Petite Saline, 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 Petite Saline, St. Barts?

  • Petite Saline is the most popular beach in St. Barts and is known for its shallow, crystal clear waters.
  • The beach is lined with palm trees and is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
  • Petite Saline is home to a variety of marine life, including parrotfish, sea urchins, and starfish.
  • The beach is located just north of the village of St. Jean and is easily accessible by car or boat.
  • Petite Saline is a popular destination for day trips and is often visited by locals and tourists alike.

Petite Saline, 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 Petite Saline, St. Barts

Getting to Petite Saline, 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...® - Petite Saline, St. Barts Travel Tips

Before making their way to Petite Saline, 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 Petite Saline, St. Barts even more relaxing.

Capital: 1 word: Gustavia
Population: 2021Unknown
Size: 2019Unknown
Electric Current: 220
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-05-05 10:08:40
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: The official language spoken in Petite Saline is French, as it is a French overseas collectivity. However, the secondary language commonly spoken in the area is Antillean Creole, which is a French-based creole language. This reflects the cultural diversit
Currency: Petite Saline is a quaint village located on the island of St. Barthelemy, also known as St. Bart's. As a popular tourist destination, it offers a variety of currency and payment options for visitors. Currency: The official currency of Petite Saline is the Euro (EUR). It is widely used and accepted throughout the village. However, US dollars are also commonly accepted by many businesses, especially in tourist areas. It is recommended to exchange currency at a bank or ATM for the best exchange rates. Credit and Debit Cards: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Petite Saline, especially at larger businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, but some establishments may also accept American Express and Discover. It is always a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your card abroad. Traveler's Checks: Traveler's checks are not widely used in Petite Saline and may
Tipping and Taxes: Petite Saline is a small town located in the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy. As a popular tourist destination, it is important for visitors to understand the tipping and tax culture in the town. In Petite Saline, tipping is not mandatory but it is greatly appreciated. It is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill at restaurants and bars. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, in which case, tipping is not necessary. However, if you receive exceptional service, it is still a nice gesture to leave a little extra for the server. In terms of taxes, there is a 5% service tax and a 4.5% tourism tax added to all bills in Petite Saline. This is a standard practice in most Caribbean islands and is used to fund local projects and infrastructure. Additionally, there is a 5% tax on hotel stays, which is often included in the room rate. It is important to note that prices in Petite Saline may seem higher than other destinations due to the added taxes.
Dress Code: The dress code in Petite Saline is likely to be casual and relaxed, with a focus on comfortable and practical clothing suitable for a beachside setting.
Topography: Petite Saline is a hilly and rocky area with scattered vegetation, located on the western coast of the island of St. Barts.
Telephone: Country code: +590 Area code: 590 590

Petite Saline, 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.