Saint Barthélemy Travel Information

St. Barthelemy, also known as St. Barts or St. Barths, is a Caribbean island that is part of the French West Indies. Known for its exclusive resorts, luxury villas, and high-end shopping, St. Barts is a popular destination for celebrities, affluent travelers, and those looking for a chic and upscale vacation. With its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural beauty, St. Barts offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.

Here are the top 10 things to do in St. Barts:

1. Visit the beaches

St. Barts is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including St. Jean Beach, Saline Beach, and Colombier Beach. Relax on the powdery white sand, swim in the clear turquoise waters, and enjoy the tropical sun.

2. Go shopping in Gustavia

Gustavia is the capital and main town of St. Barts, and is known for its luxury boutiques, designer shops, and high-end jewelry stores. Browse the designer labels, souvenir shops and local boutiques for a touch of luxury shopping.

3. Take a boat tour

Explore the island and its surroundings by boat. Many tour operators offer day trips to nearby islands, snorkeling and scuba diving trips, and sunset cruises.

4. Explore the island on a scooter or car

Rent a scooter or car and explore the island on your own. Discover hidden coves, unspoiled beaches, and charming villages on a self-guided tour.

5. Visit the Museum of St. Barthélemy

Located in Gustavia, the Museum of St. Barthélemy offers a glimpse into the island's history and culture. Learn about the island's history, from its indigenous inhabitants to its colonization and modern-day development.

6. Take a hike to the top of Mount Vindemia

Take a hike to the top of Mount Vindemia for stunning views of the island and the surrounding Caribbean Sea. The hike is considered moderate and takes about an hour and a half to reach the summit.

7. Visit the Gustaf III Airport

The Gustaf III Airport, also known as the St. Jean Airport, is considered one of the most challenging airports in the world due to its short runway and surrounding hills. Visitors can watch planes take off and land from a nearby hillside, and even take a tour of the airport.

8. Enjoy water sports

St. Barts is a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Rent equipment and take lessons from local instructors.

9. Take a day trip to St. Martin

Take a ferry to the nearby island of St. Martin for a change of pace. Explore the Dutch side of the island, known for its lively nightlife and duty-free shopping.

10. Attend a music festival or concert

St. Barts is home to several music festivals and concerts throughout the year, featuring a mix of local and international artists. Check the events calendar for upcoming performances and ticket information.

Climate

Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The island experiences two seasons: a rainy season from September to November, and a dry season from December to August. The average temperature ranges from the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 25-28°C) throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit St. Barts is during the dry season, from December to August. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder months of September and October, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are less. Avoid visiting during the rainy season, which can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

St. Barts offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Luxury resorts

The island is known for its luxury resorts, offering high-end amenities such as private beaches, spa services, and fine dining. Many of these resorts are located on the beach, offering direct access to the water.

Private villas and apartments

For a more private and self-catering experience, consider renting a private villa or apartment. Many of these rentals come with a kitchen and private pool, and are often located in more secluded areas of the island.

Guesthouses and small hotels

For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in a guesthouse or small hotel. These accommodations offer a more intimate experience and often have a local charm.

Getting around St. Barts can be a bit challenging due to the island's hilly terrain and limited public transportation. However, there are several options available to visitors:

Rental Cars and Scooters

Renting a car or scooter is a popular option for getting around the island. This allows visitors to explore the island at their own pace, and reach some of the more remote beaches and scenic spots.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available on the island, and can be a convenient option for getting around, especially for those not comfortable driving on the island's winding roads. Taxis can be found at the airport and in Gustavia, St. Jean and other major towns.

Buses

There is a small bus service on the island, which operates daily, but the bus services are limited and not always reliable.

Bikes

Bicycling is another option for getting around the island, and rentals are widely available. However, it’s worth noting that the island's hilly terrain and winding roads can make this option challenging for some visitors.

Boats

St. Barts is a small island, and as such, you can also explore it by boat. There are several boat tour operators that can take you on island-hopping tours, snorkeling excursions, and sunset cruises.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.