Discover the 10 essential activities to do in Saint-Barthélemy for an unforgettable vacation
St. Barthélemy, also known as St. Barths, is a Caribbean island paradise that offers a multitude of activities for an unforgettable vacation. Whether you are a fan of white sand beaches, water sports or hiking, this island has it all. Here are the 10 essential activities to do in Saint-Barthélemy:
1. Enjoy dream beaches
Saint-Barthélemy is renowned for its magnificent white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Among the most popular beaches are St. Jean Beach, ideal for swimming and water sports, and Colombier Beach, accessible only by boat or on foot, offering absolute tranquility.
2. Explore the seabed
Scuba diving is a must-do activity in Saint-Barthélemy. The island’s clear waters are full of coral reefs, tropical fish and spectacular dive sites. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, you will find diving centers that will offer you excursions adapted to your level.
3. Discover Gustavia, the island’s capital
Gustavia is the capital of Saint Barthélemy and offers a charming atmosphere with its colorful houses, luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants. Be sure to visit Fort Gustav, which offers panoramic views of the bay.
4. Go luxury shopping
Saint-Barthélemy is renowned for its luxury boutiques. You will find internationally renowned brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Take the opportunity to treat yourself to designer clothes, jewelry or accessories.
5. Go hiking
The island of Saint-Barthélemy offers numerous hiking trails that will allow you to discover its natural beauty. Among the most popular trails are the Colombier trail, which offers stunning views of the sea, and the Anse de Grande Saline trail, which leads to a secluded beach.
6. Taste the local cuisine
The cuisine of Saint-Barthélemy is a blend of French and Caribbean flavors. Don’t miss out on tasting local specialties such as fish court-bouillon, chicken colombo and cod accras. Many of the island’s restaurants also offer high-quality international cuisine.
7. Explore neighboring islands
Take advantage of your stay in Saint-Barthélemy to explore the neighboring islands. The nearby island of Saint-Martin offers beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. You can also visit the island of Anguilla, famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
8. Go paddle boarding or kayaking
The calm waters of Saint-Barthélemy are ideal for paddle boarding or kayaking. Rent a paddle board or kayak and explore the island’s secluded coves and picturesque bays. You can also observe marine fauna while enjoying a sporting activity.
9. Attend a local festival
Saint-Barthélemy is known for its lively festivals. Don’t miss the Gustavia Festival, which takes place every year in August, and features concerts, fashion shows and fireworks. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the local culture and party with the islanders.
10. Enjoy spectacular sunsets
Finally, don’t miss the spectacular sunsets of Saint-Barthélemy. Find a comfortable spot on the beach, sip a cocktail and admire the spectacle of colors before you. It’s a magical moment not to be missed during your stay on the island.
Explore the treasures of Saint-Barthélemy: the 10 best activities not to be missed
If you plan to visit Saint-Barthélemy, here are the 10 best activities not to be missed to explore the treasures of this paradise island:
1. Visit dream beaches
The beaches of Saint-Barthélemy are among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Don’t miss the beaches of Flamands, Gouverneur and Shell Beach, which offer breathtaking landscapes and crystal clear waters.
2. Explore nature reserves
Saint-Barthélemy is home to several nature reserves worth exploring. The Chevreau Island nature reserve is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with its picturesque trails and varied flora and fauna.
3. Discover historical sites
The island of Saint-Barthélemy is full of interesting historical sites. Be sure to visit the Gustavia Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the island, and the Wall House Museum, which traces the island’s history through interactive exhibits.
4. Shop at luxury boutiques
Take advantage of your stay in Saint-Barthélemy to go shopping in the luxury boutiques of Gustavia. You’ll find internationally renowned brands as well as local designers offering unique clothing, jewelry and accessories.
5. Taste the local cuisine
The cuisine of Saint-Barthélemy is a blend of French and Caribbean flavors. Be sure to try local specialties such as grilled snapper, conch (sea conch) and torment d’amour, a delicious coconut cake.
6. Go snorkeling
The clear waters of Saint-Barthélemy are ideal for snorkeling. Rent a mask and snorkel and explore the coral reefs and tropical fish that inhabit the island’s seabed.
7. Go on a boat trip
Explore the coasts of Saint-Barthélemy on a boat excursion. You can discover secluded coves, secret beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Some excursions also offer stops for snorkeling or paddleboarding.
8. Attend an outdoor concert
Saint-Barthélemy regularly hosts outdoor concerts, notably on Shell Beach. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and live music while admiring the sunset over the ocean.
9. Do yoga on the beach
Take advantage of the tranquility of Saint-Barthélemy to practice yoga on the beach. Many hotels and wellness centers offer outdoor yoga classes, providing a relaxing and revitalizing experience.
10. Admire luxury yachts in Gustavia
Gustavia is renowned for being a popular destination for luxury yachts. Stroll along the harbor and admire the magnificent yachts moored there. You can also enjoy the many restaurants and bars that line the port.
Live unique experiences in Saint-Barthélemy: the 10 unmissable activities on the island
If you are looking for unique experiences during your stay in Saint-Barthélemy, here are the 10 unmissable activities on the island:
1. Rent a luxury villa
For an unforgettable vacation experience, rent a luxury villa in Saint-Barthélemy. Guests can enjoy spacious accommodation, a private pool and stunning ocean views. Many villas also offer concierge services to meet your every need.
2. Go kitesurfing
The wind conditions in Saint-Barthélemy are ideal for kitesurfing. Rent equipment or take lessons from a kitesurfing school and take advantage of the island’s turquoise waters to indulge in this exciting sport.
3. Take part in a regatta
Saint-Barthélemy is renowned for its sailing regattas. If you are passionate about sailing, don’t miss the opportunity to take part in a regatta during your stay. You will be able to sail alongside experienced sailors and discover the spectacular waters of the island.
4. Do paddle yoga
Paddle yoga is a unique activity in Saint-Barthélemy. Rent a paddle board and take part in an outdoor yoga session on the water. This activity combines the benefits of yoga with the stability of paddleboarding, providing an experience of relaxation and connection with nature.
5. Explore sea caves
Saint-Barthélemy is home to magnificent sea caves that are worth exploring. Rent a kayak or boat and explore these spectacular rock formations. You will also be able to observe the marine fauna that lives in these caves.
6. Go paragliding
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, try paragliding in Saint-Barthélemy. You can fly over the island and enjoy panoramic views of the beaches, mountains and turquoise waters.
7. Discover the botanical gardens
The botanical gardens of Saint-Barthélemy are a true paradise for nature lovers. Stroll through the lush gardens and discover a wide variety of tropical plants and endemic species of the island.
8. Go golfing
If you are passionate about golf, don’t miss the opportunity to play on the Saint-Barthélemy golf course. This 9-hole course offers spectacular ocean views and is suitable for players of all levels.
9. Attend a private concert
Many international artists perform in Saint-Barthélemy during private concerts. If you are lucky enough to attend one of these concerts, you will enjoy a unique musical experience in an intimate setting.