There are fourteen beaches on St. Barths, all blessed with gleaming white sand. Few are crowded, even in peak season. All are public and free. Nudism is ostensibly prohibited; topless is not unusual. For beaches with hotels, restaurants, and water sports, Grand Cul de Sac fits the bill, as does St. Jean, which is actually two beaches divided by the Eden Rock promontory. You can also see St.Jean Beach from our panoramic movie pag
There is a smattering of hotels and restaurants at Flamands, a huge stretch of white sand fringed with lantier palms. The village of Corossol verges on a lovely beach that serves the practical purpose of a fishing port
The beaches at Marigot and Lorient are secluded and quiet, favored on Sundays by island families. Petit Cul de Sac is secluded, and usually very quiet; Toiny is wild and beautiful, not for the faint hearted. Gouverneur is serene; Saline is well worth the hike over the sand dune. Shell Beach can be reached on foot from Gustavia; Public, pronounced poobleek, near the commercial pier, is fine for a quick dip. Hardest to get to is Colombier, reachable by boat from Gustavia or by a half- hour hike down a scenic path.
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Lorient Beach
This reef protected beach has very little surf and good swimming. The beach provides some shade and is seldom busy. It is located on the north side of the island and affords pretty views of the reef and small fishing boats. Surprisingly, it remains undiscovered by most tourists.
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Grand Cul de Sac Beach
Also reef protected, this lagoon is the most calm. Its quiet, shallow water is perfect for small children. Hotels, restaurants and wind surfing are here. Enjoy cocktails while watching the pelicans perform their dramatic diving exhibition. Wading far into the lagoon is great fun.
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Colombier Beach
Accessible only by boat or a 25 minute hike along a goat path (Take the path just beyond Flamands Beach), Colombier is a picturesque cove. Bring a picnic lunch or take one of the catamarans from Gustavia and spend the day swimming and snorkeling. Private yachts and sailboats moor here while their passengers frolic on the beach or in the water.
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St. Jean Beach
This beach is actually two beaches. Eden Rock juts out into the Baie St. Jean and divides the beach. The smaller side is very calm and sheltered. It´s great for young children. The larger side is the site of several hotels and restaurants as well as the infamous airport landing strip. The activity of the small planes does not intrude on your day at the beach. In fact, most people find the tiny airport fascinating. Witness all the camera buffs trying to capture a landing on film.
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Marigot Bay
Small, calm cove with a narrow shoreline. Nice for swimming. Good snorkeling by the rocks. Towering palm trees line the small beach. Few tourists swim here because of its small size.
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Saline Beach
This is the favorite of many. It is on the southern side, unspoiled and quite spectacular. Surf can be found here. Park just past the saltpond and walk up the rocky path which leads to a sand dune. The view from the top of the dune is breathtaking. Bring plenty of sunscreen because there is no shade on this gorgeous stretch of sand.
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