We’re constantly asked which are the best beaches in Saint-Barthélemy. That’s why we decided to put together this guide. For such a small island, Saint-Barthélemy has a wonderful and varied collection of beaches. 10 of them are worth mentioning, and are all presented below. No trip to Saint-Barthélemy would be complete without sampling at least a few of these heavenly beaches.
1. Saline beach, a taste of wild Saint-Barthélemy
At the south-eastern tip of Saint-Barthélemy lies a hidden treasure of unique beauty. St. Barth has managed to preserve this jewel: Saline beach. With its seemingly endless expanse of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, Saline beach is the epitome of a tropical oasis.
This vast beach is unlike any other on the island, with no villas, hotels or restaurants in sight. Saline beach is the ideal spot for an afternoon of snorkeling in the superb coral formations. The spot is ideal for sunbathing to the sound of tropical birdsong from the ancient salt marshes behind the dunes. The beach is also a popular spot for runners, walkers and swimmers due to its peace and quiet in the early morning.
2. Shell Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Saint Barts
Nestled at the end of a rocky cove, just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Gustavia, Shell Beach exudes a Caribbean charm. As its name suggests, much of the shoreline is covered with shells of all shapes, sizes and colors, finely crushed by the movement of the waves.
The beach is perfect for swimming and lounging. Shell Beach is one of Saint-Barthélemy’s best beaches, with restaurants, sumptuous villas and boutiques all within walking distance. One of the most popular local restaurants is Shellona, perfect for those looking to relax in a friendly atmosphere with live music. What’s more, Shell Beach faces south-west, allowing you to admire one of Saint-Barthélemy’s most beautiful sunsets.
3. Saint-Jean beach in Saint-Jean bay, a breathtaking turquoise sea
Located just a few minutes from Gustavia on the north coast, Saint-Jean is one of Saint-Barth’s most popular beaches. The beach itself is very peaceful. Yet Saint-Jean, the island’s second-largest village, lies just behind it. Here you’ll find stores, restaurants and spectacular hillside luxury villas for rent. The island’s main airport is located next to the village and offers a unique spectacle every day, with its ballet of small planes landing on the sand.
Numerous water sports activities are also available, as well as a selection of beach restaurants offering gourmet meals, quick snacks and delicious cocktails. Saint Jean is also home to native sea turtles, which can be seen swimming gracefully along the shoreline.
4. Colombier Beach
Located on the west side of the island, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Colombier Beach is perhaps the most beautiful beach on Saint-Barthélemy and well worth the trip. There are no roads leading to this protected area of the island’s natural marine reserve, which means that visitors have to walk 30 minutes along the paths starting from the small village of Colombier or the nearby cove.
It’s also possible to access Colombier beach by boat and drop anchor just a few meters from the shore, making for a wonderful excursion into the dreamy waters of Colombier Bay.
5. Lorient Beach
Lorient Beach is a pristine expanse of white sand and clear water, set against a backdrop of green mountains and flashes of red from tin roofs. Lorient Beach is one of the island’s most extensive beaches. It has excellent surf spots at the western end and much calmer waters at the eastern end for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding.
This beach, one of the best on Saint-Barthélemy, is also ideal for young children, with a series of small natural pools to keep even the smallest ones entertained.
6. Governor’s Beach
Gouverneur beach is also one of the most beautiful on the island. Surrounded by dense vegetation, it’s a tropical paradise par excellence. This magnificent beach owes its title to its peaceful setting, brilliant blue waters and pale white sand. The white sand is protected by two rock formations, creating a secluded and private setting where tourists can relax.
The calm, shallow waters of Anse du Gouverneur are perfect for swimming, and ideal for young families. The rocks lining the beach to the northeast are a good starting point for snorkeling.
7. Flamands Beach
Flamands beach, located three miles north of Gustavia, is a wide, tranquil strip of sand with lush flora and fauna. Also known as the “billionaires’ beach”, Flamands is home to some of the island’s most impressive villas, many of them owned by people on the Forbes 500 list.
Flamands beach is one of the most popular places to rent a private villa because of its exceptional proximity to two seaside restaurants. Including La Cabane du Cheval Blanc – one of the best places for long, lazy lunches with your feet in the sand.
Flamands Beach, one of the island’s largest beaches, is ideal for morning strolls, jogging along the water’s edge and spending the day lounging in the shade of the palm trees.
8. Corossol Beach
Corossol is a tiny coastal village, surrounded by steep hills, with a small port and beach. You’ll see locals relaxing on the thin strip of sand along the breakwater, but it’s rare to find tourists here. Snorkeling is excellent off the coast and around the jetty. This beach has the Mediterranean air of a Greek island.
Ideal for families looking for a quiet spot to picnic, swim and snorkel. There are no restaurants, stores or public toilets here, so you need to think ahead.
9. Grand Cul de Sac Beach
Grand Cul de Sac is a shallow, protected bay with strong prevailing breezes. It is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. The waters of this bay are very shallow, making it ideal for young children.
You’ll easily find seaside dining on the beach at Grand Cul de Sac with the restaurants: Le Guanahani, Le Sereno and Le Barthelemy.
10. Toiny beach, a must-see in Saint-Barth
Toiny beach is mainly frequented by surfers. The area is known to have a strong undertow, so swimming is not recommended. In 2019, Le Toiny hotel opened the Toiny Beach Club, a tropical oasis where you can enjoy lunch and a drink.
What was once a wild, deserted stretch of coastline is now an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch with your feet in the sand.
You now know the best beaches of St Barts, but don’t hesitate to venture onto other beaches such as :
- Petit Cul de Sac beach
- Marigot beach
- Grand Fond beach
- Petite Anse beach
- Anse des Cayes beach
