Travel Guide Saint Barthélemy
At the crossroads of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, floating as nonchalantly as elegantly between Saint-Martin and the archipelago of Antigua and Barbuda, the 24 square kilometers of this slice of paradise that make up Saint-Barthélemy have the reputation of a luxury enclave. While it is true that the island has become a popular destination over the past thirty years for a few rather wealthy personalities (such as the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich and his splendid villa), it is nonetheless steeped in a disarming simplicity. It must be said that we soon meet so-and-so again, each one moving in a small car or in a quad on the whole of a reduced territory where being on first-name terms is the rule. It is because of this warm local welcome, both relaxed and sincere, that the visitor is conquered by a feeling of tropical well-being. The tourist guide to Saint-Barthélemy, a sort of large French village, offers you the opportunity to discover the colorful gastronomic treasures of Gustavia, the capital, and the seaside, as well as the island's spicy artistic culture. Also on the agenda: walks in the heart of the wilderness, dips in the lagoon and lazing around on white sandbanks and palm trees. Yes, hedonism has its place in Saint-Barth! Isn't there a saying on the island that says, "Sweeping up too quickly after a visitor has left may prevent him from returning"? Life is so short, it's better to live it in flip-flops!
What to visit Saint Barthélemy?
Suggested addresses Saint Barthélemy
When to go to Saint Barthélemy?
When to go to Saint-Barthélemy? There are two or even three tourist seasons. From mid-December to mid-April is the high season: prices are at their highest and tourists flock to the island. From mid-April to mid-December, it is the off-season during which European holidaymakers shun the destination a little because the weather is good there! The summer months (July and August) represent a special period: the long vacations allow Caribbean residents living in Martinique or Guadeloupe to discover the country, and it is a bit of an intermediate season. Prices of tourist services increase during this period and airline tickets are quite expensive. In short, if you prefer to travel outside of the busy periods, the best time to go to St. Barts is in May and June when the climate is most pleasant (hot and dry). In July and August, the weather is very hot and more humid, but don't pay too much attention to the clichés that tell you that the so-called cyclone period is terrible! It rains more often, but it is still very pleasant. On the other hand, avoid planning a sailboat cruise in September because it is true that this is the month when you are most likely to encounter a tropical storm or even a cyclone! Moreover, most establishments (stores, hotels, restaurants, sports activities...) are closed in September on Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. When to go to Saint-Barthélemy? All year round, avoiding September and giving preference to May and June.
Weather at the moment
The weather in St. Barthelemy depends on a tropical climate that divides the year into two seasons: a dry one from December to May and a wet one from June to November. The Azores high pressure system directs an easterly wind towards the island, better known as the trade wind, so that temperature differences in Saint-Barthélemy do not exceed 4°C and the mercury stabilizes around 27°C all year round.
As far as accommodation is concerned, the prices start high and go dizzyingly high, then drop to -40% in low season. Saint-Barth is not meant to be cheap, however some formulas allow you to stay on the island without being a golden boy: renting a hut with a kitchen in a hotel complex is a good idea and allows you to enjoy the pool or the spa. You will notice that even food is very expensive in Saint-Barth.
Citizens of the European Community can enter Saint-Barthélemy with a passport. Members of other countries may need a visa for some of them. Please note that a visa for mainland France is not always sufficient, and you may need to apply for an extension for the French overseas departments and territories.
For French citizens, there are two possibilities: if you arrive via Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side, you must have a passport valid for 6 months after the date of return and a return ticket. However, for arrivals at the French airport L'Espérance Grand-Case, an identity card is sufficient.
Citizens of Canada and the United States are admitted without a visa for a stay of less than three months, upon presentation of their passport.
Advice to travelers: the island of Saint-Barthélemy has no stream or river! Drinking water is therefore produced by a state-of-the-art desalination plant. However, the inhabitants keep a rainwater tank in case of need or to water their gardens. Be eco-minded during your stay and do not waste water unnecessarily. To go to Saint-Barthélemy, no specific vaccinations are required except for the usual ones (diphtheria, tetanus, polio). The most cautious and adventurous should add hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Warning: sun protection is essential! You are between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator, and ultraviolet rays are particularly violent. Maximum protection, such as sun block, is recommended for those who only know the Mediterranean sun.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Saint Barthélemy? Our advice & tips
The Caribbean islands are not new destinations in the programs of travel agencies and tour operators, and the links between them and tourism service providers are long-standing in St. Barts. It will therefore be easy to find good deals in the form of packages including flights, transportation and accommodation, whether or not all-inclusive, in the form of tailor-made trips or even guided tours. Let's also mention that the paradise island is located on the classic itinerary of many cruise tours.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationGoing on a trip alone to Saint-Barthélemy is not a problem. You can easily find accommodations, car rentals and plane tickets on the Internet or through a travel agency (the price of the ticket will be much lower if you plan ahead). The island being very "Americanized", you will also find concierge services that will take care of all your wishes on the spot so that your stay is only pleasure and relaxation. Group travel, honeymoon, family trip, solo stay... the beautiful beaches and turquoise sea are the guarantee of a dream vacation and a sweet life.
There is a good interconnection between Saba, Anguilla, St. Barts and St. Martin. If you are afraid of landing in St. Barth (the runway is quite short), you can reach it by sea from St. Martin. The crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from Marigot and 45 minutes from Oyster Pond. If you arrive alone by boat, the port is equipped to accommodate all sizes of yachts (check with the harbor master's office for availability). Please note that anchoring is regulated, so ask about it! On Saint Barth, there is no public transportation on the island, the size of the island does not make it essential, so hitchhiking is quite common and locals or tourists will gladly take you. You can also use a cab or a rental car.
