Grand Fond, St. Barts Guide

Know Before You Go...®

St. Barths is the epitome of Caribbean luxury, known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and sophisticated charm. Located in the French West Indies, this exclusive island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From the serene sands of Gouverneur Beach to the vibrant scene at St. Jean, St. Barths caters to every traveler. Luxury villas provide privacy and elegance, often featuring breathtaking ocean views, infinity pools, and world-class amenities. With its gourmet dining, high-end shopping, and vibrant culture, St. Barths promises an unforgettable escape where natural beauty meets refined indulgence.

Why Grand Fond, St. Barts?

  • Grand Fond is one of the most stunning beaches in St. Barts.
  • The beach is surrounded by dramatic, steep cliffs.
  • Grand Fond is known for its crystal clear, calm waters.
  • It is an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming.
  • The beach is lined with many tropical trees and plants.

Grand Fond, St. Barts Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
82.9° F
° F
February
72.8° F
° F
March
83.2° F
° F
April
84.3° F
° F
May
85.4° F
° F
June
86.4° F
° F
July
86.6° F
° F
August
87.1° F
° F
September
87.6° F
° F
October
87.2° F
° F
November
85.8° F
° F
December
83.7° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.28 inches
February
1.83 inches
March
1.99 inches
April
2.29 inches
May
3.60 inches
June
2.15 inches
July
3.13 inches
August
4.00 inches
September
4.38 inches
October
4.95 inches
November
4.26 inches
December
3.87 inches

History

Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barts, a small island in the Caribbean, has a fascinating history shaped by European colonization and its strategic location in the West Indies. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawaks and later the Caribs before being discovered by Europeans in the 15th century. In 1493, Christopher Columbus gave the island its name in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. Initially, St. Barts was uncolonized, with the French eventually settling it in the 17th century. The French established it as a profitable trading post, and the island became part of the French Caribbean possessions.

In the 18th century, St. Barts changed hands between the French and the Swedish. The Swedes controlled the island from 1784 to 1878, during which time they developed the port of Gustavia, the island’s capital, into a thriving trading hub. This period of Swedish rule left a lasting impact on the island, especially in terms of architecture, with many of the buildings in Gustavia still reflecting Swedish colonial style. After the Swedish period, St. Barts returned to French control, and it has remained part of France ever since.

Today, St. Barts is known for its exclusivity, attracting travelers and celebrities from around the world. Its picturesque beaches, luxury yachts, and sophisticated ambiance have made it a sought-after destination. Despite its modern appeal, the island maintains its French Caribbean charm, with colorful colonial buildings, fine dining, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Transportation on Grand Fond, St. Barts

Getting to Grand Fond, St. Barts and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from St. Barts is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No special pre-arrival authorization is required for most visitors, but travelers may need to complete a health declaration or entry form, depending on the current regulations.

Airlines Flying Here

  • St. Barts airport can only accommodate smaller planes, with flights connecting from St. Maarten, San Juan or St. Thomas.
  • Commercial jets require a longer runway and cannot land on St. Barts.

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax on St. Barts.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with well-maintained roads, though some areas may be narrow and winding.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas and higher on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations, pedestrians, and other road users. Always exercise caution when driving on narrow, hilly roads, especially in more remote areas.

Local Transportation

St. Barts offers a range of transport options to explore its stunning beaches, luxury shops, and charming villages. With its small size, the island is perfect for getting around by rental car or scooter, which allows you to easily navigate the narrow, winding roads at your own pace. Taxis are also available, though they are often best booked in advance, as they can be in high demand, especially during peak seasons. For a unique experience, you can also explore the island by boat, with water taxis offering a scenic way to reach various beaches and nearby islands.

Know Before You Go...® - Grand Fond, St. Barts Travel Tips

Before making their way to Grand Fond, St. Barts , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Grand Fond, St. Barts even more relaxing.

Capital: DominicaRoseau
Population: 2009Unavailable
Size: 1 wordsmall
Electric Current: 220
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-05-04 11:16:29
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: Grand Fond is a small village located in the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. The official language spoken in Grand Fond is English, which is also the official language of Dominica. However, the secondary language spoken in Grand Fond is Dominican Cre
Currency: Grand Fond is a small village located on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean. As a rural and remote area, the currency used in Grand Fond is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). This is the official currency of Dominica and is also used in other countries such as Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda. Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Grand Fond, and it is recommended to carry small bills and coins as many businesses may not have change for larger denominations. ATMs can be found in nearby towns, but they may not always be reliable, so it is best to have enough cash on hand. Credit and debit cards are accepted at some establishments in Grand Fond, such as hotels and larger restaurants. However, it is always advisable to confirm beforehand if a business accepts cards, as many small shops and street vendors may only accept cash. Traveller's checks are not commonly used in Grand Fond, and it may be difficult to find a bank or establishment that will acc
Tipping and Taxes: Grand Fond is a small village located on the Caribbean island of Dominica. As a tourist destination, it is important to understand the local customs and expectations regarding tipping and taxes. Tipping in Grand Fond is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. Most servers and service staff in restaurants and hotels rely on tips as a significant part of their income. It is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill, depending on the level of service provided. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, in which case, it is not necessary to leave an additional tip. Taxis in Grand Fond do not typically have meters, so it is important to negotiate the fare before starting the journey. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% of the total fare, although this is not mandatory. There are two types of taxes in Grand Fond: Value Added Tax (VAT) and Departure Tax. VAT is a 15% tax that is added to most goods and services, including hotel and restaurant bills. This
Dress Code: The dress code in Grand Fond should be appropriate and respectful of the local culture.
Topography: Grand Fond is a hilly and rugged area characterized by steep slopes and deep valleys, surrounded by lush vegetation and dotted with small villages.
Telephone: Country code: +1 Area code: 767

Grand Fond, St. Barts Weddings and Honeymoons

In St. Barts, the process of getting married is straightforward. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local town hall (Mairie de Gustavia). Required documents include:

  • Valid passports for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in St. Barts (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately €100. For weddings outside of the registry office, additional fees for the officiant apply, ranging from €200 to €500 depending on the ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 3 business days before the intended wedding date.