Beaches

There are many anses (coves) and nearly 20 plages (beaches) scattered around the island and each is open to the general public. They range from long surf-pounded strands, to secluded crescents surrounded by hills, to calm and protected lagoons. Some bustle with restaurants and hotels while others offer exclusive privacy. Even in season you can find a nearly empty beach. Topless sunbathing is common, and although full nudity is prohibited, it is practiced freely on two of the southern beaches, Grande Saline and Gouverneur. Be aware that there are no public facilities such as changing rooms, toilets or concession stands.

Anse de CayesAnse des Cayes
Untamed and boasting good waves, it is popular among the surfing crowd. For the curious diver, there’s also an accessible shallow reef right off the beach if you have your own mask and fins. Dine at Fellini Ristorante at the Hotel Manapany that is right by the water.

Corossol Beach Anse à Corossol
Next to Public, Corossol harbors a host of fishing boats and a village home to ancestors of St. Barth’s fishermen. Sports enthusiasts head to this beach for memorable volleyball games. A step away from modernity, visit Corossol to get a sense of the traditional culture of the island.

Anse des FlamandsAnse des Flamands
A wide, pristine white sand beach thought to be the most beautiful of the developed beaches. It perfect for sunning and long walks and it can have impressive rolling surf in the winter months. From here, you can also take a brisk hike to the top of the extinct volcano believed to have given birth to the island. The Isle de France hotel’s exquisite restaurant pleases gourmet palates, and the less expensive La Langouste in the Baie des Anges Hotel is the best place for lobster.

Anse a ColombierAnse à Colombier
Known for it’s beautiful sunsets, this beach is located on the very northwestern tip of the island. It is the most inaccessible and thus the most private – there are no hotels or restaurants here. To reach the beach, one must travel the rocky footpath from Petite Anse or take the steep 30 minute hike from the main road in Colombier village. Proper footwear is essential. Anchored boaters also favor this beach and cove for its calm waters. Part of the Marine Reserve.

Anse de GouverneurAnse du Gouverneur
This beach is located on the south coast, minutes from Gustavia. The road from Gustavia has beautiful scenic vistas. Like Grande Saline it is undeveloped and full nudity is common. Watch the sun set behind the hills or look out into the turquoise waters for gorgeous views of St. Kitts, Saba, and St. Eustatius. There is also good snorkeling off the point.

Grand Cul de SacAnse de Grand Cul de Sac
Aside from St. Jean, Grand Cul de Sac is the island’s other major hotel and restaurant lined stretch of sand. Situated on a calm shallow lagoon and protected by a reef, this beach is perfect for small children, swimming and water sports. Kayaking and windsurfing are popular here with water sport rentals available nearby. Nearby restaurants include La Gloriette and Cocoloba, with various others in waterfront hotels such as Le Guanahani and Le Sereno.

Grand FondGrand Fond
This beach is covered with marvelous shells and coral, great for collecting unique souvenirs. It is completely undeveloped, with good waves. Though it is not good for swimming, due to currents that can be strong at times, it is another favorite or surfers and body boarders.
Anse de LorientAnse de Lorient
On the north side of the island, this reef protected beach is nice for families, with wonderful swimming. Surfers also enjoy the waves. The restaurants K’fé Massaï and Le Bouchon are on the western side of the wide, sandy crescent.

MarigotAnse de Marigot
Bordered by towering palm trees it is the only gray-sand beach on the island. It is small and quiet and on the northeastern side of St. Barths. Good snorkeling out by the rocks. It is also an ideal spot for mooring small pleasure craft.

La Petit AnseLa Petit Anse
Small beach to the west of Anse des Flamands it is renowned for its seabed rich with marine life and exquisite underwater landscape. From here, adventure seekers can hike to the isolated and remotely inaccessible Anse à Colombier to the west and experience breathtaking views en route.

Anse de Petit Cul de SacAnse de Petit Cul de Sac
An undeveloped stretch of beach to the southeast of the more popular Grand Cul de Sac. This location is frequented by the locals for swimming and relaxing. Find peace and tranquility here in the protected lagoon. Part of the Marine Reserve, its reef also attracts avid snorkelers.

PublicAnse de Public
Northwest of the downtown Gustavia, this beach is recommended for walks in the evening to watch the sunset over the ocean to the west. As a working port, this part of the coast is used for docking commercial ships in Public at the large pier. As a result, it is not a popular swimming beach, but it is fine for a quick dip. Dine on the waterfront terrace at Maya’s.

St. JeanBaie de Saint Jean
This reef protected strip is like a mini Côte d’Azur bursting with beachfront bistros, hotels and shopping. The beach is divided by Eden Rock and there is great snorkeling on the west side and a good breeze makes St. Jean excellent for windsurfing. Close proximity to the airport allows beachgoers to watch the hair-raising takeoffs and landings. Beachside lunch is offered at fine restaurants such as the Sand Bar and Nikki Beach, or find more casual fare at Maya’s To Go and Kiki é Mo.


Grand Saline Grande Saline
This beach is unspoiled and absolutely spectacular. Located on the southern coast, the beach is large with a sandy ocean floor and is excellent for swimming and sunning. Grande Saline is the island’s favorite unofficial nude beach, as the lack of major development nearby allows for a secluded atmosphere. Park just past the salt pond and walk up the rocky path which leads to a sand dune. The walk is about 10 minutes, so make sure to bring sneakers or water shoes for the trip.


Shell Beach Shell Beach
A 10 minute walk from Gustavia, Shell beach is unique and beautiful, named for the thousands of sea shells found there. Sunsets are enhanced by the view of the islands of Statia and Saba. When the other beaches are windy and rough, count on Shell Beach to be tranquil enough for swimming and sunning. The restaurant Do Brazil also looks out over the beach.

Anse a ToinyAnse à Toiny
The rocky beach around this cove is often deserted, as strong currents and a powerful undertow discourage swimming. However, it is a local favorite for surfing.