Saint Barthélemy🇧🇱 | best beachesBest 7 beaches in Saint Barthélemy

How many beaches to visit: Plan on four to six beaches in total, two per day at most. Beyond that, the steep roads and limited parking turn a beach day into a driving day, and the midday sun on a shadeless shore wears people out. Pick two calm leeward beaches for swimming and one or two windward ones for scenery.Choosing by travel style: Budget travelers should favor the free, unserviced beaches and bring a packed lunch, water and a sunshade. Snorkelers should prioritize the protected leeward coves, where the reserve keeps the water clear. Surfers and walkers should accept the windward coasts, but swim only where lifeguards or locals are in the water. Beach clubs suit a single splurge, not a daily habit.What it costs: Entry to every beach is free. The costs come from everything else. A beach … read more 👉

How many beaches to visit: Plan on four to six beaches in total, two per day at most. Beyond that, the steep roads and limited parking turn a beach day into a driving day, and the midday sun on a shadeless shore wears people out. Pick two calm leeward beaches for swimming and one or two windward ones for scenery.Choosing by travel style: Budget travelers should favor the free, unserviced beaches and bring a packed lunch, water and a sunshade. Snorkelers should prioritize the protected leeward coves, where the reserve keeps the water clear. Surfers and walkers should accept the windward coasts, but swim only where lifeguards or locals are in the water. Beach clubs suit a single splurge, not a daily habit.What it costs: Entry to every beach is free. The costs come from everything else. A beach club sunbed commonly runs €25 to 60 per person, often with a minimum food and drink spend, and lunch there is €30 to 60. A sandwich from a bakery or supermarket is €6 to 12 and avoids this. Rental scooters cost about €40 to 70 a day and cars €60 to 100. Taxis are expensive, so a short ride can cost €20 to 40. Beach-only spending can be kept to around €30 to 60 a day with a rental, and above €150 if you use the clubs. Book vehicles ahead from December to April, because late booking leaves only the priciest options.Safety and etiquette: Swim with caution on the Atlantic side. Currents and surf can be strong, and there are few lifeguards. Stay out from under manchineel trees, whose fruit and sap are toxic and whose rainwater drips cause burns. Keep valuables out of parked cars, which are the usual target for petty theft. Topless sunbathing is common, but full nudity is not accepted on most beaches. Do not take shells, coral or sand, and do not anchor on reef. Carry reef-safe sunscreen and leave no trash.