Camaruche, 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 Camaruche, St. Barts?

  • Camaruche is known for its stunning sunsets.
  • The beaches of Camaruche are known for their crystal-clear waters.
  • Camaruche is home to the popular Nikki Beach Club.
  • Camaruche is a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
  • The beach of Camaruche is lined with palm trees and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

Camaruche, 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 Camaruche, St. Barts

Getting to Camaruche, 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...® - Camaruche, St. Barts Travel Tips

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

Capital: 1 wordBasse-Terre (the actual capital of Camaruc
Population: 2007Unknown
Size: 2019Small.
Electric Current: 220
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-03-13 22:13:41
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: The official language spoken in Camaruche is French, while the secondary language spoken is Antillean Creole. French is the language of government, education, and business, while Antillean Creole is primarily used in informal settings and among the local
Currency: Camaruche is a small Caribbean island located in the French West Indies, known for its luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches. As a French overseas territory, the official currency in Camaruche is the Euro. However, the US Dollar is widely accepted and often preferred by tourists. When it comes to payment options, credit cards are widely accepted in Camaruche, especially in larger establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are the most commonly accepted credit cards. However, it is always advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your credit card abroad. In addition to credit cards, cash is also widely accepted in Camaruche. ATMs can be found in most major towns and cities, and they usually dispense both Euros and US Dollars. It is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and tips. Traveler's checks are not widely accepted in Camaruche, and it can be challenging to fin
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Camaruche, a small island located in the Caribbean, are an important aspect of the local economy and culture. Here, tipping and taxes are seen as a way to show appreciation and support for the services provided. Tipping, also known as gratuity, is not mandatory in Camaruche. However, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants and bars. Some establishments may include a service charge in the bill, in which case, tipping is not expected. It is also common to leave a small tip for hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides. In terms of taxes, Camaruche has a value-added tax (VAT) of 8.5%. This tax is usually included in the price of goods and services, such as meals, accommodations, and shopping. Some establishments may also include a service charge in the bill, which covers both taxes and gratuity. There is also a 5% accommodation tax in Camaruche, which is charged on top of the room rate. This tax goes towards funding t
Dress Code: The dress code in Camaruche is casual and relaxed, with a touch of elegance and island flair.
Topography: Camaruche is a hilly and rugged terrain with a mixture of rocky cliffs and lush green vegetation, overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Telephone: Camaruche's telephone country code is +590 and its area code is 590.

Camaruche, 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.