The 7 Best Beaches in St Barts
You wake up to the sound of waves gently lapping at your villa’s edge, a steaming cup of Creole coffee in hand. In St. Barts, every beach has its own personality—some whisper pirate legends, others sparkle under the gaze of billionaire yachts. So, how do you choose? After ten years exploring these shores, here are my personal favorites—shared only with travelers who truly appreciate the details.
Anse de Grande Saline: the insider’s escape
Hidden behind a rust-colored dune, this wild strip of sand has no signs pointing the way. You reach it by foot, following a trail scented with seaside grapes. Arrive early—by 8am, the light kisses the waves in such an electric turquoise, it feels painted by Matisse. Pro tip: La Saladerie’s food truck serves grilled lobster here on Thursdays—only Thursdays. Rumor has it, moonlit dinners are sometimes hosted here… off the record.
Colombier: the discreet one
Accessible only by boat or via a steep hike from Petite Anse, this horseshoe-shaped cove is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. The water is so clear, a National Geographic photographer once told me he spotted stingrays without goggles. Avoid weekends—locals love it for family picnics, coolers full of saltfish bokits in tow.
Also read: The Most Beautiful Sunsets in St. Barts
Gouverneur: the treasure ghost
Legend has it that pirate Monbars buried treasure here. While there’s no gold to be found, you’ll uncover more precious gems: iridescent seashells, schools of parrotfish, and a rare sense of calm. The wind sculpts shifting patterns in the sand—snap photos before noon, when the sea breeze wipes them away.
Saint-Jean: the stage of luxury
Here, helicopters and sailboats share the skies. Two moods coexist: near Eden Rock, it’s all about rosé cocktails and designer swimsuits. Walk 300 meters to the rocky tip and suddenly—it’s just you and the waves. Insider tip from a Nikki Beach server: order a mojito after 4pm, and they’ll add a splash of local passionfruit syrup.
Flamands: the paradox
The island’s longest beach… yet often the quietest. Local families picnic here on Sundays, laying madras cloths on the soft blond sand. On the western edge, near the rocks, the water suddenly turns cooler—a curious phenomenon confirmed by Access Saint-Barth. Try the kiosk “Chez Rolande” for veggie accras made with forgotten roots like violet sweet potato and Caribbean cabbage.
Shell Beach: the natural curiosity cabinet
Steps from Gustavia, this cove is blanketed in crushed shells that crunch like crystal sugar beneath your feet. Perfect for a quick dip between luxury shopping stops. But come sunset, the real show begins: golden reflections dance on the hulls of anchored superyachts, setting the bay ablaze.
Corossol: the authentic one
Overlooked by most guides, this fisherman’s beach smells of dried salt and guava wood. “The ladies of Corossol” still weave traditional latanier hats here, just like their grandmothers once did. Visit during the morning catch and watch colorful boats unloading tuna and snapper directly onto the shore—a scene unchanged since the 1960s, according to the archives of the Journal de Saint-Barth.
One last thought…
What time will you set out tomorrow? At 6am, when Colombier glows with pearly hues, or at 5pm, to see Saint-Jean shimmer like an uncorked bottle of champagne? No matter—every grain of sand here has its golden hour.