In the friendly rivalry between St. Barths’ most beautiful wild beaches, Gouverneur has been vying for first place with its neighbor, Saline, for generations. Surrounded by a ring of green hills, with light-colored sand and no buildings in sight, the bay has retained all of its original character, including the legend of a buccaneer’s treasure said to lie buried somewhere beneath the sand.

Spectacular scenery right from the road

You can get there via the road that climbs above Gustavia and then turns south: the descent offers one of the island’s most beautiful panoramic views, with the entire bay spread out below. A small parking lot marks the arrival point; from there, it’s just a few steps to lay out your towel. That’s the advantage of Gouverneur over Saline: the sea is almost right at the edge of the road, with no steps to climb.

Good Habits

Like all of the island’s wild beaches, Gouverneur offers no amenities: no restaurants, no lounge chair rentals, no trash cans—you have to take everything with you. Shade is scarce, so a beach umbrella is essential in the middle of the day. Swimming is delightful when the sea is calm; when there’s a swell, the breaking waves can be rough, so be careful with children.

The best times? In the morning for the light and the cool air, and in the late afternoon when the bay empties and the hills turn golden. Regulars often do the “southern double”: Gouverneur in the morning, Saline Beach for an evening swim—they're both just a few minutes' drive from each other.

The Ideal Base Camp

Staying in the southern part of the island changes the experience of these beaches. Since Maison Fleur de Lune in Grande Saline, Gouverneur is a five-minute drive away and Saline is just a few minutes’ walk away: you can alternate between these two wonders throughout the day, without ever having to rush. Returning to the tropical garden, taking an outdoor shower, and napping in the shade round out the perfect day in the wild south.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gouverneur or Saline—which one should you choose? Both: Gouverneur for its easy access and the amphitheater-like hills, and Saline for the walk to get there and the length of the beach. The debate has been raging for generations.

Is the beach supervised? No, like all the beaches on the island; swim at your own risk, taking into account the day’s swell.

Can we have a picnic there? Yes, as long as you take all your trash with you—the beach owes its beauty entirely to the care of its visitors.