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Beaches

The 22 Beaches of St Barth: An Owner's Guide

Every beach is free, public, and unique — all within 20 minutes of Villa ONLY VIEW.

Saint-Barthelemy is blessed with 22 distinct beaches spread across just 25 square kilometers — one of the highest beach-per-area ratios in the entire Caribbean. Each beach has its own unique character, from secluded coves accessible only by hiking trail or boat to lively stretches lined with world-famous beach bars and gourmet restaurants. Every single beach on the island is completely free and open to the public — there are no private beaches, no entrance fees, and no reservations required. All 22 beaches are reachable within 20 minutes by car from Villa ONLY VIEW in Pointe Milou, with the closest (Lorient) just 5 minutes away. After more than 30 years living on this island, here is our honest, insider guide to every beach worth visiting — organized by experience type to help you choose the perfect beach for each day of your stay.

View all beaches on our interactive map →

Family

Calm & Family-Friendly

Flamands, St Barth 12 min

Flamands

Wide white sand beach with calm, shallow water and gentle slope — one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. Perfect for young children and families. Free roadside parking. Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf sits at one end. Rarely crowded, even in high season.

St Jean, St Barth 8 min

St Jean

Two bays split by the iconic Eden Rock hotel. The western bay has beach bars (La Plage, Kiki-e Mo) where parents can relax with a drink while kids play in calm, knee-deep water. Water sports rentals available. The island's liveliest and most social beach.

Grand Cul-de-Sac, St Barth 15 min

Grand Cul-de-Sac

A protected lagoon with a coral reef barrier that keeps waves to near-zero. Ideal for toddlers, beginner paddleboarding, and kitesurfing. Beach restaurants Le Sereno and O'Corail serve lunch with your feet in the sand. Easy parking.

Anse des Cayes, St Barth 6 min

Anse des Cayes

Quiet neighborhood beach with calm water, popular with local families. The closest beach to Pointe Milou after Lorient. No facilities — bring your own shade and water. A genuine, uncrowded local spot.

Secluded

Secluded & Pristine

Colombier, St Barth 15 min + 20-min hike

Colombier

Known as the "Rockefeller Beach" after David Rockefeller's former estate nearby. Accessible only by a scenic hiking trail from Flamands or by boat. Crystal-clear snorkeling with sea turtles and tropical fish. No facilities — bring everything you need. Worth every step of the hike.

Gouverneur, St Barth 15 min

Gouverneur

No buildings visible in any direction — just dramatic cliffs, pristine white sand, and turquoise water. A steep but paved road leads down to a small parking area. The local favorite for serenity and unspoiled natural beauty. Best for couples seeking quiet seclusion.

Saline, St Barth 12 min

Saline

A natural, unspoiled beach reached by a 5-minute walk past scenic salt ponds. Popular with locals and in-the-know visitors. Clothing-optional at the far eastern end. Strong waves some days — check conditions before swimming with children.

Petit Cul-de-Sac, St Barth 15 min

Petit Cul-de-Sac

Tiny, hidden cove often completely deserted during weekdays. Good snorkeling off the rocky edges with colorful reef fish. Very limited parking. A true hidden gem that even many repeat visitors never discover.

Active

Active & Sporty

Toiny, St Barth 20 min

Toiny

Atlantic-facing with consistent wave breaks — the best surfing and bodyboarding spot on the island. Strong currents; experienced swimmers only. The nearby Hotel Le Toiny beach restaurant serves an elegant lunch with an ocean panorama.

Lorient, St Barth 5 min

Lorient

The closest beach to Villa ONLY VIEW and our daily go-to. Popular with local surfers and bodyboarders. Relaxed, authentic atmosphere. Small shops and a boulangerie nearby for fresh baguettes and pastries. Free parking along the road.

St Jean East, St Barth 8 min

St Jean East

Famous for the iconic airplane landings that pass directly overhead — planes descend just 20 meters above sunbathers before landing at Gustaf III Airport. Water sports rentals, Nikki Beach club, and the best people-watching on the island.

Scene

Beach Bars & Scene

Shell Beach, Gustavia, St Barth 10 min

Shell Beach, Gustavia

A short walk from Gustavia's harbor and boutiques. Sunset cocktails at Shellona or Do Brazil are a St Barth ritual. The beach is made of tiny shells instead of sand — utterly unique. The western exposure makes it the best sunset-watching spot on the island.

Nikki Beach, St Jean, St Barth 8 min

Nikki Beach, St Jean

The world-famous beach club with DJs, champagne service, and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Sunday brunch is legendary. The social epicenter of the island during high season (December-April). Reservations recommended for beds and tables.

Flamands, St Barth 12 min

Flamands

Beach restaurant Chez Franky serves grilled fresh-caught fish, salads, and cold rose with your feet in the sand. The perfect setting for a 2-hour seaside lunch. Open for lunch daily during the season.

Essentials

Beach Essentials

Every beach trip from Villa ONLY VIEW is easy with a bit of preparation. Pack reef-safe sunscreen (coral-safe formulas are strongly encouraged on the island), plenty of drinking water, and towels from the villa. Most beaches in St Barth have no lifeguards — swim at your own discretion and pay attention to wave conditions, especially on the Atlantic-facing beaches (Toiny, Lorient). Beach chairs are available free at restaurant-adjacent beaches when you order food or drinks. St Barth island etiquette: take all your trash with you, keep music at respectful volumes, and leave only footprints. Parking is free everywhere but limited at popular beaches — arrive before 10am during high season for the best spots. Your Villa ONLY VIEW concierge can prepare a fully stocked beach bag with towels, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, water, and snacks before you head out each morning.

Stay 5 Minutes from Lorient Beach

Villa ONLY VIEW in Pointe Milou puts you within minutes of the island's best beaches — with a heated pool for the days you prefer to stay home.

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