St Barth's

What to do in St Barth's

Scuba Diving

For surface snorkeling, at Anse du Gouverneur and around St Jean there are beautiful coral reefs in full bloom, full of colorful fish. The most spectacular deep dives are around Pain de Sucre, an islet off Gustavia harbor, and near a small cape, l'Ane Rouge, off Colombier Bay.

Beaches

There are 14 public beaches on the island, each with a distinct character. Whatever your preference, you'll find it to relax in the sun, ride on a rolling surf, or a take a snorkeling adventure on a teeming reef.

Fishing

Between May and September, try for blue and white marlin. Bull-nosed mahi mahi are the common catch from December to April. Year-round, tuna and barracuda make challenging catches. Catch-and-release is highly encouraged.

Hiking

An island rich in volcanic mountains and waterside trails, St Barths provides wonderful rambles through nature. Favorite spots include the more remote beaches at sunrise and sunset, and the secluded rocky footpath of Petite Anse.

Horseback riding

Straight out of a romance novel, a sunset ride on horseback across a beach is an everyday experience at the Ranch des Flamands. You can get riding lessons or follow a guide on a "no skill necessary" excursion around the island.

Sailing

Exploring the island also means taking to the surrounding sea, and you'll find many private boat-owners offering sunset cruises and island tours. If you feel the need for speed, rent a catamaran in the bay of Saint-Jean and in Grand Cul-de-Sac.

Windsurfing

Even though St Barths has been known as the training ground for Olympic teams, the winds and waters are calm enough to be navigated by the amateur. The St Jean and Grand Cul de Sac beach clubs rent windsurfers and teach beginners.

Corossol

The French influence on the island is most apparent in this tiny fishing village. It is not uncommon to find the older women in traditional ankle-length dresses, with sunbonnets and bare feet. Most of their income stems from homemade crafts such as straw baskets and wall hangings. Corossol houses the Inter-Oceans Museum, which displays more than 9,000 seashells from all over the world.

Shopping

Since St Barths is a duty-free port and most of its influence is French, you will find unbelievable bargains for jewelry, liquors, French perfumes, cosmetics, and the latest in European designer clothing. Gustavia provides the most variety with small stores lining rue du Roi Oscar II, rue de la France, and rue de Bord se Mur.