St Barts Beaches

The halcyon beaches of St Barts offer are the tantalizing lure of the jet set. Each beach offers something different but all are relatively quiet and free of crowds. Several beaches offer easy access while others require a hike or boat to get to. All the beaches are public and free. Nudity is forbidden but topless sunbathing tends to be very common. Modesty tends to be rare in St Barts.

Here are a few select and recommended beaches on St Barts.

Lorient

Lorient is home to the first French settlement. The long strand beach tends to offer an exceptional getaway offering seclusion and serenity. Favored by the locals on Sundays. The near end of the beach offers calm waters and good swimming. The west end is popular among surfers. Hike a bit further to Pointe Milou to visit a favored spot of surfers especially in winter. For surfing advice, seek out the Reefer Surf Club at Lorient. Child friendly.

Grand Saline

Grand Saline is a highly recommended beach. Located past the abandoned salt flats on the southeastern coast, the long beach offers a pristine environment with impeccable swimming conditions. Grand Saline is regarded as the longest and most beautiful beach on St Barts. The undeveloped beach features thick white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is accessed by a ten minute walk by foot at the end of the road over a rocky dune. Due to its seclusion and untouched natural beauty, the beach is quite popular and highly recommended by man. Nudism is prevalent here. No shade. Restaurant located near parking lot. Requires closed end shoes for the walk to the beach.

Gouvernor Beach

Gouvernor is a secluded and majestic beach that is highly recommended. The beach offers a pristine beach with immaculate swimming conditions. Although nudity is forbidden on the island, Gouvernor and Grand Saline tend to be de facto nudist beaches. Bring a shovel and search for pirate Montbars buried bounty at Grand Pointe. To access Gouvernor, you will head towards the Lurin section from Gustavia and head towards Gouvernor beach navigating the steep and narrow roads. There is a public parking spot near a private villa. Offers views of St Kitts, St Eustatius and Saba. No amenities.

Saint Jean Beach

Saint Jean is one of the most popular and easy to get to. Centrally located, Saint Jean is the most visible from the roads. Anchored on the west end by the airport and Eden Rock hotel in the middle, the scenic beach offers calm and turquoise waters and popular among windsurfers in the protected bay. The waters are protected by a coral reef. There are several eateries and shopping along the main road. Pack a picnic from La Rotisserie or Mayas to Go. Child friendly.

Anse de Cayes and Flamands

Two bays on the north west side of the island offer a splendid beach retreat. Anchored by a hotel, the beach can offer good surfing. The water can be rough with an undertow at times. Paths from the beach lead up to the extinct volcano of St Barts believed to be responsible for the islands existence.

Anse Marigot and Grand Cul de Sac

The tranquil bay of Grand Cul de Sac is anchored by some of the best hotels on the island such as Le Sereno and Guanahani. The reef protected beach offers calm waters for children. Water sports and fishing are popular here. Several amenities and restaurants on the beach allow for you to go without worry and planning. Sit back, relax and get your tan on. Child friendly.

Shell Beach

Is a great beach for children. Sometimes referred to as a black sand beach due to it's many shells (more gray than black) allows the kids to look for shells and swim in a protected cove. Easy walk from Gustavia. Child friendly.

Colombier

Colombier is a remote beach that is highly popular with boaters. The best way to reach the northwestern beach is by boat or an arduous 30 minute hike. The pristine beach offers good swimming and snorkeling. Good water quality with calm waters.

Toiny, Anse Petit Cul de Sac and Grand Frond

These beaches on the windward side are quite rugged and fully exposed to the trade winds coming off the Atlantic. This area is undeveloped and bucolic with its stone fences. The area provides exceptional views. Non-swimable.