Colombier, 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 Colombier, St. Barts?

  • Colombier is the most remote and least developed beach in St. Barts.
  • The beach is accessible only by boat, and the walk in is a steep, rocky hike.
  • Colombier is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the nearby coral reefs.
  • The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky cliffs, making it a beautiful and secluded spot.
  • Colombier is also home to the historic Fort Gustav, built in the 1700s.

Colombier, 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 Colombier, St. Barts

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

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

Capital: 1 wordBasse-Terre
Population: 20096,069
Size: 2007Unknown.
Electric Current: 220
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-04-09 05:19:10
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: Colombier's official language is French, with 95% of the population speaking it. The remaining 5% speak a secondary language, typically English. This reflects the country's colonial history and strong ties to France. While French is the dominant language,
Currency: Colombier is a small town located on the French island of Saint Barthélemy. As a popular tourist destination, it offers a variety of currency and payment options to accommodate visitors from all over the world. The official currency of Saint Barthélemy is the Euro, which is widely accepted in Colombier. However, many businesses also accept US dollars, as well as major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. It is recommended to have some cash on hand, as some smaller establishments may only accept cash payments. ATMs can be found throughout Colombier, making it easy to withdraw money in the local currency. However, it is important to note that these ATMs may charge high transaction fees, so it is best to check with your bank beforehand. When it comes to exchanging currency, there are a few options in Colombier. Some hotels and banks offer currency exchange services, but they may have limited hours and charge a commission. It is also possible to exchange mo
Tipping and Taxes: Colombier is a small, picturesque town located in the French Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy. As with most tourist destinations, tipping and taxes play a significant role in the local economy and culture. Here is a brief overview of tipping and taxes in Colombier. Tipping: Tipping in Colombier is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 15-20% tip is expected, and it is customary to leave the tip in cash, even if you pay with a credit card. For hotel staff, a small tip of 1-2 euros per day is standard, and for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is sufficient. Taxes: There are two types of taxes to be aware of in Colombier: Value Added Tax (VAT) and Tourist Tax. VAT is a general tax that applies to most goods and services and is included in the price. It is currently set at 8.5%. The Tourist Tax is a daily fee imposed on visitors staying in hotels, villas, or rental properties. The amount varies depending on the type of accommodation, but it
Dress Code: The dress code in Colombier is likely casual and relaxed, with an emphasis on comfort and practicality.
Topography: Colombier is a hilly region with a diverse landscape of mountains, valleys, and plateaus, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and dotted with lush greenery and charming villages.
Telephone: Colombier's telephone country code is +41 and its area code is 032.

Colombier, 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.