St. Barts: Beaches

Anse à Colombier A steep, rocky half-hour hike leads to this remote, mostly shadeless sandy western stretch still known as Rockefeller’s Beach, after David Rockefeller owned the surrounding property for several years; the trail is well-marked but you’ll need appropriate shoes. Excepting Sundays, the beach is usually deserted. Western coast

Anse de Grande Saline The shallow, sandy ocean bottom at this secluded, undeveloped southern beach is ideal for swimming. The windy gusts are both a downside (occasionally chilly) and an upside (keeps the bugs away). Bring sneakers to hike around the now disused salt ponds and rocky dune trails. Although total nudity is permitted, the beach is more of a family spot. Southeastern coast
family

Anse de Lorient On the northern coast, this is a wide sugary crescent is fairly deserted save for Sundays when it’s overrun by local families. The western end features fierce waves for French surfer dudes; otherwise the offshore reef tames the breakers. The informal ‘Reefer Surf Club’ sometimes meets here, offering advice to beginners. Northwestern coast; 011-590-590-27-67-63
surfing

Anse des Flamands Along the northwestern coast, Anse des Flamands’ broad strip of silken sand – perfect for sunning and long beach walks – is the most beautiful developed beach on the island. Ample shade is provided by lantanier palms whose fronds are dried and used for weaving. Northwestern coast
outdoors

Anse du Gouverneur The island’s most stunning beach is an untrammeled southern cove the hue of Champagne, encircled by steep cliffs, and occupied by a few buff, bronze, bare bods. The sunsets and snorkeling are both fabulous. Southern coast
snorkeling | views

Anse le Toiny This southern beach, nicknamed the “washing machine” for its churning surf – even expert swimmers should be careful – is hardly your typical Caribbean sight. Check out delightful natural tidal pools; they’re quite a hike from the road (ask locals for directions), but worth the trek for the vegetation, vistas, and tranquility. Southeastern coast

Baie de St-Jean This French Riviera-esque northern bay offers the prototypical St. Barths beach image: tropical sunshine, beachfront bistros, and perfect, bronzed bodies. The only thing out of place is the airport runway (watching and photographing the hair-raising takeoffs and landings is a popular pastime). Northwestern coast
outdoors

Shell Beach Famed for on-site Maya’s and Do Brazil restos, this shell-strewn beach on the western coast is just a short walk from Gustavia. Western coast