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.
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.
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.
Flamands Beach
This
is a classic, wide Caribbean Beach with some shade and surf. A few
hotels and restaurants can be found on this white sand beach. Even
though it is known for its beauty, it is never crowded. Great for those
who enjoy riding the waves. Take a picnic lunch and spend the day.
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.
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.
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.
Gouverneur Beach
Also
unspoiled and on the southern side, Gouverneur is a beautiful white
sand cove with surf, snorkeling by the rocks and no shade. Go early or
late in the day to avoid the strong sunlight. Rumor has it that Captain
Monbars "The Exterminator" buried his stolen treasure in a hidden cave
just beyond the rocks.
Petit Cul de Sac
Nestled
in the northeast corner of St Barths is this calm protected lagoon with
beautiful white sand beach. A favorite of many locals for its peaceful
setting, it is also a nice place to picnic. Few have discovered this
little gem.
Shell Beach
Located
in Gustavia, Shell Beach is very calm, and, as the name suggests, is
covered with shells. The islands of Statia and Saba can be seen from
here. When the other beaches are windy and rough, count on Shell Beach
to be tranquil enough for swimming and sunning. In the winter, visitors
and islanders come here to watch the sunset. Collecting unusual shells
is a favorite pastime.