Things to Do in St Barts: Best Beaches, Hikes and Viewpoints (2026–27)
The wild side of the island: the walk to Colombier, the natural pools of Grand Fond, fourteen beaches, the forts above Gustavia and everything to do between two lunches.
By Laly Saint-Tropez 4 min read
St Barths is only 25 square kilometres, yet it hides goat paths along wild cliffs, natural pools carved by the Atlantic, fourteen beaches and Swedish forts above the harbour. Here is everything we love to do on the island, from the best hikes in St Barths to the beaches and viewpoints to see at least once.
The five best walks
The Colombier Trail
The beach you have to earn.
From the end of the road at Petite Anse, a coastal path leads to Anse de Colombier, a cove reachable only on foot or by boat. Clear water, turtles and the island's best snorkelling. The climb back is the hard part: go early or for sunset.
Gouverneur to Grande Saline
Two wild beaches, one cliff path.
From the far end of Gouverneur beach, a rocky path follows the cliffs to Grande Saline, with views to Saba and St Kitts, pelicans and frigatebirds. No shade: bring water and a hat.
Grand Fond and the "Washing Machine"
The natural pools of the Atlantic side.
On the wild east coast, a goat path leads to natural pools where the waves crash and churn (the famous "Washing Machine"). Proper shoes, care with sea urchins, and never swim off the rocky beach: the current is strong.
Morne du Vitet
The top of the island.
The island's highest point, 286 metres, with a 360-degree view over St Barths, St Martin and Anguilla.
The Toiny Coast Path
Cliffs, goats and the open ocean.
The island's most Breton-looking coast: stone steps, wild cliffs and the Atlantic swell, beautiful at the end of the day.
Also lovely: the easy loop around the Saline salt pond (shorebirds, sometimes flamingos), the Pointe Milou loop at sunrise, and the 30-minute walk from Lurin down to Shell Beach above Gustavia harbour.
The famous beaches
Saint-Jean: the best known, split in two by Eden Rock, with planes landing just overhead. Gouverneur: a white cove ringed by cliffs. Grande Saline: wild dunes behind the salt pond. Colombier: by trail or boat only, for turtles and sunsets. Flamands: the widest, with fine sand and gentle waves. Shell Beach: the sheltered cove of Gustavia, covered in tiny shells. Lorient: reef-protected, for families and beginner surfers. Grand Cul-de-Sac: a shallow lagoon for children, kitesurf and paddle. Petit Cul-de-Sac and Marigot: quiet coves with turtles. Anse des Cayes: coral and surf. Toiny: wild and rough, for walking, not swimming. Corossol: fishing boats on brown sand.
The viewpoints
Fort Karl (1789), on the hill above Shell Beach: Gustavia, and on clear days St Kitts, Nevis, Saba, Statia and St Martin. Fort Gustave (1787), at La Pointe: the panorama over the harbour and its old lighthouse. The Colombier lookout, at the top of the trail. The airport hill above Saint-Jean, to watch the planes dive steeply onto one of the world's most famous short runways. Morne du Vitet, the summit of the island.
Things to do
Snorkelling in the marine reserve (created in 1996): Colombier, Petit Cul-de-Sac, Île Fourchue and Shell Beach, with green turtles and rays. Diving at Pain de Sucre off Gustavia and around Île Fourchue. Kitesurf and paddle on the Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon. Surf at Lorient, Anse des Cayes and Toiny, best from November to April. A day at sea: a catamaran to Colombier, a classic yacht for the day or a sunset cruise. Culture: the Wall House territorial museum in a Swedish-era stone building at La Pointe, the Inter Oceans shell museum in Corossol, the island's churches, and the palm-frond weaving of the women of Corossol. Shopping in the lanes of Gustavia.
What to wear on the island
Light and easy by day, a little sparkle at night: a linen-silk midi for lunch, a mini for the evening in Gustavia.
Esmée Dalia – Delphine
Yvon – Anemone
Andrea Almeida – BiancaOn the island this winter? Contact us for delivery in St Barths, with dresses to try before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful beach in St Barths?
Gouverneur and Colombier are the most spectacular; Saint-Jean and Flamands the most lively.
Can you walk to Colombier beach?
Yes: about 20 to 40 minutes each way from Petite Anse, on a coastal path with a steep climb back.
What is there to do in St Barths besides the beach?
Hiking, snorkelling with turtles, diving, kitesurf, boat days, the forts of Gustavia, the Wall House museum and the Inter Oceans shell museum.
Distances and times are approximate. Continue with our guides to the 5 best hotels and the St Barths social calendar.