Saint-Barthélemy is a magnificent, luxurious sanctuary in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. It’s the ideal place for vacationers who want to enjoy a range of superior services, gourmet cuisine and sumptuous villas.
The island’s rich diversity comes from the combination of nationalities and cultures that have blended harmoniously over the years. Although small, this volcanic island in the heart of the Antilles offers a multitude of activities. Toiny, Lorient, Anse des Cayes and Saint-Jean are popular spots for water sports and outdoor activities such as surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The picturesque island boasts 14 beaches, all covered with pure white sand. In recent years, Saint-Barthélemy has attracted many divers and snorkelers, thanks to its vast nature reserve and exotic marine life.
Shallow reefs encircle every corner of Saint-Barthélemy, with soft, crystal-clear waters. There are plenty of calm bays, surf spots and soft sandy beaches on which to bask. So it goes without saying that this picturesque little island offers fantastic watersports opportunities.
The waters around Saint-Barthélemy are divided into five zones and are protected by the Saint-Barthélemy Nature Reserve, which is the marine reserve. Saint-Barthélemy’s waters are temperate, so most water sports do not require wetsuits. Windsurfing, paddle boarding and kitesurfing are the most popular activities and all offer courses, but there’s much more to discover on this beautiful island.
Water sports at St Barts: charter a sailboat or yacht to admire the island’s beauty
Sailing around the island is one of the best things to do in Saint-Barthélemy. You can rent a sailboat or catamaran, which will take you all around the island and stop at the spot of your choice. Sail at your own pace and admire the tropical scenery. Renting a boat is a great way to discover the island and explore some of its most beautiful beaches. As you sail along the coast, stop to swim in the sea, snorkel around the reefs and see if you can spot turtles or tropical fish.
Or opt for a catamaran, ideal for snorkeling or a romantic sunset cruise, perfect for couples visiting the island.
One of the best beaches to stop at while sailing around the island is Colombier. This beach is not accessible by car. You have to walk for 15 to 20 minutes before reaching this secluded spot. It’s one of the best beaches on the island for its peaceful atmosphere.
Charters can nestle in the calm waters of this bay and you can swim to shore. You can even arrange a private lunch on the beach. The waters here are the cleanest and most crystal-clear in Saint Barthélémy. It’s a great place to swim.
Nautical activities at Saint Barts: diving at St Barts, scuba diving at Gustavia
For a little more adventure, why not dive into the turquoise waters and go scuba diving. Gustavia, the island’s capital, is an ideal location for this. Divers can explore the caves and surrounding reefs off the port. You can also spot two shipwrecks nestling peacefully in the seabed around Pain de Sucre, an islet further out from Gustavia harbor.
You can also approach a diving school that offers daily excursions to the islets around Saint-Barthélemy or, if that’s not exciting enough, you can book an evening or late-night dive. Diving schools can issue you with a PADI certificate after you have completed the diving and expedition courses.
Surfing off Lorient beach or Grand Cul-de-Sac
Lorient and Grand Cul-de-sac are two beaches offering calm waters for swimming, and further along the bay, they also offer excellent surfing spots. Lorient is the best beach for surfing and windsurfing, as its waves are ideal thanks to the winds that flow along the coast. Le Grand Cul-de-Sac and Toiny, on the other hand, are more suited to kitesurfing, as the area is swept by powerful gusts of refreshing wind, ideal for catching the perfect wave and making a few jumps.
Seabobs, paddle and kayak in Saint-Jean
St-Jean is one of the most sought-after spots on the island. It offers numerous dining options on St-Jean beach itself and on the beach where the famous Nikki Beach Club is located on the same bay. The calm waters here are perfect for seabobbing. Seabobs are fun, electric sea scooters. This watercraft is a cross between a jet ski and an underwater scooter. It can be used by all ages, making it perfect for beginners. After exploring the underwater world, you can relax on the beach and enjoy a delicious Caribbean meal.
Saint Barthelemy is also an ideal spot for stand-up paddling. Book a paddle and discover the beach and its surroundings, or admire the fish and seabed from your light craft.
Don’t forget windsurfing or funboarding! There are plenty of spots on the island for this sensational sport. From St Jean to Petit Cul de Sac, you’ll love the lagoons, which are ideal for speeding along and experiencing the sublime waters!
Motorized water sports: have you ever tried deep-sea or big-game fishing in Saint-Barthélemy?
Demanding, humble and patient, big-game fishing is considered one of the noblest forms of hunting. Celebrated by Hemingway, big-game fishing pits you against the animal kingdom’s fiercest adversaries: barracuda, wahoo and tarpon. St. Barth has always been considered a fishing island, but today the fresh, succulent fish that feeds its gourmet restaurants is often imported and no longer comes from this exciting activity. But you’ll find several local companies to take you on a quest for your finest fish!
During your stay in St. Barths, we recommend taking part in the profusion of water sports activities available. The water here is simply magical and the island is like no other destination, so to enjoy endless views of the dazzling sea, dive in and see for yourself.
Whether you choose boating, paddle boarding, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing or seabobbing, enjoy the natural, unspoilt waters that surround the tropical haven that is Saint-Barthélemy.
