Beaches
St. Barth is known for its pristine "white-sugar" sand beaches. All are public, and each has a distinct personality. The ambience ranges from secluded and romantic to those filled with families indulging in water sports and "the beautiful people" populating the toes-in-the-sand beach bars. Although nudity is officially banned, bathers go suitless at some beaches and going topless is common. It's a French island, after all. Try a different beach each day! Some of the most popular include the following:
Colombier Beach
Delightfully secluded and accessible only by catamaran or a 25-minute hike along a goat path.
- You should go there:
- With a picnic lunch and spend the day swimming and snorkeling.
- Why we love it:
- The sunsets are spectacular – "green flash" anyone? So romantic that many guys have popped the question here.
Flamands Beach
St. Barth's classic, wide Caribbean beach is gorgeous, offering restaurants for seaside dining.
- You should go there:
- If you enjoy bodysurfing and riding the waves, it's the place to play.
- Why we love it:
- After a swim, we can have langouste (Caribbean Lobster) for lunch then doze on the beach.
Gouverneur Beach
Unspoiled. The white-sand cove is picture-perfect. There is nice surf and good snorkeling by the rocks.
- You should go there:
- Early or late in the day to avoid the strong sunlight. Turn right to go sans suit.
- Why we love it:
- Rumor has it Captain Monbars, "The Exterminator," buried his stolen treasure in a hidden cave – no one has found it yet! We are still looking.
Grand Cul de Sac Beach
A lovely lagoon. Calm with quiet, shallow water – perfect for small children. Beachfront dining and great breezes.
- You should go there:
- To see the blue and green hues of the sea and take a kitesurfing lesson – if you dare.
- Why we love it:
- To enjoy a "toes-in-the-sand" lunch at O'Corail or La Gloriette.
Lorient Beach
A reef-protected beach – great for swimming and snorkeling. In winter it provides some shade.
- You should go there:
- When the "surf's up" on the left end to watch the hard-core surfers try to catch that perfect wave.
- Why we love it:
- We can stop at the nearby bakery for a baguette and a few Caribs and then enjoy lunch by the palm trees.
Marigot Bay
A delightful small cove that is part of the Marine Reserve.
- You should go there:
- To swim and then snorkel by the rocks.
- Why we love it:
- Palm trees line the small beach, and it is never crowded.
Saline Beach
Unspoiled and spectacular – it's one of the island's marquee beaches.
- You should go there:
- If you like to swim "au naturel." (Don't tell anyone we told you!)
- Why we love it:
- The hilly path leads to a sand dune; when we reach the top, we marvel at the view.
Shell Beach
A very calm cove with a view of the islands of Statia and Saba.
- You should go there:
- When other beaches are a bit too windy, count on Shell Beach to be tranquil enough for swimming and sunning.
- Why we love it:
- The tiny shells are so pretty. In winter, we come to watch the sunset.
St. Jean Beach
The island's sexiest and scene-ist. Great to swim, play and people watch, and it boasts several toes-in-the-sand bars and bistros.
- You should go there:
- To see the up close-and-personal view of the little planes flying in – it's so St. Barth.
- Why we love it:
- It's where all the action is, especially on Sundays at La Plage.