About St. Barth
Explore Caribbean
Overview
What’s in a name? Whether you call the charming Caribbean isle of Saint Barthélemy by its full name, or nicknames of St. Barths or St. Barts, it is still delightfully sweet.
This shining gem of the ocean is home to some of the world’s loveliest beaches, such as Grand Cul De Sac; and snorkeling sites, including Lorient beach, with its tropical fish and colorful giant sea turtles.
The island’s capital city of Gustavia, named after King Gustav III of Sweden, once belonged to that country. Awarded to Sweden in exchange for trade rights in 1784, the island was sold back to France nearly one hundred years later in 1878.
Today, snorkelers and divers from all across the globe swim through clear blue waters in search of turtles, eels, leopard rays, barracudas, sharks and colorful tropical fish. And curious shoppers search for duty-free treasures in the posh stores of Gustavia and St. Jean.
What To Do
Snorkel amid the island’s majestic reefs, such as the islet near Gustavia harbor.
Feast on tuna tataki or grilled octopus in one of the island’s many excellent eateries.
Watch the sunset from the beach or onboard a romantic yacht.
Roam St. Bart’s red-roofed capital, Gustavia. Hike up the steps to the Fort Karl lookout, with expansive views of the town and surrounding harbor. See the remnants of this former Scandinavian city, such as the Swedish clock tower, signposts, and jail.
Learn about the history and culture of St. Barts at the St. Barth Municipal Museum (Musee Municipal de St. Barthelemy) in Gustavia.
Go stand up paddle boarding, waterskiing, jetskiing, kayaking and canoeing in the turquoise waters of the harbor.
When to Go
The island’s tropical climate varies little with a median temperature of 81 F. There are two seasons on St. Barts, the dry season from December through April, and the more humid period between May and November. Although brief showers never dampen the exhilarating island mood for long.
Fast Facts
Native islanders, known as Les Saint-Barths, have long been ecologically conscious. Conserving Saint Barthélemy’s rich natural environment and wildlife led to the creation of a marine park to protect its underwater region. In 1998, the island also started the first recycling program in the Caribbean.
Creole cuisine, which incorporates sustainable local ingredients, is ubiquitous on the island.
A traditional aperitif of ti’punch, with white rum, cane sugar, and lime, is frequently served with accras, deep-fried codfish fritters. Curried goat, chicken or pork with pureed yams or sweet potatoes and locally harvested tropical fish are often on the menu.
Islanders satisfy their sweet tooth with fresh fruit sorbets and cocktails incorporating local bananas, mangos, papayas, pineapples, passion fruit, carambola (star fruit) and cherries.
Travel Tips & Tools
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