St. Barts:
the best things to do

How to get to St. Barths

St. Barths has a difficult and short runway where only certain pilots and planes can land. Every jet plane that was in St. Barths, arrives almost exclusively by Tradewind Aviation charter. St. Barths is famous for having one of the shortest runways in the world – meaning commercial planes and even private jets cannot land on the island. So visitors come to Puerto Rico or St. Maarten to get to the island. Tradewind offers small but luxurious private charters from Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. The flight takes just under 30 minutes, depending on where you land. And it’s the fastest way to get there. The landing between the two peaks is a bit dramatic but also exciting.

As one of many hundreds of Caribbean islands, St. Barths is unique because every corner of the island offers something different. The locals are mainly emigrants from France or Portugal. It is extremely private, known for its large number of discreet and luxurious private villas. On the island, renting a car is a must as taxis are few and far between. It’s also the best way to explore every cliff, coast and corner of the island. There are plenty of Mokes here, which are vintage-style doorless beach carts that are small, airy and, most importantly, easy to park in tight spaces. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island’s many unique sites, from the rocky cliffs on the eastern side to downtown Gustavia and beyond.

The best things to do in St. Barths

Yacht charter

Many people come to St. Barths on a yacht because it’s a greatest way to see the island with a different point of view.

Explore the beaches

St. Barths is famous for its pristine white sand beaches, and there are plenty to choose from. Some are best known for surfing, like Lorient, while others are known for their intimate nature, like Colombier. On St. Barth’s has three beaches with no restaurants or houses: Saline Beach, Colombier Beach and Gouverneur Beach. Saline Beach, located between two rocky bays with steep slopes, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike due to its large expanse of ocean in which you can swim and privacy (a long, rocky path leads to the beach) or by boat. Despite the island’s small size, you’ll never run out of a great new beach to explore.

Explore local nature

St. Barths may be known for its raucous beach clubs and glitzy crowds, but the island has a beautiful, mountainous landscape that is worth exploring. There are amazing natural pools that can only be reached via rocky hikes and hiking trails that lead to private beaches that will test your fitness while discovering the island in a new light. There is also plenty of cliff jumping, which is a favorite activity of some locals. The most popular spot is a short swim at Shell Beach. Where the locals marked the cliffs by height. There are also several areas of the island designated as wildlife reserves to maintain the island’s natural flora and fauna and protect St. Barths from overdevelopment.

Discover the local people’s favorite places

Despite some impressions, St. Barths is not just a magnum of champagne and caviar. One of the most beloved local spots is Le Select, which serves the best burgers and chilled Carïbs on the island for under 10 euros. Jojo Burger near Lorient Beach is another no-frills burger joint you shouldn’t miss. The place has been on the island for decades, and its menu of burgers and sandwiches is the perfect antidote to a long day spent dancing on the tables at Nikki Beach. Stop by a local pottery shop like Les Petits Carreaux for a colorful ceramic souvenir, or Mignot for a Tahitian pearl necklace; discover Ligne St. Barths, its own line of skin and body care products.

Go shopping

It may not be the first thing you think about when coming to a Caribbean island, but St. Barths is no ordinary place. Gustavia has many shops on the main street called “Rue du Couturier”. utensils from international designers. There are brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermès, Cartier, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Bulgari, Chopard, Dolce & Gabbana and Tod’s, to name a few. There are also several local brands on the island, including Poupette and Lolita Jaca, which offer colorful, silky beach dresses. While you’re here, don’t forget to shop for home furnishings. Sonia de Baya and Clic in Gustavia sell gorgeous furniture, art, tiles, coffee table books and more.

Visit Anse du Colombier

There are many beaches you can visit, but Anse du Colombier is one of my favorites because to reach it you can combine a short hike with beautiful views and a swim in its pristine waters. This is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Everything is worth the hike. If you’re lucky and on a boat, you can also get there by sea. On both sides of the bay, near the rocks, it is really good to dive.

Anse Grand Fond

It is a pebble beach, not ideal for swimming, but it is worth a hike to the natural pools.

Spend some time in Bay St Jean

Bay St Jean is the most popular beach due to the famous “Nikki Beach Bar” and the iconic Eden Rock Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels on the island.
This beach is also closest to the airport and it’s fun to watch small planes landing and taking off.

Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac

Recommended if you feel like going crazy. It is a huge bay where the Le Sereno hotel is also located. A third one was built, called Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, simply stunning.
The bay is really vast and well protected, a great place for kitesurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and, of course, snorkeling.

Anse Toiny

This is a favorite place among surfers.

Take a walk around Gustavia

Whether during the day or after enjoying the stunning sunset view from Karl Gustave, one of the highlights of Gustavia, take some time to see the town, wander the hilly streets and stop at one of the elegant restaurants on a drink and a delicious dinner.

Go on a hike

The island is hilly and that’s what makes it so beautiful. There are many places from which you can admire white sandy beaches surrounded by lush greenery, steep mountains and cliffs.
If you are an active climber, you can go out on your own and this is usually possible if you know where to go. However, the island offers longer and steeper hikes that require a guide.

Shell beach

Driving through Gustavia, the capital of St Barth and beyond, it is a very protected bay surrounded by steep rocks.
This is one of the cool places, next to Nikki Beach, where you can also have lunch at a popular restaurant or have an aperitif as the sun sets behind the surrounding hills.
This beach is located on the side of Fort Karl, which is a must-see during sunset. A popular restaurant on site is “Do Brasil”, which is very trendy on the island.

Enjoy all the water sports possible

Among the many attractions in St Barts, kitesurfing is really popular. Kites floating in the sky create a beautiful sight.
Kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and diving are other activities that can be practiced here.

Petite Cul-de-Sac

It’s a secluded little cove if you’re looking for privacy. The water is calm, so it’s easy to swim, but it’s rocky and you have to walk on rocks to get there. The best part of this place is the secret place, with a wonderful natural swimming pool with crystal clear water and spectacular views. To get there you can take a 30-minute hike along the coast to see the pools, as they are hidden behind rocks.

Admire the sunset from Fort Karl

Fort Karl was one of three forts surrounding Gustavia built during the Swedish occupation, in the 18th and 19th centuries, along with Forts Gustav and Octav to protect Gustavia from pirate attacks. It was then abandoned and covered with growing wild vegetation until the Nature Reserve Association began cleaning up the site, which is now a wonderful historical monument and observation platform. It is located on a small hill, 29 m high, overlooking Shell Beach, with spectacular views of Gustavia, especially at sunset.

St. Barths is a combination of sophistication and laid-back charm, complemented by pristine beaches, upscale cuisine and luxurious attractions, that remains in the hearts of those lucky enough to explore its charms.