Saint BarthélemyCaribbean · Ferry Destinations

All About Saint Barthélemy

A Caribbean island that changed hands between the French and the Swedish, Saint Barthélemy has a typical European character that has made it a favorite among the world’s jet-flying movers and shakers. Taking a ferry to Saint Barthélemy is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets. Known as St. Barts or St. Barths, the French-speaking island was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It now stands apart from several other Leeward Islands for having a distinctly mountainous topography that adds to its forever captivating beauty.

Routes and Ferries to Saint Barthélemy

To reach St. Barts from overseas, your best option is to fly to St. Maarten and then either take a ferry or a domestic flight to the island. St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport has planes arriving from Europe and America. Upon landing, a 15-minute ride on a 20-seater propeller plane will take you to St. Barts.

The airport in St. Barts, Gustaf III, is quite unique and can only accommodate small planes. The runway is on a slant, with a hill on one side and a beach on the other. Thus, only a limited number of pilots are authorized to land there. British tourists often arrive at Gustaf III via a stop in Antigua, whereas charter planes from San Juan also fly in regularly.

A less scary way to reach St. Barts from St. Maarten is on a ferry. Ferryscanner allows you to conveniently book a Great Bay Express ferry from Philipsburg to Saint Barthélemy that takes 45-minutes one way and costs €60, far cheaper than taking a flight on this route.
 

Ports of Saint Barthélemy

Gustavia Port in St. Barts is a natural harbor that consists of a sheltered marina and a small trade port. Unable to accommodate large yachts or cruise ships, it has a cozy ambiance that gels with the island’s modest identity. Cruise ships stopping at St. Barts anchor outside the harbor, carrying their passengers to and fro on tender boats. The area around the port is well-developed with duty-free shops and plenty of restaurants and bars. If staying in Gustavia, you can possibly walk to your hotel. Otherwise, take a taxi to any point on the island, which will cost you less than €30. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Saint Barthélemy.
 

Capital & Villages

The wonderful part about visiting an island 8 square miles in size is that everything is nearby. But while you might expect things to be similar, once you drive out of the capital Gustavia, there’s a visible change in temperament that eventually makes St. Barts a versatile and fantastic holiday destination brimming with natural surprises.

Gustavia

Crammed with day visitors, touristy to the max, and the place on the island for luxury shopping and fine dining, it doesn’t get any livelier in St. Barts than in Gustavia. A favored holiday destination for the rich and the famous in the 1970s, the island’s capital prominently reflects its diverse heritage through historical sites such as Fort Gustave, built by the Swedish in 1787. Don’t miss the hike to the fort, situated at a vantage point on a hill, for breath-taking scenic views of the harbor. Museum-lovers should visit Wall House, an ancient stone building that now displays vintage paraphernalia from all over the island.

Corossol

The mood transforms from vibrant to rustic charm within minutes once you drive west from Gustavia to the fishing village of Corossol. Home to several generational islanders, Corossol has more of a Caribbean aura and is speckled with authentic island-style residences that stand alongside modern villa rentals. The beach in Corossol is a true hidden gem, often empty, and the only place where you can spot colorful ‘dories’ – which are the traditional fishing boats.

St. Jean

After Gustavia, St. Jean is the next big town in St. Barts that attracts the maximum number of tourists. Unlike other villages on the island, St. Jean is very much self-reliant. From having one of the best beaches and surf shops to high-end boutiques, chic cafes, and markets, St. Jean is an exclusive quarter known for its discreet characteristic. Among the local attractions in St. Jean is Eden Rock Hotel, world-famous for its spirited and colorful disposition and for having hosted several celebrities over the years.

Anse des Cayes

Over the past decade, St. Barts has slowly been gaining a reputation as a surf destination. Those wanting to ride the waves should look into staying in Anse des Cayes, a 10-minute drive across the island from Gustavia. This rocky cove faces strong winds, making it less suitable for sunbathing but excellent for surfing and windsurfing. When booking your villa in Anse des Cayes, choose one with a sea view, even if it’s slightly expensive.

Anse de Grande Saline

Salty Saline is St. Bart’s own personal natural corner. Named after the salt pond in the neighborhood, Saline entices tourists with its secluded sandy beach with Caribbean blue water and a separate section for nudists. There is an overall enchanting lushness in Saline, which is why it’s the best place on the island for bird watching.
 

Best Beaches

For an island so small, the presence of 14 gorgeous beaches and several hidden seaside nooks is reason enough to plan an extended vacation in St. Barts, packed with unimaginable tropical delights. So get your ferry tickets to Saint Barthélemy and get to exploring!

Gouverneur Beach

Sandwiched between bottle green vegetation and mesmerizing turquoise water lies a stretch of untouched fine white sand known as Gouverneur Beach. This hidden natural gem is situated in the south of the island, surrounded by cliffs that give it an intimate appeal. With nearby parking, a clothing-optional section on one side, and swimming and snorkeling opportunities aplenty, make sure you plan at least one beach day at Gouverneur Beach.

Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach

Grand Cul-de-Sac is a family-friendly, all-in-one beach with something to do for everyone. The calm shallow waters present snorkellers with the chance to swim alongside turtles in the bay. While the cove’s windy nature makes Grand Cul-de-Sac the ideal spot to learn windsurfing. Along the beach, there are several budget accommodations and a few restaurants that serve delicious fresh seafood.

Colombier Beach

Colombier is a hard-to-reach stretch of powdery sand that makes it worth the trouble once you get there. Occupying the western coastline, the beach features still waters and plenty of nirvanic tranquility. Quiet, secluded, and oh-so-beautiful, you’ll either have to endure a 30-minute hike or hire a boat to get here. Remember to bring your own umbrella, snacks, and water, since there are no amenities available at Colombier Beach.

Lorient Beach

As eccentric as beaches can get, Lorient is first and foremost a famous surfing spot in St. Barts. The water here is clean and clear, making it ideal for a swim. Don’t forget to bring along your snorkel gear since the reef at Lorient is full of colorful corals, fish, and turtles. Typically secluded, Lorient gets some tourist movement due to the grave of French singer Johnny Hallyday in a cemetery on the west side of the beach.

St. Jean Beach

Soft white sand, a beautiful light-blue shade of water, gentle waves, and usually uncrowded, St. Jean, is definitely one of the beaches you have to visit in St. Barts. Popular because it mirrors St. Maarten’s Maho Beach in that it is situated next to the Gustaf III Airport’s runway. Unlike Maho, the planes arriving here are smaller. Still, the beach offers a thrilling experience wherein sunbathers get to stand under low-flying airplanes.
 

Transportation Around Saint Barthélemy

Tourists often come from neighboring islands to St. Barts for the day. Gustavia is the primary stop for them, and it’s easy enough to enjoy the capital city’s shopping, historical, and culinary offerings on foot.

If you’re someone who enjoys offbeat adventures and can’t sit still, then renting a car or a scooter will suit you best. Do remember, though, that St. Barts has strict traffic rules, including wearing seat belts and a helmet. In addition to that, owing to the region’s topography, you should be comfortable driving on small winding roads that snake around the hills. St. Barts has only two petrol stations, and both remain closed on Sundays.

Taxis are the other reasonable option and are readily available. Somewhat inexpensive due to the island’s small size, a 60-minute taxi hire visiting touristy spots will cost you approximately €55.