Saint Barthelemy Island is a French Overseas Territory located in the West Indies of the Caribbean Sea. The island’s main port and capital city is Gustavia. It is situated southeast of St Martin Island by approximately 22 miles, north of St Kitts Island, and roughly 150 miles east of Puerto Rico. The island boasts 22 public beaches, with 15 of them suitable for swimming, while some of them are popular for windsurfing.
St-Jean and Grand-cul-de-sac are famous for their watersports facilities.
Some of the most popular beaches include, Gouverneur, Flamands, Grand Galet, Colombier and Grande Saline, which is a nude beach. Gustavia’s southwestern part is home to Anse de Grand Galet. Additionally, the island’s northern coast is home to two lagoons, Marigot and Grand Cul-de-Sac. The island was named after Bartolomeo, Christopher Columbus’ brother.
Hiking to St. Colombier
To reach Colombier Beach, park your car at the end of the road beyond Flamands Beach and embark on a 15 to 20-minute hike. The duration of the hike depends on how fast you walk and the frequency of your photo-taking breaks. The trail is well-marked, with only a few tricky spots, but you should take your time and proceed with caution. The hike offers breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline. The beach itself is a dreamy paradise with white sand and turquoise waters, forming a U-shaped bay that faces St. Marteen. It is not advisable to wear flip-flops when walking here because the trail can be rocky, but it is generally an easy walk.
Visit Shell Beach
As you drive past Gustavia, the capital of St Barth, you’ll come across a bay that’s surrounded by towering rocks, making it a very secure location. It’s one of the trendy places to visit, along with Nikki beach, where you can relish a delectable meal at the popular restaurant or sip on an aperitif while you watch the sun go down behind the hills. This beach is located near Fort Karl, which is an absolute must-visit during sunset.
Grande Saline & Gouverneur (nude Beaches)
There are two nude beaches established, but they are still unofficial, and one of them is Grande Saline, The eastern end of the beach tends to attract mostly nudists, but even then, the numbers are not high. If you continue walking past the rocks, you will find a small, hidden cove where nudity is also common, but once again, few people tend to visit.
Anse du Gouverneur is the beach located to the west of Grande Saline. Although not as common, there are also individuals present on this beach who do not wear clothing and they typically stay towards the secluded west end.
Beautiful Marigot and Grand Cul-de-Sac
The residents of the area have a great fondness for Marigot beach. It boasts a charming coconut grove and a natural preserve, making it an excellent location for swimming in crystal clear waters and snorkeling. Additionally, the white sandy beach is perfect for spending time with loved ones, whether it be with family or friends.
Another great beach is Grand Cul de Sac which you can enjoy for free. It is located on the northeast side of the island, just east of Marigot. To get there by car, take D209 east for approximately four miles from Gustavia. Grand Cul de Sac Beach has shallow, protected waters which make it perfect for water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and kite surfing. This beach is especially popular among families and snorkelers due to its warm and calm reef-protected waters, where sea turtles can often be observed swimming.
We’ve given you a few recommendations for things to see while on the island, but there are plenty of other activities and attractions to explore.
