bay.
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Salines, the sportiest beach in Saint Barthélemy, next to St. Jean. Feel the fine white sand under your feet as you surf or windsurf with the Caribbean stretched out before you. Snorkel among colorful fish, walk along the shore at sunset, and let the sway of the waves carry you. Here the sea, the constant wind, and untouched nature define each day: a towel in the sun, a board under your arm, and the blue horizon as your only plan.
Visit the bay of Grand Cul de Sac, in northeastern Saint Barthélemy, where a shallow lagoon sheltered from the waves makes for calm swimming all year round. Snorkel over the corals near the shore, rent a kayak to explore the bay, or try kitesurfing when the trade winds blow. The fine white sand invites a stroll along the crystal-clear water, and the toes-in-the-sand restaurants serve local fish right by the sea. It's one of the calmest beaches on the island, also ideal for families with young children.
Take in the bay of Lorient from its white-sand beach, one of the calmest in Saint Barthélemy. Snorkel among the corals near the shore, where the crystal-clear water lets you spot colorful fish without straying far. Walk along the shore, cool off in the sea, and try the village restaurants, just steps from the sand. The view of the Caribbean and the quiet of this area, away from the busiest beaches, make it a great place to spend a leisurely day.
Head down to the bay of Marigot and find a white-sand beach bathed by the calm waters of the Caribbean. Snorkel over the corals near the shore, where tropical fish appear among the rocks. At midday, sit down at one of the seaside restaurants and try fresh fish while watching the sailboats at anchor. In the afternoon, walk the shoreline or stretch out on the fine sand. It's one of the liveliest beaches in eastern Saint Barthélemy, perfect for combining snorkeling, swimming, and good food in a single day.
City(1)
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Gustavia, the capital of Saint Barthélemy, where the wooden Swedish colonial-style facades recall that the port was named in honor of King Gustav III. Walk along rue de la République past luxury boutiques and galleries, and stop at the dock to watch the yachts anchored in the horseshoe-shaped bay. Climb up to the lighthouse for a view over the harbor, visit the Wall House Museum, which covers the island's Swedish history, and end the day tasting fresh fish at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Monument(1)
Follow the trail that climbs up to Fort Karl, the 18th-century fortress that watches over Gustavia from above. Walk past the original cannons, touch the stone walls, and stop at the gun ports, still aimed at the bay. From the platform you'll see the whole harbor, with its anchored yachts and the red rooftops of the capital. The plaques along the trail explain the Swedish era and the colonial history of Saint Barthélemy. Climb up at sunset to avoid the heat, and wear comfortable shoes, since the final stretch is steep and offers no shade.
New destinations and itineraries, by email
Subscribe to receive newly published destinations and itineraries, plus seasonal travel ideas. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about St. Barthélemy?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about destinations in St. Barthélemy, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.