St. Barts Visitors Guide

Grand Cul de Sac is where water lovers come to play. This protected lagoon offers some of the calmest, clearest waters you’ll find anywhere, making it perfect for everything from kitesurfing to kayaking. The shallow lagoon is so gentle that beginners can walk out quite far before needing to swim.

The best winds typically blow from July to August, though you can enjoy water activities year-round. As a bonus, this marine reserve area means you’ll likely spot sea turtles during your adventures. A magical reminder of the thriving ecosystem beneath the surface.

Local Tip: The best time for kitesurfing is between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the trade winds are most consistent. If you’re just learning, book your lesson for early morning when the lagoon is glassy calm and there are fewer boats around.

Shopping in St. Barts feels like discovering a well-kept secret. With over 200 shops across the island and everything being tax-free, you’ll find luxury goods at prices that actually make sense. Gustavia is the central shopping hub, with designer stores lining three charming streets, while St. Jean offers a more relaxed vibe, featuring boutiques filled with beautiful beachwear and island-chic clothing.

The shopping scene continued to improve in 2024-2025 with the arrival of exciting new additions: Zimmermann’s first Caribbean location, a dedicated Patek Philippe boutique, and the stunning AP House by Audemars Piguet (the first of its kind in the Caribbean).

Most shops operate from 9-10 AM until 6-7 PM, but respect the island’s rhythm with lunch breaks from 12-3 PM and closures on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons. Head to Gustavia early for the best parking, and remember that tax-free shopping makes luxury purchases surprisingly reasonable.

Local Tip: Wednesday afternoons and Sundays are perfect for strolling Gustavia’s empty streets and taking photos without crowds. Many shop owners are happy to open by appointment during closed hours if you’re making a significant purchase. Just ask politely!

The Nature Reserve of Saint Barthelemy protects 1,200 hectares of pristine marine habitat that will leave you speechless. Since its creation in 1996, this underwater sanctuary has become home to 51 coral reef species (the richest collection in the French West Indies) and 183 fish species.

Snorkeling or diving here feels like swimming through a living aquarium where you can encounter colorful coral gardens, curious sea turtles, playful tropical fish, and maybe even dolphins or humpback whales (February to April). Experienced divers can also check out some shipwrecks off St. Barts. Kayali is one of the most famous shipwrecks from a trawler that sank in 1994. There is another shipwreck from a luxury yacht that sank during Hurricane Hugo, which is located close to the Gros Ilets.

Above water, over 80 bird species call the reserve home. No permits are needed for general access, though some high-protection zones have restrictions. The reserve encompasses beautiful areas around Gros Îlets, Pain de Sucre, and several smaller islets. Recent conservation efforts include coral restoration programs and turtle nesting protection, ensuring this underwater paradise stays vibrant for future generations.

Local Tip: The coral gardens around Pain de Sucre (Sugar Loaf) offer the best snorkeling on the island. Go early morning when visibility is perfect and the fish are most active. Locals say the sea turtles are easiest to spot around the shallow reefs near Grand Cul de Sac between 8-10 AM.

St. Barts’ hiking trails offer some of the most rewarding adventures on the island. The most famous hike leads to Colombier Beach, a secluded paradise accessible only by boat or on foot. You can choose between two trails: the upper route from Colombier Viewpoint is more challenging with steep climbs and a 400-foot elevation change, while the lower trail from Petit Anse near Flamands is gentler and takes about 20-30 minutes. Both lead to a stunning hidden beach perfect for sunset photos (and yes, it’s clothing-optional).

There is another great hike off of Toiny Beach. This trail starts towards the left of the shoreline. The Toiny Beach hike offers incredible ocean views and great surfer-watching.

Another hike can be found at Grand Fond Beach (pictured above), which is a coastal hike leading to natural pools.

For the more adventurous, Petit Cul de Sac offers a challenging 4-mile coastal hike that concludes at a beautiful, secluded natural pool. Save this one for calm weather days. Keep an eye out for the island’s wildlife: mountain goats, iguanas, and various tropical birds that call these trails home.

Local Tip: Start the Colombier hike no later than 4 PM if you want to catch the sunset from the beach. It’s one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water, as there’s zero shade on most trails.

Among St. Barts’ 15 beaches, Grand Saline and Gouverneur stand out as true gems.

Grand Saline (locals just call it “Saline”) boasts some of the clearest water on the island, surrounded by protective mountains and backed by natural sand dunes. Getting there requires a pleasant 5-minute walk over the dunes from the parking area. Think of it as building anticipation for paradise. Nearby, you’ll find Le Grain de Sel for casual dining or the upscale seasonal L’Esprit by Jean Claude Dufour restaurant.

Gouverneur Beach offers a more intimate setting with brilliant white sand and calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming, all framed by dramatic rocky mountains. Access is more direct, with a small parking area, although spots fill up quickly, so aim to arrive before 10:00 AM. Both beaches are completely natural, with no facilities, so be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and an umbrella. During sargassum season (April through September), some seaweed may appear, though the island works hard to keep the beaches clean.

Local Tip: At Saline, walk to the far left end of the beach where locals often gather. The swimming is better, and you’ll find natural shade under the sea grape trees. For Gouverneur, the best snorkeling is around the rocks on the right side of the beach, where colorful fish gather in the shallows.

St. Barts knows how to throw a party, with events happening throughout the year that showcase the island’s culture and sophistication. The St. Barts Festival of Caribbean Cinema, held in late April or early May, has become a must-attend event for film lovers, offering unique insights into Caribbean arts and culture.

Sailing enthusiasts flock here in March for the legendary Bucket Regatta, where superyachts over 100 feet long compete in spectacular fashion. You can watch all the action for free from Gustavia Harbor, Shell Beach, or Fort Carl.

Food lovers should mark November on their calendars for the St. Barts Gourmet Festival, where 8-11 Michelin-starred chefs collaborate with luxury hotels like Le Barthélemy, Cheval Blanc, and Rosewood Le Guanahani.

The St. Barts Music Festival in January brings world-class jazz, classical, and opera performances to the island, while Carnival celebrations in late February fill the streets with parades and culminate in the traditional burning of Vaval.

Local Tip: During Bucket Regatta, skip the crowded harbor viewpoints and head to Shell Beach with a cooler and chairs. You’ll get the best unobstructed views of the racing action. Festival events often sell out, so book accommodations and restaurant reservations well in advance during major festival weeks.

Hidden in the traditional fishing village of Corossol, the Inter Oceans Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of the ocean. This unique collection features over 9,000 seashells from around the world, along with impressive shark jaws, maritime art, sand samples from global beaches, and giant conch shells that seem almost too perfect to be real. The museum reflects one person’s lifelong passion for the sea, and visits typically last 30-60 minutes. Just enough time to appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life.

Corossol itself is worth exploring as well, known as the “straw village” for its traditional palm frond crafts. You can watch artisans at work and see the colorful local fishing boats called “doris” pulled up on the quiet beach. The museum operates on a limited basis, so it’s best to contact the St. Barts Tourism Office (+590-590-27-87-27) for current hours and admission details.

Local Tip: Combine your museum visit with a stroll through Corossol village to watch the local ladies weaving traditional straw hats and baskets. They’re happy to demonstrate their techniques. The quiet beach here is perfect for a peaceful swim away from the crowds.