St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy - Travel Guide

St Barths (Saint Barthélemy) is a glamorous French Caribbean island known for pristine white-sand beaches, world-class restaurants, designer boutiques, and mega-yachts in Gustavia Harbor. This tiny 8-square-mile paradise combines French sophistication with Caribbean relaxation, attracting discerning travelers seeking exclusivity, exceptional dining, and some of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$250/day

Mid-range$500/day

Luxury$1500/day

Known For

st_barthssaint_barthelemycaribbeanfrench_caribbeanluxury_islandgustaviashell_beachst_jean_beachcolombier_beachyacht_destinationboutique_shoppingfine_diningcelebrity_destinationromantic_getawaybeach_vacationnew_yearschristmas_holidayupscale_travelfrench_cuisineduty_freehoneymoonprivate_villaswater_sportssnorkelingsailing

🇧🇱 Country Information: Saint-Barthelemy

CapitalGustavia

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language French , English

Phone Code+590

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory as a service charge is often included
For good service in restaurants, 10
15% is common
For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is typical
For hotel staff, a few euros per day is appropriate

Money & Payments

ATMs are available, but credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas
It is better to bring some cash for smaller purchases and local vendors
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress is generally casual, but swimwear should be confined to beaches and pools
Politeness and greetings are highly valued
It is considered rude to speak loudly in public places

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights are similar to metropolitan France, with legal recognition of same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, similar to France, and include penalties for possession and trafficking

Special Laws

Driving is on the right side of the road
Some beaches may have specific regulations regarding attire

Common Phrases

HelloBonjour (bon-ZHOOR)

PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)

Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)

Climate

Tropical marine climate with temperatures ranging 72-86°F (22-30°C) year-round. Trade winds keep the island comfortable. Dry season December-April, wetter June-November. Hurricane season officially June-November but the island rarely gets direct hits.

Best Time to Visit

High Season: December
April (perfect weather, highest prices, book months ahead)
Shoulder: May
June, November (good weather, better rates)
Low Season: July
October (hurricane season, many restaurants close September
October)
Peak Moments: Christmas/New Year's (reservations needed a year in advance)

Getting There

Most visitors fly into St Maarten (SXM) then take a short 10
minute commuter flight to Gustaf III Airport (SBH)
one of the world's shortest and most dramatic runways
Alternatively, high
speed ferries run from St Maarten (45 minutes)
Private charter flights available from various Caribbean islands
No direct flights from mainland US or Europe

Getting Around

Rental cars (Minis and Jeeps) are the most popular option on the hilly terrain
Taxis available but expensive
Many visitors rent scooters
Walking possible within Gustavia and St Jean
Hotels offer shuttle services
Island is small
nowhere is more than 15 minutes away

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccines required
Standard vaccinations (MMR, Tdap) recommended
Mosquito
borne illnesses rare but use repellent
Excellent medical facilities for a small island
Travel insurance strongly recommended

Staying Connected

French/EU carriers work seamlessly (Orange, SFR)
eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly) work well
WiFi excellent at hotels and restaurants
4G coverage throughout the island
French Antilles rates apply

Local Cuisine

French Caribbean Fusion must_try

St Barths blends classic French techniques with Caribbean ingredients - fresh lobster, mahi-mahi, and tropical fruits prepared with Gallic precision.

Freshly Caught Lobster must_try

Caribbean spiny lobster served grilled, in salads, or in bisque. Exceptionally fresh and prepared simply to highlight the sweet meat.

Ti'Punch local_favorite

The traditional French Caribbean cocktail - white rum, lime, and sugarcane syrup. You'll find it everywhere, often made tableside to your preference.

French Pastries & Breads must_try

Authentic croissants, baguettes, pain au chocolat, and French pastries flown in or made fresh daily. Breakfast is a treat.

Beach Club Lunch local_favorite

The St Barths experience - rosé wine, fresh salads, grilled fish, and seafood platters at chic beach clubs with views and vibes.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Restaurant Reservations Dining

Book 2 weeks to 3 months in advance

Top restaurants have limited seating and book up weeks or months ahead during peak season.

Accommodations Accommodation

Book 2-12 months in advance

Limited inventory on small island. Villas and top hotels book out months ahead for holidays.

St Maarten to St Barths Flights Transport

Book 2-8 weeks in advance

Small planes with limited capacity. Very few daily flights and they fill fast.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Car Rental Transport

Book 1-4 weeks in advance

Limited vehicles on island. Popular Minis and Jeeps book up quickly.

Fun Facts

1. St. Barths was Swedish from 1784-1878, making it the only Caribbean island with Scandinavian heritage.
2. The island has no resorts over two stories - building height limits preserve its village atmosphere.
3. Gustavia harbor was a free port for 200 years, making it a major Caribbean trading hub.
4. St. Barths is technically part of France and uses the Euro despite being 6,700 km from Paris.

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