St Barths

With pristine shores framed by turquoise waters, St. Barths offers a beach experience like no other. Whether you seek powdery white sands, secluded coves, or vibrant coastal scenes, the island's diverse collection of beaches caters to all preferences. From the iconic St. Jean Beach to the tranquil Colombier Beach, get ready to soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and embrace the pure bliss of beach life in St. Barths.

1. Saint-Jean Beach

Saint-Jean is the ultimate beach destination on the north coast of the island. The beach itself is very quiet, but Saint-Jean, the island's second largest village found just behind, is busy with hotels, shops, and restaurants. The airport, whose runway ends in the sand, is situated right next to the village and offers a spectacular daily show of small planes touching down - this is surely one of the reasons why Saint-Jean beach is so popular and it is located just minutes away from Gustavia.

Separated by the rocky outcrop on which sits the legendary red and white hotel Eden Rock St Barths, the beach is an idyllic place to relax and swim be it for just an hour or two, or for the entire day. All sorts of water activities are available nearby, as are several beach restaurants perfect for a quick snack, a gourmet meal or a cocktail with friends from morning till night, the choice is yours.

Another attraction on the beach of Saint- Jean is watching the sea turtles' graceful arabesques in the clear blue sea. with your feet in the water, admire the beautiful villas perched on the hills facing the ocean. Convivial, family friendly, animated and uplifting, are all rolled into one at Saint-Jean's beach.

2. Colombier Beach

Located on the leeward coast, at the western end of the island where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Colombier Beach, with its stretch of white sand lined with vegetation, is perhaps the most beautiful beach of St Barts and definitely worth the effort. In fact, with no roads leading to this protected area of the island's natural marine reserve, a half hour's walk on one of the trails originating from the tiny village of Colombier or the nearby cove is required.

Alternatively, accessing the cove by yacht and anchoring a few meters from the shore makes for a lovely excursion in the gorgeous turquoise waters of Colombier bay. Depending on the season, the beach can be crowded, and the cove filled with yachts, or it can be completely deserted and seem reserved just for you.

Colombier is considered a historic and natural beach par excellence. In the fifties, David Rockefeller acquired a large plot and built a sumptuous villa, immediately making this spot, and the entire island, famous. No other construction, however, is visible from this pristine strand. Under the crystal clear water's surface, the scene is just as spectacular. Sea turtles feed on the seagrass that are filled with life and leopard rays, lobsters and starfish can be spotted whilst snorkeling or diving.

3. Saline Beach

In the south-eastern part of St Barts on the Atlantic windward coast, lies a hidden treasure of exceptional beauty, Saline beach. With its endless strip of fine sand, outlined by white Swells forming off-shore only reinforce the feeling of being the first to roam a remote and untouched land. This vast beach is accessible by a lovely, bucolic trail and, as it is quite uncrowded, is appealing to the occasional nudist sunbather (although this practice is not authorized).

With the tiny island "Coco" off its coast and old salt marshes attracting birds behind its dunes, Saline beach is ideal for nature lovers. In low season, this paradise seems to be reserved for you alone. In the high season, however, Saline beach surrenders to its reputation and draws more people.

It is not surprising that Saline beach was ranked among the fifteen most beautiful beaches in the world by CNN.

4. Gouverneur Beach

Found at the end of a road with little traffic, Governeur beach has succeeded in preserving its peaceful setting.

At either end, the crescent of white sand is protected by two rocky, screen-like formations, adding to its charm and isolation - an aspect much appreciated by celebrities looking for a taste of paradise in complete privacy.

Governeur beach is situated on the southern cape overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This east-facing beach, with its pale sand, vibrant blue waters, and delicate shrubs anchored in the sand in front of a lush landscape, is in the running for the title of St Barts' most beautiful beach.

Its natural environment has been judiciously untouched since there are no bars or restaurants nearby; only villas of billionaires like Roman Abramovich, who owns one of the largest properties on St Barths island. Plunge your head under water and let the beauty of the ocean's floor amaze you. It is said that here, the Caribbean pirate Monbars buried his treasure.

5. Shell Beach

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the streets with its shops and restaurants, leave your yacht and crew docked at the port for an on shore getaway, or renounce the pool of your villa perched in the hills above the capital to discover this atypical beach sheltered from the wind and covered with shells so finely crushed by the waves that they resemble white sand.

Nestled at the bottom of a rocky cove just five minutes' walk from the center of Gustavia, Shell beach will captivate you with its charm. The laid back setting of the Shellona restaurant is perfect for those looking to unwind from afternoon till evening in a convivial and musical atmosphere. Shell Beach is also the most beautiful place to watch the sunset with your feet in the sand.

St Barths is the best place for watersport enthusiasts looking to test the strength of the sea - from surfing, diving, fishing, and paddling to skimming across the ocean under a sail or a jet ski. Novice or accomplished divers can explore the wonders that lay under the water's surface. It is also best for those who simply wish to enjoy a moment of total relaxation. Choose between these 5 watersports or try them out 1 by 1!

1. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving allows you to observe a fascinating universe of coral reefs and multicolored fish that abound all around the island. One characteristic of this aquatic world is the emblematic sea turtle, which you will surely see during an underwater wonderland.

Professional guides and experienced, certified divers that adapt to your level are happy to share their passion for scuba diving and introduce you to explore mysterious shipwrecks not far from the harbor and a number of extraordinary spots.

2. Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing is regarded as one of the most noble forms of hunting. Celebrated by Hemingway, big game fishing matches you against some of the fiercest opponents of the animal kingdom: the marlin, the barracuda, the wahou, the tarpon, and others. The fresh, succulent fish supplied to the gourmet restaurants in the island is derived from this thrilling activity.

Deep sea fishing in St. Barths is a thrilling adventure for fishing enthusiasts. With its pristine waters teeming with a diverse range of fish species, the island offers an ideal setting for a memorable fishing experience. Embark on a chartered fishing boat with experienced guides who possess extensive knowledge of the local fishing grounds. From marlins and tuna to mahi-mahi and wahoo, these waters provide ample opportunities for big game fishing.

3. Surfing

Surfing in St. Barths offers an exhilarating experience for wave enthusiasts. With its pristine beaches and consistent swells, the island provides ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. Grab your board and paddle out to catch the waves at popular surf spots like Lorient, Toiny, and Anse des Cayes. Whether you're looking to ride the barrels or simply enjoy the thrill of gliding across the water, St. Barths offers a vibrant surfing community and breathtaking coastal scenery that will make your surfing adventure unforgettable.

4. Motorized Water Sports

St. Barths is a paradise for motorized water sports enthusiasts, offering a thrilling array of activities to satisfy your adventurous spirit. Hop on a jet ski and zoom across the crystal-clear waters, feeling the wind in your hair and the rush of adrenaline. Try your hand at water skiing or wakeboarding, harnessing the power of the waves for an exhilarating ride.

For a unique experience, embark on a high-speed banana boat or donut ride, bouncing and splashing through the waves with friends and family. Parasailing offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the island as you soar above the water, taking in panoramic vistas. With professional operators and well-maintained equipment, St. Barths ensures a safe and exciting motorized water sports experience that will create lifelong memories of fun in the sun.

5. Paddle Boarding and Kayaking

If you wish to be closest to nature, paddle boarding and kayaking are the two activities that allows that to come true. With no speed involved, it is common for a marine animal to pop up and say hello.

Alone or with others in the same hull or on the same board, the size and the beauty of the sea brings about a unique perspective of the island. Lately, these leisurely outings are becoming more and more popular.

It is to be noted that these activities do require a minimum of physical effort, more specifically, arm strength. But feeling like an explorer approaching a desert island for a few hours is quite the reward and it might just become your favorite activity to share with friends or family. By opting for a clear-bottomed kayak, you can also admire the beautiful ocean floor.