Last Updated on March 8, 2026
Welcome to Saint-Barthélemy, or better known as Saint Bart or St. Barth, a little Caribbean island! Think soft white sand, turquoise waters, scenic hikes, delicious food, and French vibes. This guide will show you the best time to visit the island, tips for getting there and getting around, 40 amazing things to do in Saint Barth and top places to stay on the island. Enjoy!
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Best time to visit
The most popular time to visit Saint Barth is between December and April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and warm. This is also the island’s peak season.
If you’d rather have the island (almost) to yourself, aim for May or November. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine, and you’ll have an easier time finding accommodation. Plus, the island feels calmer, so you can explore at your own pace. 😉
Getting to Saint Barth
Sure, St. Barts feels exclusive, but it’s easier to reach than you think. You’ll probably fly into St. Maarten first, then hop on a quick 15-minute propeller plane flight. Trust me, the journey is absolutely worth the effort!
Not into tiny planes? No worries. You can also take a 45-minute ferry ride. Or, if you really want to live the high life, you can arrive by private yacht. Flying private is absolutely worth it if you’re traveling with a group of six or more. By the time you add up individual tickets for a shared propeller plane, the cost is pretty much on par with booking a private plane.
Tips for getting around
Getting around St. Barts is easiest if you rent a small car or scooter. The island is tiny, but roads are hilly and winding, so having your own wheels gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. Taxis are available but can be expensive, so driving yourself is usually the best choice.
Tip: outside of Gustavia, there are no street names on the island. Navigation relies on landmarks and local knowledge. Also, keep an eye out for turtles while driving. They love to relax on the road or hide under cars to escape the sun.
Best things to do and see in Saint Barth
St. Barth charms you with its natural beauty, incredible food, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to slow down and enjoy every moment. There’s not a lot of hustle and bustle here and that’s exactly why it’s special. From hidden hiking trails to secluded beaches and exclusive day spots, these are the best things to do in St. Barth:
– Beaches
The first thing you’ll notice when you step onto the island? The beaches. They’re the beaches you see in travel magazines and wonder if they’re even real. Each beach has its own personality. Here are my favorite beaches in Saint Barth:
- Colombier Beach (location) is a beautiful beach you can only reach by boat or a 20-minute hike.
- St. Jean Beach (location) is a great beach to watch planes land at the tiny airport nearby.
- Gouverneur Beach (location) is easy to reach and has soft sand and turquoise water.
- Shell Beach (location) is named for the shells scattered along this tiny beach and for cliff diving! 😀
- Flamands Beach (location) is a wide beach with calm water. It’s family-friendly and relaxed.
- Saline Beach (location) is a pristine beach with no facilities, but beautiful views.
- Lorient Beach (location) is known for good surfing conditions.
- Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach (location) is ideal for paddleboarding, windsurfing, or kayaking. Keep your eyes open, you can spot sea turtles! :d
- Or visit a beach club like Gyp Sea Beach Club (location) or Nikki Beach (location).
Tip: if you’re visiting popular beaches, arrive early for the best spots.
Tips for staying connected
Traveling abroad and looking to save on roaming costs? Skip the hassle of physical SIM cards and stay connected with an eSIM from providers like Holafly, Airalo or Saily. I’ve been using eSIMs on my trips and find them incredibly convenient and cost-effective.
Don’t forget to use my discount code at Holafly: GIRLSWANDERLUST.
– Shopping
If you like shopping, I recommend to visit Gustavia (location), the island’s capital, or St. Jean (location). Saint Jean is where you’ll find small boutiques stocked with unique, artisanal pieces you won’t see everywhere else. In Gustavia you will find big-name luxury brands
Tip: explore the monthly Gustavia Sunday Market.
– Food
Food is a big part of life on the island. You’ll find high-end French restaurants, but don’t miss the local flavors:
- Accras de Morue: salted cod fritters, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. A popular snack or appetizer.
- Colombo: a Creole curry often made with chicken or goat, served with rice.
- Fresh Lobster & Langouste: grilled and seasoned with island spices.
- Creole Plate: rice, beans, fried plantains, and stewed meat or fish. My favorite 😀
- French Pastries: thanks to the island’s French heritage, bakeries here are amazing. Croissants, éclairs, and tarte au citron are everywhere.
- Rum Punch: sweet, fruity, and strong. It’s the go-to island cocktail.
Tip: visit Le Ti (location) for dinner with a party vibe (think cabaret and costumes) and head to Select (location), the oldest restaurant in St. Barth that opened in 1949.
– Adventure and nature
There are plenty of adventurous things to do in Saint Bath. Here are some great options:
- Visit a natural pool like Le Grand Fond (location) or Petite Cul de Sac (location). Petite Cul De Sac is hard to reach and require a hike to get to.
- Watch the planes take off or land into Gustaf III Airport from the beach (location).
- Visit the island’s highest peak: Morne du Vitet (location). A 90-minute hike offering panoramic views of St. Barth and the Caribbean Sea.
- Hike the Toiny Beach Trail (location), a coastal trail past Toiny Beach, featuring lush vegetation and mountain goats.
- On land, take the coastal road between Saint-Jean and Lorient. It’s one of the most scenic drives on the island. Lorient itself is a charming village with colorful red-roofed houses.
- If you want to take it easy, a private sailing trip around the island is perfect.
- Another great option is to hop on a catamaran. Spend a lazy afternoon cruising past mega-yachts.
- Go snorkeling or diving! Île Fourchue is a popular diving spot (location). You can dive up to 15 meters and see rays, barracudas, and sea turtles. Coco Island off the south coast is also a popular spot for experienced divers. Here you can explore underwater caves, deep chasms and see turtles and sharks. If you’re lucky, humpback whales might make an appearance! Not a confident diver? Pain de Sucre, just off Gustavia, is perfect for snorkeling or diving for beginners.
- Go for a jet ski tour!
– Culture, art and local traditions
St. Barts isn’t just about beaches and luxury, you can also find plenty of things to do regarding history, art, and local traditions:
- Climb up Fort Karl (location) for panoramic views over Gustavia and Shell Beach. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to watch the sunset! Though mostly ruins remain, you’ll see a few cannons and cannonballs from the Swedish settlers.
- Discover the Wall House Museum (location). Dive into St. Barts’ history and learn about its unique Swedish and French heritage through exhibits and artifacts.
- Explore Inter Oceans Museum (location). Here you can explore thousands of seashells and fascinating marine exhibits.
- Visit Corossol Fishing Village (location). Step back in time in this traditional village where locals still practice wicker weaving and make the island’s colorful traditional costumes.
– Events to look out for
- St. Barts Music Festival (January): classical music, jazz, and Caribbean rhythms.
- Carnaval (February/March): vibrant parades, colorful costumes, street dancing, and parties.
- Yacht Regattas (March/April): a harbor with colorful sails, luxury yachts, and lively celebrations. Even if you’re not sailing, watching from the shore is unforgettable.
- Bastille Day Celebrations (Summer): join the locals in July for fireworks, music, and a festive French-Caribbean atmosphere.
Other useful things to know
Here are some other useful things to know for visiting Saint Bath:
- Day passes: Many luxury hotels offer day passes to non-guests, granting access to infinity pools, world-class spas, and beachfront dining. It’s one of the best deals on the island!
- Language: French is the official language, but you’ll get by easily with English in most restaurants, shops, and hotels. A few basic French phrases can make interactions extra friendly.
- Currency: the Euro (€) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are also commonly used, especially in shops and restaurants.
- Tipping: tipping isn’t mandatory, but leaving 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated.
- Connectivity: consider getting a local SIM or an eSIM for easy mobile data and navigation. Coverage is generally good across the island and it keeps you connected without relying on public Wi-Fi.
- Comfortable shoes and sunscreen: bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking. Sunscreen and reef-safe products are also a must.
- Travel Insurance: make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and water activities like snorkeling or sailing. It’s better to be safe, especially when you’re planning adventures on the island.
Where to stay?
You’ll find everything here, from charming guesthouses to ultra-luxury villas. I recommend to stay a few nights in a boutique hotel and to rent a private and secluded villa to end your holiday. One of the cheaper accommodation on the island are Studio Iguane, Hôtel Le Village Saint Barth or Les Ilets de la Plage. For all the available villas, I recommend to browse Saint Barths villa rentals.
Travel insurance
Don’t forget travel insurance for your Saint Barth trip. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Conclusion
I fell in love with Saint Barth the moment I stepped on the island! From visiting all the beautiful beaches and hiking to the viewpoints, to snorkeling and sipping cocktails, this island was amazing to visit. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip. If you have any questions about the information above, please let me know in the comments section below. I’m happy to help. Safe travels!
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