Saint Jean, 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 Saint Jean, St. Barts?

  • Saint Jean is home to the Eden Rock Hotel, the first hotel to be built in St. Barts.
  • The beach at Saint Jean is known for its clear waters and white sand.
  • Saint Jean has several restaurants and bars, including the popular Le Ti St. Barth.
  • The local airport in Saint Jean is only capable of handling small planes.
  • Saint Jean is popular with celebrities, who come to relax in the luxurious resorts and villas.

Saint Jean, 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 Saint Jean, St. Barts

Getting to Saint Jean, 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...® - Saint Jean, St. Barts Travel Tips

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

Capital: 1859N/A (The city of Saint Jean did not exist in
Population: 2019Approximately 1,000 (according to the 2019 estimates by the World Population Review)
Size: 1754Unknown (It is not possible to determine the square miles of Saint Jean in 1754 with only one word)
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 Saint Jean is French, while the secondary language spoken is English. French is the predominant language used in government, education, and business, while English is widely understood and used in tourism and international
Currency: Saint Jean, located in the beautiful Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy, offers a unique blend of French and Caribbean culture. As a popular tourist destination, the currency and payment options available in Saint Jean are essential for visitors to know in order to have a smooth and enjoyable experience. The official currency of Saint Jean is the Euro, which is used throughout the island. However, US dollars are also widely accepted in most tourist areas, including Saint Jean. It is recommended to have some cash on hand for smaller transactions, as some local vendors may not accept credit cards. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Saint Jean, especially in major establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, but some places may also accept American Express and Discover. It is advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad. ATMs are readily available in S
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Saint Jean, a bustling town on the island of Saint Barthélemy, are an important aspect of local customs and culture. Tipping is not mandatory in Saint Jean, but it is customary to leave a small tip for good service. The standard tipping rate is around 10-15% of the total bill. However, some restaurants may include a service charge, so it is always best to check the bill before leaving a tip. In terms of taxes, Saint Jean has a value-added tax (VAT) of 5%, which is included in the price of goods and services. This tax is similar to a sales tax and is applied to most purchases, including meals at restaurants and hotel stays. In addition to the VAT, there is also a tax on accommodations in Saint Jean. This tax is known as the “tourist tax” and is charged per person, per night. The amount of this tax varies depending on the type of accommodation and the season, but it typically ranges from €1-€5 per person, per night. It is important to note that some restaura
Dress Code: The dress code in Saint Jean must be casual and appropriate for warm weather.
Topography: Saint Jean is a hilly coastal town in the Caribbean, characterized by lush green mountains, sandy beaches, and a bustling harbor.
Telephone: Country code: 590 Area code: 590

Saint Jean, 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.