The list of things to do in St Barth is shorter than what you would find on a larger Caribbean island, and that is part of the appeal. Saint Barthélemy is small, refined, and oriented around a few core experiences done at a high level: the beaches, the water, the food, and the views. Below is a local concierge’s honest guide to what is actually worth your time, organized by experience type.
Beach hopping
The single best thing to do in St Barth is also the simplest: drive to a different beach every day. The island has more than ten distinct beaches in roughly 8 square miles, each with a completely different character. Wild surf at Saline, sheltered turquoise water at Grand Cul-de-Sac, dramatic cliffs at Toiny, family ease at St Jean, total seclusion at Gouverneur, and snorkeling at Colombier. For a complete breakdown by character, see the best beaches in St Barth guide.
A day on the water
St Barth is best experienced from the water, and a private yacht or boat charter is the highest-impact day you can plan during your stay. The most popular itineraries depart Gustavia harbor and head north to Anse de Colombier (snorkeling, lunch on board, swim) or to neighboring islands: Anguilla (45 minutes, world-class beaches and beach restaurants), St Martin (30 minutes, Marigot for lunch), Tintamarre (deserted island, exceptional snorkeling), or Île Fourchue (uninhabited island just north of St Barth).
Sunset cruises around the western coast, with champagne and canapés on board, are a classic short outing. Day charters typically run 6 to 8 hours. Multi-day Caribbean itineraries on motor or sailing yachts are also arranged for longer cruises. For SBH ↔ SXM boat transfers and inter-island crossings specifically, StBarthCharter publishes a full range of options.
Hike to Colombier beach
The hike to Colombier beach is one of the few formal hiking trails on the island, and it is excellent. The trail starts above Anse des Flamands and follows the coast for about 30 minutes (downhill) along an exposed cliffside path. Sturdy shoes, water, and reef-safe sunscreen recommended. The beach at the end is undeveloped, with no infrastructure, only sand, water, and a few yachts at anchor offshore.
The hike back is uphill in full sun, so most guests time it for early morning or late afternoon. Bring everything you need; there are no kiosks or shops at the beach.
Water sports
St Barth offers a full range of water sports arranged through specialized operators across the island:
- Snorkeling: best at Anse de Colombier and around Île Fourchue (marine reserve)
- Scuba diving: PADI-certified centers handle gear, boats, and instruction
- Kite surfing: at Grand Cul-de-Sac, with consistent trade winds and protected flat water
- Surfing: Anse des Cayes (main spot), Lorient (smaller waves), Toiny (large swells, advanced)
- Stand-up paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, wakeboard, water ski
- Wing foil, freediving, deep-sea fishing
Shopping in Gustavia
Gustavia is one of the most concentrated luxury shopping districts in the Caribbean. Within a five-minute walk of the harbor, you will find Hermès, Cartier, Chopard, Richard Mille, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, Goyard, and a number of smaller jewelry and resort wear boutiques. Local resort wear stores (Pati de St Barth, Calypso, Pampa, Mia Zia, Lolita Jaca) have strong followings as well.
The concierge arranges after-hours private appointments, in-villa try-ons, and dedicated personal shoppers. See the personal shopping page for details.
Where to watch the sunset
The best sunset spots on the island are Colombier (west-facing, no light pollution, often viewed from a yacht), Shell Beach in Gustavia (walking distance from town and dinner), Flamands (long beach facing northwest), and the hillside terraces of Lurin (panoramic views from above). For a sunset on the water, a private boat outing departing Gustavia at golden hour is the standard high-end choice.
Dining
St Barth has an unusually deep restaurant scene for the size of the island, ranging from refined French dining to beachfront lunches and casual local spots. The most-requested venues book out weeks in advance during peak season. Private chefs in the villa are also a popular alternative for guests who want privacy or a custom menu.
Wellness, fitness, and yoga
For wellness, in-villa spa treatments, sunrise yoga on a private beach, and personal training sessions are all arranged through the concierge. Multi-day wellness retreats combining yoga, breathwork, healthy meal prep with a private chef, and daily spa treatments are also assembled on request. See fitness and yoga in St Barth.
For kids and families
St Barth is family-friendly. Calm beaches at Grand Cul-de-Sac, St Jean, and Lorient work well for younger children. Surf school at St Jean, kayaking on the lagoon, snorkeling expeditions, tennis and padel at the local courts, and supervised pool time are all arranged through the concierge. Trusted English-speaking nannies and baby equipment rental round out the family service.
Nightlife
The St Barth scene is concentrated around Gustavia harbor and a few hillside venues. Restaurants transition into late-night settings, and a small number of dedicated cabaret-style venues run weekly programming. Private villa parties, DJ booking, and full event production are organized through the concierge for guests who prefer a private alternative to the public scene. See events and nightlife in St Barth.