Petite Saline, St. Barts Guide
Know Before You Go...®
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
|
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.
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.
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.
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 |
| 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.
