St Barthélemy / Beaches

The beaches in St Barths are excellent. The island has superb light-coloured sand which in most cases is protected from the ocean swell by a reef or by the island itself. As elsewhere in the Caribbean, all the beaches are public below the high water mark but there is established access to them. Parking is another matter. Some beaches have car parks, but for St Jean Beach you will just have to find any space at the roadside that you can.

Although most of the beaches in St Barths have some development, a few are completely untouched, without bars or even beach facilities. So if you are going to one of the remoter beaches on the south coast (Anse de Grande Saline and Anse du Gouverneur) or Anse du Grand Colombier at the northwestern tip (to which there is not even a road, so you have to hike or go by boat), you should remember to take all the water and food that you will want. It is possible to order a picnic hamper from Rôtisserie St Jean (in the Vaval Shopping Centre behind St Jean beach) and other shops.

On most beaches you will find tin cans hanging on string. These are for cigarette ends. Please take litter with you. Toplessness is of course normal on the beaches in St Barths. Nudity is not officially permitted, but does take place. 

The beaches on St Barths:

Shell Beach - Close to the centre of Gustavia, this unusual shell beach is a lovely spot to come for sunbathing or lunch at the beach bar and restaurant.

Public Beach - Close to the port of Gustavia, this beach houses the island’s sailing school. The water is calm and pleasant for swimming.

Corossol Beach - Its slightly brownish sand gives this beach a certain charm beside one of the oldest villages on the island. The bay is home to many traditional fishing boats.

Colombier Beach - One of the world’s most impressive beaches with just one villa on top of the hillside and access only via footpath from La Petite Anse or boat. The bay is part of the protected marine park and a top snorkelling spot. No facilities.

Flamands Beach - The largest beach on St Barths with powder white sand and turquoise waves and home to two of the most sought after hotels on the island. With no reef offshore, when the swell is up, the waves can be large and powerful. They are often spectacular.

Anse des Cayes Beach - Cayes refers to coral rocks which is what this beach is made up of. It’s also a popular surf beach.

Saint Jean Beach - Second only to Gustavia in terms of activity, Saint Jean is a lively hub of shops, restaurants, beach clubs and hotels. The beach is split into two sections, divided by the Eden Rock Hotel which juts out on a rocky promontory. One stretch of white sand runs past the foot of the airport so that planes take off over the beach and the sea. Not as inconvenient as it sounds and actually quite amazing site as they are all small jets. There are some nautical activities along the beach and a few bars and restaurant. Eden Rock’s top villas have entrances to their gardens right onto the beach. On the second part of the beach it’s calmer and better suited to swimming.

Lorient - Locals call Lorient the ‘little pools’. It is true that the beach in Lorient is different from other beaches on the island, with one side calm enough to swim safely and a favourite spot for families since it’s protected by coral reef. The other end of the beach is popular with surfers as there are large waves that come over the rocks and coral. There are no facilities on the beach but a supermarket is nearby in the town.

Marigot Beach - Time seems to have stood still here along this coast which takes the brunt of any hurricanes. There is still a healthy coconut grove by the beach.

Grand Cul de Sac Beach - A lagoon with shallow, clear water and home to many small fish, the beach in here is perfect for nautical activities. As it is  Atlantic facing there is some wind for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Some bars and restaurants.

Petit Cul de Sac Beach - The beach in Petit Cul de Sac is a well-loved spot where locals gather for picnics with its fine sand. Completely undeveloped but a couple of restaurants within walking distance where you can head for lunch in the heat of the day.

Toiny Beach - A great surf beach but swimming is discouraged due to strong currents.

Grand Fond Beach - A mysterious beach made up of rocks, stones and pebbles. Swimming not advised but it’s a great place for a walk along the shoreline.

Gouverneur Beach - Off the beaten path and undeveloped, the beach in Gouverneur looks like  a picture postcard with its white sand and turquoise water. It is said that the pirate Monbars, hid his treasure nearby. This is the setting for Abramovich’s multimillion dollar villa. There are no facilities or bars.

Ile Fourchue - Offshore island with a pretty beach in a safe anchorage, popular with day trips.

Contributors: Jane Anderson (update)