Welcome to Saint Barthélemy

With its sophisticated French art de vivre, secluded beaches and flower-strewn hillsides, Saint Barthélemy (or, St. Barth) is a favorite of the celebrity jet set crowd.

The island is a magnet for fashionistas and heads of industry, those for whom high-end boutiques, outstanding cuisine and luxury hotels are part of the tropical package. (Aim to visit during the shoulder season to score more down-to-earth prices.)

Choose from 20 outstanding beaches dotting the eight-mile-long island – the best are Anse des Flamands for its scenery, Baie de St. Jean for its bistros and Anse de Grand Cul de Sac for its watersports. Charter a catamaran and head out into the sparkling seas or to neighboring islands.

Snorkel with sea turtles, dive to shipwrecks or jet ski across the glistening surface of the ocean. Be sure to spend a day in the buzzing capital of Gustavia, with its harborside dining and dancing, historic Fort Gustav and shopping along the Quai de la République.

Unique Facts

• Saint Barthélemy is only slightly larger than LAX airport. It was formed from a volcanic
• Tourism to the island gives back to coral reef restoration. When you give back to the community with your travel dollars, you’re committing to the island’s environment.
• Say Santé! Diners typically receive a complimentary glass of rum after dining at a local restaurant – it’s a form of island hospitality!
• If it’s your style, visit one of the “au natural” beaches, such as Plage de Grande Saline. As is the norm in French culture, topless sunbathing is allowed on any of the island’s beaches.
• Enjoy the biodiversity of St. Barth’s and the surrounding islands. There are 183 different species of fish, 54 kinds of coral and 60 types of sea sponges.

Language

Saint Barthélemy’s official language is French.

When To Go

The best time to go to Saint Barthélemy is November through June. The weather is particularly hot December through April. Many do visit during December, but this is peak season and prices are exceptionally high and accommodations require at least six months’ advance planning.

Airports

Gustaf III Airport, St. Jean

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for at least six months.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Saint Barthélemy: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type E. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official currency: Euro

Getting Around

Rent a car or use a taxi or private hire service to travel around the island. Parking can be crowded during high season, so arranging for a driver makes things easier. There is no public bus service on the island.

Driver’s License

International driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

Consulate General of France 934 Fifth Ave., New York, NY
Tel: 212-606-3600

Local Visitor Info

St. Barths Tourism Office
quai du Général-de-Gaulle, Gustavia
Tel: 590-27-87-27

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police, Ambulance: 17
Fire: 18

Safety and Security

St. Barths has a very low crime rate and is considered to be one of the safest destinations in the world. There is petty theft occasionally. There are virtually no “no go” areas on the island, day or night.