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 St. Barts?
- St. Barts is the smallest island in the Leeward Islands.
- The capital of St. Barts is Gustavia.
- The island has a population of just over 9000 people.
- The official language of St. Barts is French.
- St. Barts is renowned for its chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and celebrity visitors.
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.
Crystal Blue Waters at St. Jean Beach
St. Barts' 14 stunning beaches draw thousands of travels to this tiny island every year, but St. Jean is where we soak up the sun. This cove is actually 2 beaches split by Eden Rock where you'll find restaurants, hotels, bars, shops and water sports. This northern bay feels like the French Riviera. Relax and enjoy the crystal blue water. It's never very crowded, even during the winter months. Take a stroll down the coast to the airport runway. It's fun to watch, and photograph, take-offs and landings. Nudism is prohibited, but topless sun-bathing is okay.
Watching the sunset at Shell Beach
Within walking distance of Gustavia, Shell Beach got its name for the blanket of olive shells covering the sand. Hurricanes have washed most of the shells away but you can still find a good array. This beach is a fantastic place to watch the sunset with the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius on the horizon. French tennis champion, Yanich Noah, and St. Barth's legend, Boubou, own Do Brasil on Shell Beach. This three-story restaurant is tucked into the cliffs and it's the perfect place to grab cold drinks, salads and sandwiches.
Voted top restaurant by Caribbean Journal 2023
Located in the beautiful Hotel St. Barthelemy, Aux Amis has a large menu with something for everyone.
Transportation on St. Barts
Getting to 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...® - St. Barts Travel Tips
Before making their way to 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 St. Barts even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
Gustavia |
| Population: |
10,000 (estimated) |
| Size: |
9.7 square miles |
| Electric Current: |
220 |
| Official Language: |
French is the official language of St. Barts, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. |
| Currency: |
- The official currency is the Euro (EUR), although the US Dollar (USD) is also widely accepted in many tourist establishments.
- ATMs: Available in Gustavia and other tourist areas.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Major cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted in most establishments.
- Contactless Payments: Increasingly common in shops, restaurants, and hotels.
|
| Tipping and Taxes: |
- Tipping: Tipping is customary but not mandatory. It is common to leave 10-15% in restaurants, and small tips are appreciated by taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides.
- VAT (Value Added Tax): 5% is included in most goods and services across St. Barts.
|
| Dress Code: |
St. Barts has a chic and casual dress code. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for daytime activities, and swimwear is appropriate at the beach but should be covered when away from the shore. Smart casual or stylish attire is recommended for dining at upscale restaurants and events. |
| Topography: |
St. Barts is a small but stunning island, known for its rugged terrain, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. The island is ideal for those seeking privacy, luxury, and natural beauty, with a variety of upscale villas, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. |
| Telephone: |
* Country Code: +590
* Area Code: 590
* Mobile Networks: Widely available throughout the island.
* Wi-Fi: Accessible in most hotels, resorts, and public spaces. |
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.
See our favorite St. Barts villas for honeymoons. 
