Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barthélemy (or St Barth for short) is a Caribbean Island located in the French West Indies and overseas collectivity of France. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and luxurious lifestyle, it has become an increasingly popular vacation destination for those looking for a luxurious holiday. With its unique culture, stunning landscapes and incredible activities, tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do on this idyllic paradise.

Abbreviated to St Barts for us English, this tiny 9.7 square mile volcanic island has a population of just 9,961 and is fully encircled by shallow reefs. It is the only significant former Swedish colony in the Caribbean and the coat of arms still shows marks the 94 years rule with the three crowns.   It was returned to France in 1878m meaning the language, cuisine, and culture, are very French influenced.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed holiday scuba diving or just want to relax in paradise under a beach umbrella on a secluded beach; St Barths offers something for everyone.

Enjoy The Pristine Beaches

St. Barts is a popular holiday destination due to its stunning beaches and clear waters. It boasts some of the world’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, which are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and other activities. The area is also known for its white sand beaches, which provide visitors with an opportunity to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting.

Tourists can spend the day at Shell Beach or Saline Beach, two of the island’s most popular spots. Additionally, Grand Cul de Sac Beach offers excellent swimming conditions, while Lorient and Flamands offer calmer waters that are great for taking a leisurely swim or simply soaking up some sun. There are also several smaller coves located around the island that are perfect for exploring during low tide.

The beaches are one of many Things to Do in St Barts

Swim with sea turtles in the crystal clear waters at St Jean beach

Visit Gustavia Harbour

This harbour is located in the capital city of Gustavia and offers a variety of activities for tourists to enjoy. This area is home to several luxury yachts, which are available for sightseeing, as well as cafes and restaurants along the waterfront with beautiful views of the island. Additionally, there are souvenir shops and boutiques where visitors can purchase traditional Caribbean items.

It has also been host to many events throughout the year, including some of the most famous international sailing regattas in the world such as Les Voiles de Saint-Barth and La Regata della Costa Brava. Furthermore, Gustavia Harbour hosts a weekly night market which offers a range of local products ranging from fresh fish to homemade crafts and clothing. There is also live music entertainment at these markets making them an ideal place for people looking to experience the vibrant culture of St. Barts in one place.

Wander through the shops of St. Barts

The capital city of Saint Barthélemy, Gustavia, is home to a variety of shops that cater to the needs of visitors and locals alike. Shopping is a great way to explore the local culture and pick up souvenirs for friends back home. From high-end boutiques to small speciality stores, shoppers of all tastes can find something interesting.

Most of the stores are located in Gustavia Harbour, where visitors can find clothing stores selling fashionable items from a variety of designers as well as jewellery stores with unique pieces created by local artisans. The island’s reputation for being a playground for the rich has left it with several luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Bulgari, Cartier, Chloé, Missoni, etc. There are also several speciality shops offering products such as cigars, wines, spirits, and gourmet foods. Those looking for handmade souvenirs or special gifts will be impressed with the selection available.

St Bartholomews Anglican Church in Saint Barthelemy. Church at harbor of Gustavia St Barts.

St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church in the harbour of Gustavia

Taste the local cuisine

Many restaurants on the island specialize in seafood dishes, using freshly caught fish, shrimp, and lobster. There are also traditional French dishes available, like ratatouille, quiches, and crepes. Additionally, the island has several fine-dining establishments featuring cuisine from all over the world.

The culinary landscape on St. Barts is further enhanced by the variety of spices and flavours used to create unique dishes. Chefs often combine Caribbean ingredients with classic French techniques to come up with delectable creations that showcase the area’s fusion of flavours. Visitors can also sample tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas while they explore the island’s restaurants.

Windsurf in a Cul de Sac

Among the fun things to do in St Barts, windsurfing and kitesurfing are two of the most popular activities. A sheltered and shallow bay keeps the water calm and warm, while strong winds bluster in order to satisfy speed-related needs. A variety of water sports lessons are available if you are a beginner to water sports, and paddle boards and kayaks can also be rented if you want to enjoy the bay more peacefully.

As soon as you have burned all those calories on the water, you may want to cool off with a restorative glass of beer at one of the small cafes that are located along Cul de Sac Beach.

view over St Barts

View over the town and luxury yachts in the harbour

 

Charter a yacht in the crystal-clear waters

As one of the most exclusive luxury yacht charter destinations in the world, Saint Barths is the destination of choice for the international superyacht set year after year. A cosmopolitan Mediterranean flair is added by its French influences as well as its powder-soft beaches, secluded coves, and turquoise waters.

St Barts’ Gustavia Port has world-class restaurants, designer boutiques, and chic cafés that make it a place to be seen. The inner harbour can accommodate up to 60 yachts of up to 200ft, while the outer waters can accommodate 100 more. It is also the main yachting location for services, provisioning, and facilities. On a St. Barts charter, you can dive among the coral reefs and see an array of marine life as well as participate in all types of water sports, and visit other Leeward Islands such as St. Martin, Antigua, Barbuda, and St. Kitts.

Exploring St. Barts by yacht is an unforgettable experience that can only be described as a journey into paradise. Many travellers have compared the sensation to travelling back in time, when there were few people and fewer distractions, allowing you to connect with nature’s beauty in a unique way. With so much of the island still untouched by modern civilization, it’s easy to feel like you’re really getting away from it all as you explore the crystal-clear waters and secluded coves.

Hike to a Washing Machine

Starting from Grand Fond, this half-hour hike leads up dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean while following a rocky beach. As you make your way down, you’ll see a small beach where the waves churn and crash against the shore. Locally, this is known as the Washing Machine.

Although it’s not possible to swim there, the hike continues to a famous spot called the Piscines Naturalles on St Barts. During the hot hike back to Grand Fond, you can cool off in these natural pools. You should include this spot on your list of things to see in St Barths because the views are on another level.

Watch the sunset from Fort Karl

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Fort Karl, together with Forts Gustav and Octav, protected Gustavia against pirate attacks while under Swedish occupation. After it was abandoned, it was overrun with growing wild vegetation until the Nature Reserve Association took over the tidying and cleaning of the area, which now serves as an observation platform and an iconic historical landmark.

In the evenings, the view of Gustavia at sunset from the top is magnificent. It is situated on a small hill 29 meters high and overlooks Shell Beach.

Just remember to look out for a few Manchineel near the bottom of the steps, as they are poisonous trees. Toxic milky sap is present in the fruits, leaves, and trunk of these plants.