Travel Guide: Here's What You Need to Know before Visiting St. Barts
First inhabited by the Taino and Arawak peoples, the small island of Saint Barthélemy gets its name from Christopher Columbus, who encountered it in 1493 and named it after his brother Bartolomeo. The 9.26-square-mile Caribbean island has since been under the rule of France and Sweden and is now an official department of France. A popular winter vacation destination, it receives vacationers from mainland France, Europe, and North America.
The relatively remote and hilly island paradise has a permanent population of about 10,000 people and is known for its red-roofed buildings, warm weather, sandy beaches, and designer stores. A French-inflected mix of sophistication and laid-back island charm, St. Barts has been an upscale travel destination for over five decades. In the 1960s, famous Dutch aviator Remy de Haenen flew to the island and opened the first of many hotels, which eventually attracted celebrities and luminaries from around the world.
Below is a breakdown of what you need to know before visiting the idyllic island.
Travel Options
Whether leaving from Europe or North America, it's not possible to fly directly to St. Barts. Many visitors arrive via yacht or private plane, while commercial flights are only available from a few other islands, including Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Antigua, and St. Martin, which lies about 30 kilometers north of St. Barts. From St. Martin, travelers can take a 45-minute ferry ride or 15-minute flight to St. Barts. San Juan, Puerto Rico, is another popular gateway to the island.
The Best Times to Visit
While the weather is warm year-round, it's best to avoid visiting St. Barts during hurricane season between June and November. Hotel and airfare rates may be lower, but there's a higher chance your travel plans will be interrupted by storms and inclement weather. There's also a lot of rain in October and November, and some properties suspend operations for seasonal maintenance during this time.
April through June may be the best time to visit St. Barts for budget-conscious travelers. There's minimal rain during these months and rates are lower than peak tourist season, which runs from late November to February.
Rent a Vehicle
With only a few taxis on the island, it's best to rent a vehicle from an airport car rental agency or a hotel. You should note, however, that there's only two gas stations on St. Barts and both are closed on Sundays. Bikes, scooters, and motorcycles are other options.
French is the Native Language
People who live on St. Barts are official French citizens who speak French on a day-to-day basis but, because the island is such a popular tourist destination among Americans, most are also fluent in English. However, English speakers shouldn't expect everyone on the island to understand them. Locals will also appreciate any efforts made to speak French, so it can be helpful to bring a small dictionary or use a smartphone app to help with translation.
Beautiful Beaches
There are more than two dozen public and private beaches on St. Barts, each of which has powdery white sand with views of turquoise water. Some beaches are more secluded and better suited for relaxing in the shade, while others are crowded and serve as hotspots for windsurfers.
Saint-Jean Beach is the go-to spot for tourists looking for a party in the sun. The Nikki Beach luxury club on the beach is particularly busy during the weekends and is known for its festive atmosphere and French-Caribbean cuisine. Those looking for a quieter, more relaxing experience should check out Le Petit Anse, Anse des Flamands, or Anse de Colombier, the latter of which is only accessible by boat.
Museums and Other Attractions
Beaches are the main attraction on St. Barts, but there's plenty of other places worth exploring. A protected underwater ecosystem, the Nature Reserve of Saint Barthélemy is one of those areas. Visitors can dive or snorkel into the underwater reserve and examine 165 fish and 45 coral species. More experienced divers can visit the handful of shipwrecks strewn around the island, the most famous of which is the Kayali, a trawler that sank in 1994. Those with less adventurous tastes might be interested in visiting the Inter Oceans Museum, which houses more than 9,000 unique seashells, giant conch shells, shark jaws, and sea themed art.
Tax-Free Shopping
Make sure to budget sufficient money for shopping—St. Barts is home to more than 200 shops, including outposts of designer brands like Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Chopard, as well as local boutiques offering one-of-a-kind items. All goods on the island are sales tax-free. Gustavia, the capital and principal shopping area on the island, has three streets lined with high-end stores and boutiques.
Festivals
A popular destination for yachting and sailing, St. Barts hosts the annual Bucket Regatta, a three-day sailing yacht event held in March, and the Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille, a five-day sailing competition held in April. The island also hosts the St. Barts Festival of Caribbean Cinema and St. Barth Gourmet Festival, the latter of which is held in November and features dishes prepared by French Michelin starred chefs.