Saint Barthélemy – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Saint Barthélemy?
Saint Barthélemy is a volcanic island located in the Caribbean Sea in North America. As an overseas department of France, it is part of the European Union. It has a population of around 11,000 people (2022), about ¼ of whom live in the capital city, Gustavia.
The territory consists of the main island and many uninhabited islets, many of which have been designated as protected natural coral reserves. The terrain is mostly hilly, and its highest peak is Morne de Vitet, at 938 ft (286 m) above sea level.
The island of Saint Barthélemy relies heavily on tourism like many other Caribbean islands.
A bit about the history of Saint Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts, has a history is characterised by European colonisation, brief Swedish control, and its current status as part of France.
Early History
Before European contact, the island was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples. It was first encountered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, who named it after his brother Bartolomeo. The island was left largely uncolonized by the Spanish and was eventually claimed by the French in the 17th century.
Swedish Control
In 1784, Saint Barthélemy was ceded to Sweden in exchange for trading rights in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Swedish governed the island for nearly a century, developing it as a trading post. This period brought some prosperity, but the Swedish economy suffered, and in 1878, the island was sold back to France.
French Overseas Territory
After being returned to France in 1878, Saint Barthélemy became part of Guadeloupe, and it remained under French control, although its small size and population limited its significance. The island developed a small tourism industry, leveraging its picturesque beaches and French heritage.
Autonomous Status
In 2007, Saint Barthélemy became an overseas collectivity of France, gaining greater autonomy and control over its affairs, although it remains part of France. This status allowed the island to maintain its distinct identity while being integrated into the French republic.
Modern Saint Barthélemy
Today, Saint Barthélemy is known as a luxury tourist destination, popular for its high-end resorts, yacht culture, and French Caribbean charm.
Saint Barthélemy road trip
Saint Barthélemy is our 12th planned stop on our road trip through the islands of the Caribbean. Having explored Guadeloupe, our next stop is Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten.
Travelling overland between the islands is quite prohibitive due to the lack of transportation options. Travelling between different island countries via ferry is possible, however, ferries only operate between some islands. Chartering private boats between islands is also possible, although travelling with a car in this way is prohibitive. Flying is another option, although again, flights only operate between some islands.
Map of our road trip through Saint Barthélemy
This is a map of our planned route around the islands of Saint Barthélemy, starting and ending in the capital, Gustavia.
Weather in Saint Barthélemy
When is the best time to visit Saint Barthélemy?
The best time to visit Saint Barthélemy is from January to April. During these months, the islands have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 1.5 – 2.1 inches (38 – 53mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 23 – 30°C (74 – 86°F).
When is the worst time to visit Saint Barthélemy?
The worst time to visit Saint Barthélemy is from August to November. During these months, the islands still have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 3.1 – 5.3 inches (80 – 136mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 25 – 32°C (77 – 89°F).
Hurricane Season in the Caribbean
Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms tend to be more frequent and more severe in the latter half of the season.
Hurricanes are least likely during December, January and February.
Travel in and around Saint Barthélemy
Ferries to other Caribbean island countries from St Barthélemy
St Barts Ferry and Voyager Ferries travel between Saint Barthélemy and Saint-Martin several times a day, every day except bank holidays, and the journey takes 1 hour.
St Barts Ferry travels between Saint Barthélemy and Sint Maarten several times a day, every day except bank holidays, and the journey takes ¾ hour.
What’s it like to drive in Saint Barthélemy?
They drive on the right hand side of the road in Saint Barthélemy. The majority of the roads in Saint Barthélemy are in a fairly good condition, with most being maintained regularly.
Do you require an international driving permit in St Barthélemy?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through St Barthélemy?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in St Barthélemy?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What are the speed limits in St Barthélemy?
The speed limits for cars in Saint Barthélemy are:
- 30 mph (50 km/h) for urban driving
- 50 mph (80 km/h) outside of built up areas
- 70 mph (110 km/h) on dual carriageways
- 80 mph (130 km/h) on motorways
What currency do they use in Saint Barthélemy?
In Saint Barthélemy they use the Euro. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not generally accepted. There are many ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Saint Barthélemy?
They speak French and Antillean Creole in Saint Barthélemy. English is spoken widely in the capital only.
What time zone is Saint Barthélemy in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Saint Barthélemy?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Saint Barthélemy?
No, wild camping is illegal in Saint Barthélemy.
What plug / socket type do they use in Saint Barthélemy?
In Saint Barthélemy they use plug / socket type E.
Health issues in Saint Barthélemy
Is it safe to drink water in Saint Barthélemy?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Saint Barthélemy. Bottled water is also readily available across the country.
What vaccinations are required for Saint Barthélemy?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Saint Barthélemy.
Phones in Saint Barthélemy
What is the country calling code for Saint Barthélemy?
The country calling code for Saint Barthélemy is +590
What are the emergency phone numbers in Saint Barthélemy?
- The emergency number for police in Saint Barthélemy is: 17
- In Saint Barthélemy, the emergency number for ambulance is: 17
- The emergency number for fire in Saint Barthélemy is: 18
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!