Beaches of St. Barts

St. Barts packs an impressive variety of beaches into a small island: lively beach-club settings, protected family-friendly bays, surf beaches and remote stretches of sand reached only by foot or boat. Here are 12 beaches worth exploring during your stay.

Island Map & Beach Areas

Use this map to get your bearings before exploring St. Barts beaches and island areas.

Illustrated map of St. Barts showing beach areas and island locations

Print Beach Guide

St. Jean Beach

The island's lively beach hub

A long crescent of sand in the heart of St. Jean, with calm-water areas, watersports, beach clubs, restaurants and one of the island's most memorable views of small planes approaching the nearby airport.

Best For: Families, activity, dining

Access: Easy access with nearby parking

Amenities: Restaurants, bars, shopping & watersports

Know Before You Go: Eden Rock divides the beach into two distinct sections; the eastern side is generally calmer.

Flamands Beach

A broad sweep of white sand

One of the island's longest beaches, Flamands offers plenty of room for a walk along the shore and a relaxed day by the water. Surf can be more active here than on some of St. Barts' protected bays.

Best For: Beach walks, relaxing lunches

Access: Roadside and hotel-area parking

Amenities: Beachfront hotel restaurants nearby

Know Before You Go: Conditions can be rougher at times, so use extra care with small children.

Shell Beach

Gustavia's beach within walking distance

Just a short walk from the shops and harbor of Gustavia, Shell Beach is known for the countless tiny shells that cover its shoreline instead of traditional sand.

Best For: Swimming, sunset, Gustavia visitors

Access: Walkable from central Gustavia

Amenities: Beachfront dining nearby

Know Before You Go: Water shoes can be helpful if you have sensitive feet.

Lorient Beach

Surf on one end, calmer water on the other

Lorient combines several beach personalities in one setting. The western end attracts surfers, while calmer sections are better suited to swimming, snorkeling and family beach time.

Best For: Families, surfing, snorkeling

Access: Easy roadside access and parking

Amenities: Restaurants and a market nearby

Know Before You Go: The beach has no public restroom facilities, so plan ahead.

Colombier Beach

Remote, peaceful and worth the walk

Colombier feels removed from the rest of the island. With no hotels or restaurants directly on the beach, it remains one of St. Barts' most peaceful places for a swim, picnic or quiet afternoon.

Best For: Couples, picnics, seclusion

Access: Reachable by footpath or boat

Amenities: None on the beach

Know Before You Go: Bring water, food and everything else you need for the visit.

Saline Beach

Undeveloped and beautifully simple

Saline is an open, natural stretch of beach backed by dunes and reached from the area near the salt pond. There are no hotels or restaurants lining the shore, which is a major part of its appeal.

Best For: Quiet beach days, scenery

Access: Short walk from the parking area

Amenities: None on the beach

Know Before You Go: Bring your own supplies; sections of the beach may be clothing optional.

Gouverneur Beach

A beautiful cove on the south shore

Set below Lurin, Gouverneur is a wide crescent of sand with striking scenery and good snorkeling around the rocky edges. It often feels surprisingly uncrowded.

Best For: Snorkeling, couples, quiet afternoons

Access: Public parking close to the beach

Amenities: None on the beach

Know Before You Go: Arrive earlier for easier parking and bring your own beach supplies.

Grand Cul de Sac

Shallow water and watersports

This protected bay is known for shallow water, steady breezes and a concentration of waterfront hotels. It is one of the island's most convenient places for watersports and family beach time.

Best For: Families, watersports, waterfront dining

Access: Roadside and hotel-area parking

Amenities: Hotels, restaurants & watersports

Know Before You Go: The shallow bay is especially appealing for younger swimmers.

Marigot Beach

A quieter local favorite

Marigot is a narrow beach tucked into a protected bay on the northeast side of the island. It is less tourist-oriented than many St. Barts beaches and is known for snorkeling and marine life.

Best For: Snorkeling, turtles, quiet beach time

Access: Small parking area by the coastal road

Amenities: No shops or restaurants on the beach

Know Before You Go: The bay is part of a protected marine area and tends to offer more natural shade than many beaches.

Petit Cul de Sac

A quiet corner of the island

Petit Cul de Sac is a peaceful, less-developed beach on the northeast side of St. Barts. Calm water and a more natural setting make it a good choice when you want to get away from the busier beaches.

Best For: Families, picnics, calm swimming

Access: Short path from roadside parking

Amenities: None on the beach

Know Before You Go: Bring food, drinks and beach gear with you.

Toiny Beach

Wild coast, surf and a beach-club escape

Toiny sits along the island's dramatic Cote Sauvage. The open coast attracts surfers and beach walkers, while the nearby beach club provides a comfortable option for lunch and drinks.

Best For: Surf watching, walks, beach-club lunch

Access: Roadside access or hotel shuttle

Amenities: Beach club nearby

Know Before You Go: Strong currents and undertow make swimming here inadvisable.

Corossol Beach

A small village beach with local character

Corossol is a compact beach beside a traditional coastal village and small harbor. It feels distinctly local and offers snorkeling close to shore as well as attractive sunset views.

Best For: Snorkeling, picnics, sunset

Access: Parking along the sea wall

Amenities: No beach facilities

Know Before You Go: Bring what you need and enjoy the quieter village atmosphere.

Beach conditions can change with weather and sea conditions. Use local guidance and extra care around surf, currents and rocky areas.