Gustavia Harbor
Region: Gustavia
Historic townscape
Island gateway lined with red-roofed colonial architecture and luxury boutiques.
Tourism in Saint Barthélemy (St. Barth / St. Barts)
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Shell Beach (Anse de Grand Galet)
Region: Walking distance from Gustavia
Nature
Unique small cove covered with wave-polished shells.
St. Jean Beach
Region: St. Jean district
Resort
Famous for turquoise waters and the renowned 'Eden Rock' hotel.
Grande Saline Beach
Region: South coast
Nature
Pristine white sand beach with high privacy.
Colombier Beach
Region: Northwestern tip
Nature
Secluded cove accessible only by boat or trail.
Fort Karl Ruins
Region: Gustavia
History
French-built fort ruins offering panoramic harbor views for photography.
Fort Gustav Lighthouse
Region: Gustavia
History
Clock tower and fort ruins preserving remnants of the Swedish era.
Lorient Church
Region: Lorient village
Cultural heritage
Stone Catholic church built in the 1850s.
Corossol Folk Village
Region: Corossol
Cultural experience
Settlement preserving traditional crafts like basket weaving and fishing net making.
Natural Pool (Pool Naturel)
Region: Grand Fond
Nature
Natural seawater pool surrounded by lava reefs.
Inter Oceans Museum
Region: Corossol
Museum
Displaying shell collections from 150 countries worldwide.
Suggested itineraries
Luxury Weekend Plan
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: St. Jean Beach, Gustavia harbor shopping, Gourmet dinner
Weekend getaway for short-term travelers enjoying private villa stays, beach clubs, and starred restaurants.
Sailing and Secluded Beaches (5 Days)
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Bucket Regatta viewing, Colombier Beach, Natural Pool hiking
For active travelers circling the island on chartered cruisers and enjoying snorkeling in less-crowded coves.
Culture and Gastronomy (7-Day Stay)
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Music Festival, Corossol Folk Village, Gourmet Festival
Week-long deep dive into historical walks, local Creole culture, and French gastronomy.
Travel tips
- Island roads have many slopes and hairpin curves, so four-wheel drive or experienced scooter drivers recommended.
- Rental car reservations required before arrival, especially during high season when numbers are limited.
- Taxis are few and cannot be hailed on the street; phone reservations required.
- Ferries run several times daily from Marigot/Orient Bay in Sint Maarten.
- Duty-free shopping means luxury brands are cheaper than on the mainland.
- Sun is intense but dry season often causes dehydration, so carry water bottles.
- High season (December-April) sees accommodation prices nearly double.
- ATMs concentrated in Gustavia and St. Jean; cashless payments predominant.
- Tap water from desalination plants is generally safe, though many prefer bottled water.
- Trails have little shade, so early morning departures are advisable.
- Official dive spots are mostly beginner-friendly with weak currents, but feeding in protected areas is prohibited.
- Hurricane season (August-October) carries flight cancellation risks.
- Medical facilities focus on primary emergency care; serious cases are transferred to Sint Maarten.