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The Most Beautiful Beaches in St Barts

Known for its manicured sands and secluded coves, St Barts has some of the most beautiful beaches to visit
Known for its manicured sands and secluded coves, St Barts has some of the most beautiful beaches to visit
Photo of Claire Dodd
Claire Dodd
22 October 2021
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From lounger-laden stretches of manicured sands to rustic rock pools with neon blue waters, the French-speaking Caribbean island of St Barts has beauty spots galore, each with its own distinct vibe. Though the island may be small, there are still plenty of secluded coves lined by shallow reefs and rolling hills if you want to get away from the busier beaches. Explore the island, pack a picnic or simply kick off your shoes and follow our guide to the most beautiful beaches of St Barts.

From the unique Shell Beach to the untouched Colombier Beach, this is the stuff that island dreams are made of. Dodge the tourists by renting a yacht for the day with SamBoat to discover these hidden beaches.

Corossol Beach

Natural Feature
Map View
Corossol St. Barths
© Richard Broadwell / Alamy

Charming houses cluster around the shallow blue waters of this lovely beach, where traditional fishing boats bob the waves. When you take a break from sunbathing you can stroll past the houses, each of which proudly displays an array of homemade straw crafts for sale – including sun hats, woven bags, purses and even Christmas decorations when the time is right.

Plage de Flamands

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Flamands beach St. Barths
© Richard Broadwell / Alamy
Whispy, fine white sands cover Plage de Flamands – the largest beach on the island. Kick-off your flip flops and take a walk along the slowly lapping waves. You’ll find surfers and bodyboarders here when the wind sweeps the bay. It’s also home to two of the island’s top hotels – the Taïwana and Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France – both located at the southern end of the beach.

Shell Beach

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Boats anchored off Shell Beach in Gustavia, St Barths, French West Indies. Image shot 2014. Exact date unknown.
© Brian Jannsen / Alamy
Can you guess how this beach got its name? Just a short walk from the downtown of the island’s capital, Gustavia, the sands here are abundant with blush pink and golden-hued shells, washed up by the sea. Be sure to stay for sunset – the beach faces southwest and offers some of the best sunset views. Make your way to Shellona restaurant – where sunbeds, live music and DJs await – and try the grilled squid and toast the sunset with a cocktail.

Colombier Beach

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French West Indies, St-Barthelemy. Colombier, Anse de Colombier bay and beach
© Danita Delimont Creative / Alamy
Good things come to those who, in this case, make an effort. Remote Colombier is one of the hardest beaches on the island to reach – but the rewards are high. A stretch of beaming white sands, bold blue seas and green forested hills greet those who make the journey – it’s only reachable by boat or foot. Join a group sailing trip, or push the boat out and charter a catered yacht for the day. Picnic on the beach anyone? Be advised, there’s no facilities, so bring whatever you need.

Gouverneur Beach

Natural Feature
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French West Indies, St-Barthelemy, Le Gouvnereur, Anse Le Gouverneur beach
© Mauritius Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Rumours abound that French pirate Captain Monbars stashed his treasure in a cave by this beach and never recovered it, so keep your eyes peeled. This unspoilt, white sand beach is postcard-perfect – but there are no facilities and little shade, so it’s best to visit early or late in the day to avoid the full strength of the sun. Bring your snorkel mask and follow the rocks for a glimpse of an underwater world.

Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach

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Grand Cul De Sac St. Barths
© Richard Broadwell / Alamy
The Grand Cul-de-Sac is a shallow expanse of sweeping turquoise hues, brimming with tropical fish. Visitors will find palm-shaded sands to unwind on – and close to the luxury hotel Le Sereno, there’s a chance of spotting sea turtles. Watch the lagoon fill with kiteboarders when the wind is just right and wade far out to find a beautiful coral reef.

Marigot Beach

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Marigot Beach, Saint Barthelemy or St Barths or St Barts, Caribbean Sea
© D B Images / Alamy
Solitude awaits at this relaxed little cove, part of the marine reserve. Take a picnic and you’ll likely have this verdant bay – with its small stretch of sand amidst tumbling green hillsides – to yourself. Fishing huts and a number of beachside houses sit nearby, but there’s never a crowd. Pop a cork, dig your toes in the sand and sit back and listen to the waves break.

Petit Cul de Sac Beach

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Petit Cul-De-Sac, public beach, Saint Barthelemy or St Barths or St Barts, Caribbean Sea
© D B Images / Alamy
The Grand Cul-de-Sac’s neighbour and smaller sibling, this lagoon-like bay may not have the same striking vistas, but it does offer privacy and a little solitude. A much quieter spot, its pebbled sands and shallow waters are rustically beautiful. Many adventurous travellers make a further hike from here to the nearby natural pools – surrounded by sheer cliffs. Ask a local guide for help locating them and traversing the tricky route across the rocks.
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