With about 20 beaches spread across 21 km²: in St. Barths, you’re never far from the sand. Each one has its own
charm, but they're nothing alike, and choosing the right one for the moment makes all the
difference. Here’s our tour of the island, with a clear focus that we’re proud of: the wild beaches
First of all.
No suspense here: for us, Saline Beach is the most beautiful on the island, and one of the most beautiful in the
Antilles. A long stretch of light-colored sand behind a dune, no buildings, no shops,
No noise except for the sound of the sea. You can get there via a small trail from the parking lot, and this walk of
Five minutes acts as a buffer: on the other side, time slows down.
Tip from a regular: Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and bring water and a beach umbrella, since there’s very little shade.
And if you want to experience it to the fullest, stay right nearby: the Fleur de Lune Ecolodge, in the valley of
Grande Saline is the only place to stay that’s within walking distance. The first swim at dawn, the beach
Even when it's deserted, it's worth all the spas in the world.
Just a few minutes away, Gouverneur is in the same league: wild, spectacular,
surrounded by green hills. Access by car is more direct, and the descent offers one of the most beautiful
views of the island. Between Saline and Gouverneur, the debates among the regulars have been going on for
generations; it's best to test both, ideally on the same day.
There’s no road to Colombier: you have to walk there along a coastal trail—it takes about 30 minutes—or
by boat. The reward is well worth it: a sheltered bay, crystal-clear water, turtles, and the
that wonderful feeling of having made it to the beach. Bring your mask and snorkel, and some water for the trip back.
To the northwest, Flamands features a wide, white sandy beach facing the waves, with a few beautiful hotels
Set back from the shore. This is the beach for long walks along the water’s edge and invigorating swims. Atmosphere
Both elegant and family-friendly.St. John, the Living One
Located on either side of the airport runway, St. Jean is the island’s liveliest beach, with restaurants right on the water’s edge
on the sand, water sports, and spectacular landings as a backdrop. It's the right choice for
A full day of swimming, lunch, and paddleboarding—this isn't the place to go if you're looking for solitude.
Grand Cul-de-Sac and Lorient: Unique Spots
The shallow lagoon at Grand Cul-de-Sac, protected by its reef, is a paradise for kitesurfers and
families with young children. Lorient, for its part, shares its bay between swimmers and surfers depending on the swell, with
a real local vibe. Finally, Shell Beach, just a stone's throw from Gustavia, offers a mix of seashells, cliffs, and
urban sunsets.
Over the course of a week: Saline at dawn and during the golden hour, almost every day—since it’s possible
On foot from the lodge. Gouverneur one morning, Colombier on an outing with a picnic, St. Jean
for a lively lunch, Flamands for a long walk, and Shell Beach for one last evening.
You'll come home with sand in your belongings and a desire to do it all over again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all the beaches free? Yes, all the beaches in St. Barths are public and open to the public.
free.
Which beaches have restaurants? Mainly St. Jean, as well as Flamands and Grand Cul-de-
Sac; Saline and Gouverneur have no amenities—that's part of their charm.
Which beach is best for kids? The Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon is the perfect choice, along with St. Jean, Saline, and
Governor: Only in calm seas, under supervision.
Where should you stay for a beach vacation? Grande Saline is unbeatable: Saline is within walking distance from
the ecolodge, Gouverneur is five minutes away, and the rest of the island is a quarter of an hour away.
Is it possible to visit all the beaches in a single day? Technically, yes—the island is small—but that would be
miss the point. It's better to visit two or three beaches a day, while making sure to see the best ones
each one's schedule.
Are the beaches supervised? No, none of the island’s beaches have lifeguard stations; please exercise caution
It's a must when there's a swell, especially with kids.
Which beach is best for snorkeling? Colombier—with its turtles—tops the list, along with the rocky areas of
Shell Beach and the seagrass beds of Grand Cul-de-Sac. In Saline, take advantage of calm days to explore the
points.
Can you take your dog to the beach? Dogs on a leash are allowed on most beaches, except for
protected areas; be discreet and pick up after yourselves—the island is small, and word gets around.