Beautiful beaches bathed in turquoise water (and warm water: 26 to 29°C all year round!), there is something for everyone: wild, developed, fine sand, shells... a common point all the same? They're all free! And a good half of them are accessible by sailboat, at least for a day anchorage. Ready for the beach tour?
Colombier Cove
Let's start with one of the most famous on the island, the Colombier. The locals sometimes call it"Rockefeller Beach", because it was here that the billionaire businessman (who died last March) had a superb villa built in 1957. It is now abandoned... Nestled to the northwest and exposed West, this beach is therefore sheltered from the trade wind. A safe and popular anchorage and particularly crystal clear waters. A little visited beach, because the access from the ground requires nearly 30 minutes of walk, on a splendid path.
Flemish Cove
A little further east, facing the small Île Chevreau, Anse des Flamands faces north. Coconut trees, beautiful sand, turquoise water, hotels and some residences... but also powerful waves and current. Bad anchorage, but good surf spot.
Anse des Cayes
Same atmosphere, but more wild, at Anse des Cayes. This beach is exposed due east: it is also an ideal place to practice surfing. On the shore, beware of limestone rocks... and sea urchins!
Saint John Bay
A little further south, we discover the Bay Saint Jean. This is where the airport nestles, with one of the shortest runways in the Caribbean. Seeing small planes land and take off is a spectacle... the beach is well protected by a rocky plateau, but remains accessible by boat, offering many mooring possibilities on a very calm water. White sand, coconut trees and the famous and baroque Eden Rock, the oldest hotel on the island.
Lorient Cove
A little further north-east, Lorient cove offers many possibilities with an offshore surf spot and yet very calm waters along the beach. This is where families like to get together. No fuss, simplicity, but access reserved for small boats - or the tender.
Marigot
To the east of Point Milou, you will discover the small beach of Marigot and its coconut grove; its grey sand and pebble bottoms promise very beautiful dives - equip yourself with masks, fins and snorkel. Reduced water depth for large drafts, as well as the two neighbouring beaches of Grand-Cul-de-Sac and Petit-Cul-de-Sac, lagoons inaccessible otherwise than in the annex. The first is wilder than the second, lined with hotels. But both are full of exotic fish - still great diving spots!
Coves of Toiny and Grand Fond
Further south, the coves of Toiny and Grand Fond are rocky and exposed to the swell. There's no way we're getting wet. On the other hand, turtles can be observed on the shore and whales can be seen offshore.
Grande Saline
Still on the south coast, but further west, you will discover the island's largest beach, the Grande Saline - it is adjacent to salt marshes. The place is wild and generous dune. A little surf, but day anchorage is possible. This beach is frequented by a very varied population... if you come with children, make sure you settle in the ad hoc area!
Governor's Cove
Even further west, the beach at Anse du Gouverneur is particularly steep and offers an exceptional panorama. Little frequented, it is an excellent anchorage for the day even if the surf, like its big neighbour, is sometimes sensitive when the swell offshore is strong and/or Southeast oriented.
Shell Beach
One then turns the extreme southern point of Saint-Barth to go up, heading in the North-West, towards the port of Gustavia. Just before you get there, a beautiful shellfish beach on starboard; it's Shell Beach. Turquoise water and pink shells make a delicious cocktail for the eyes - a little less for bare feet. The place is frequented by locals, much less by tourists. By sailboat, it is an excellent afternoon anchorage to enjoy swimming before arriving at the port.
Corossol
A little after Gustavia, there are two more beaches to mention: the public beach, located in the heart of the industrial zone, but nevertheless clean and pleasant - this is where the sailing school is based - and Corossol, a small picturesque cove with its traditional huts and fishing boats..
So that doesn't make you want to come to St Barts?
