St Barts is one of the best destinations in the world to visit for beach and ocean lovers. While the island is just 10-square-miles, St Barts has 11 beaches, each with its distinct personality and history. From beaches with restaurants, bars and water sports to stretches of sand ideal for romantic picnics and peaceful sunbathing, there is a beach to suit everyone’s needs.
Here, we look at the best beaches in St Barts that can be sure to entice and delight.
On the south-eastern edge of St Barts lies a hidden treasure of unique beauty, Saline Beach. With its seemingly endless stretch of white sand, framed by white sea foam and gin-clear 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 a perfect spot for an afternoon snorkeling the superb coral formations or sunbathing to the sound of the tropical bird song from the old salt marshes that sit behind the dunes. The beach is also a popular spot for runners, walkers, and swimmers due to its blissful peace and quiet in the early morning.
Nestled at the base of a rocky cove just moments away from the center of Gustavia, Shell Beach exudes authentic Caribbean charm. True to its name, much of the shoreline is covered in shells of all shapes, sizes and colors, and with shells so finely crushed, the beach is perfect for swimming and lounging. Shell Beach is one of the best beaches in St Barts, with restaurants, palatial villas and shops within walking distance. One of the most popular local restaurants is Shellona, perfect for those looking to unwind in a convivial and musical atmosphere. Better yet, Shell Beach faces southwest, affording one of the more mesmerizing sunset experiences in St Barts.
Just minutes away from Gustavia on the north coast, Saint Jean is one of the most popular beaches on St Barths. The beach itself is very peaceful, but Saint Jean, the island's second-largest village, sits just behind it. Here, you will find hotels, shops, restaurants and spectacular luxury villas to rent perched on the hillside. The island's main airport is situated next to the village and offers a spectacular daily show of small planes touching down onto the sand. A variety of water activities are also available nearby, as are a selection of beach restaurants offering a gourmet meal, quick snack or a delicious cocktail. Saint Jean is also home to native sea turtles that can be seen gracefully swimming along the shoreline.
Located at the western island where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Colombier Beach is perhaps the most beautiful beach on St Barts and most definitely worth the journey. There are no roads leading to this protected area of the island's natural marine reserve, meaning visitors must walk 30 minutes through trails originating from the small village of Colombier or the nearby cove. Alternatively, accessing Colombier beach by boat and anchoring just a few metres from the shore makes for a beautiful excursion along the dreamy waters of Colombier Bay.
Under the turquoise water, the scene is equally as spectacular as on land. Visitors can spot lobsters, starfish and leopard rays whilst snorkeling, and sea turtles can be seen feeding on the fields of luscious seagrass. Image ©Leonard-Zhukovsky
Lorient Beach is an unspoiled stretch of white sand and transparent water with a dramatic backdrop of green mountains and bursts of red from the tin rooftops. Lorient Beach is one of the most extensive beaches on the island, with excellent surfing at the western end and much calmer waters at the eastern end for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. As one of the best beaches in St Barts, it is also ideal for younger children, with a series of small natural pools that allow even the smallest children to enjoy.
Lorient is one of the most bustling beaches, with plenty of room to enjoy beach picnics, two local restaurants and a vibrant food market. Lorient is also conveniently located to a beautiful selection of luxury villas to rent, making this one of the best beaches in St Barts and a favorite amongst visitors.
Flamands Beach, located three miles north of Gustavia, is a wide and quiet swath of sand with luscious flora and fauna throughout. Also known as "Billionaire beach", Flamands is home to some of the most impressive villas on the island, with many owned by people on the Forbes 500 list. The beach is one of the most popular areas to rent a private villa due to its exceptional proximity to two beachfront restaurants, including La Cabane restaurant at Cheval Blanc - one of the top spots for long lazy lunches with your feet in the sand.
As one of the largest beaches on the island, Flamands Beach is great for those who like early morning walks, jogging along the water's edge and spending the day basking in the scorching heat under the shady palms.
Of course, the best way to enjoy the best beaches in St Barts' is with a luxury villa rental. On St Barts, you'll find an enviable selection of some of the Caribbean's most spectacular villas for rent, complete with elegant sea views and direct beach access. Get booking your St Barts holiday and enjoy the Caribbean's finest beach offerings.
