St. Barths is definitely an explorer’s paradise, but no matter how adventurous you are, the following contains some general information and a few guidelines you will need to make your vacation one to remember.

HISTORY

The historical significance of St. Barthélemy is far out of proportion to its tiny size.   In the days prior to the Europeans, the Carib Indians were native to St. Barths for hundreds of years.  Discovered by Columbus in 1493 and named for his brother Bartolomeo, it was settled around 1648 by French colonists who were living on the nearby island of St. Kitts. This early settlement did not prosper and in 1651 the island was sold to the Knights of Malta. Five years later it was raided by the fierce Carib Indians, then abandoned until 1673, when it was again settled by Frenchmen from Normandy and Brittany. This time the colony was successful and the source of much of that prosperity were French buccaneers who swarmed to the island, bringing with them vast quantities of plunder taken from Spanish galleons. Monbars the Exterminator, a famous buccaneer, reputedly maintained headquarters in St. Barthélemy and his treasure is believed to still be hidden somewhere between Anse du Gouverneur and Grande Saline.

Many of the people of St. Barthélemy were tradesmen and shopkeepers, while others maintained farms. The farms were generally of a modest size and the topography and climate never were not appropriate to create a sugar economy. Except for a brief takeover by the British in 1758, St. Barthélemy remained French until 1784 when it was sold suddenly to Sweden by one of Louis XVI's ministers in exchange for trading rights. While the permanent population continued to till the soil, the Swedes took over, renamed the harbor Gustavia in honor of their King, declared it a neutral free port, and made fortunes in trade. When Europe's wars subsided, France repurchased the island in 1878, but this time there was no more trading with warring nations and little agriculture to speak of. The free port status remained, and still does, along with such Swedish mementos as a bit of architecture, a cemetery, a couple of street signs, and, of course, the name of the harbor and capital, Gustavia.

St. Barths island is a dependency of Guadeloupe, which in turn is an Overseas Department and region of France.  It has its own Mayor, who is elected every seven years, a town constable, and a security force.  St. Barths and neighboring St. Martin comprise a Sous-Préfecture of Guadeloupe, which is administered by a Sous-Préfect who resides in St. Martin and has a representative in St. Barths.

LOCATION/SIZE – The island is located 17°8 North and 62°50 West, part of the Leeward islands in the North East of the Caribbean Sea, 15 miles south of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

CAPITAL – Gustavia.

POPULATION – Approximately 7,000 residents.

CLIMATE – The island offers a year-round, warm and sunny tropical climate with some cooling trade winds.  Average temperature during the Winter season is 80°F (27°C) and a few degrees warmer and a little more humid in the Summer with an annual rainfall of about 45 inches.

The most common misconception about the West Indies is that it must be much hotter in summer than it is during the rest of the year. In fact, the average monthly temperatures remain remarkably stable, varying by only about 5º Fahrenheit year-round. This stability can be attributed to the tradewinds (Les Alizés) which bring refreshing breezes from the northeast throughout the year. Summer is actually a great time to visit the islands because lodging rates are much lower and the beaches, roads and restaurants are not crowded. Of course, winter and the Christmas/New Year holidays are traditionally the most popular time to go. Most holiday reservations are made months in advance.

December through May is considered the dry season, while June through November is considered the more humid season. However, in our experience, rain showers or clear skies can occur at any time during the year. In general, rainstorms pass quickly and the sun shines on most days. Average air temperatures in coastal areas range from 22º to 30º C (72º to 86º F) and in inland areas, from 19º to 27º C (66º to 81º F). Naturally, travelers will find more rain and cooler temperatures in the rain forests and higher elevations. The warm coastal water temperatures stay between 20º and 23º C (68º and 74º F).

LANGUAGE – French is the official language but, since so many Americans visit St. Barths, some English is spoken at most businesses on the island. Attempts to speak le français are usually appreciated and mini-phrase books or dictionaries may prove useful. Bookstores often carry simple cassette learning tapes that can assist in the proper pronunciation of a few basic phrases. Don't forget that a smile is the easiest and most universal form of communication.

ATM’S & BANKS – Banks on St. Barths are generally open weekdays from 8:00 AM to Noon and 2:00 – 3:30 PM.  The island offers 24 hour ATM’s at the Francaise Commerciale and the Banque Nationale de Paris as well as in front of Airport Saint Jean.

CREDIT CARDS – Major credit cards are accepted in most places to include American Express, MasterCard and VISA.  You will need to check with individual merchants as some establishments may not accept credit cards.  U.S. dollar traveler’s checks are accepted everywhere with identification.

CURRENCY – The local currency is Euros but U.S. dollars, traveler's checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.  Although crime is rare on St. Barths, visitors should not leave cash or essential items unattended.

DEPARTURE TAX – The island charges a $5.00 departure tax when your next stop is another French island and $10.00 if you are going anywhere else.  This is payable in cash, dollars or Euros, at the airport. 

DRESS CODE - In spite of its international jet-set reputation, St. Barths is actually very informal. Casual sports clothes in cotton and other light fabrics are the favorite choice.  One can choose to wear the latest fashions but remember, this is the tropics. Jeans, shorts, polos, tees, sandals, sneakers and boat shoes are de rigueur.  While swimwear is perfect for the beach, it is not considered proper in town. In the evenings, women tend to "dress up" a bit but, as for the men, ties and jackets are definitely not necessary.

Topless swimming and sunning is acceptable and common at pools and beaches. Nude sunbathing is not officially sanctioned but is often practiced at the beaches of Saline and Gouverneur. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for solar protection during the day.

DRINKING WATER – Tap water on the island comes from desalinated seawater and is drinkable.  We do recommend drinking bottled water which is readily available throughout the island.

ELECTRICITY – Voltage is 220 AC, 50 cycles. Appliances made in the US and Canada require French plug converters and transformers, as may those made for use in other countries.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & CUSTOMS

Beginning January 23, 2007, All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

In addition to local entry requirements, your air or sea carrier may request additional documentation for passengers. Please check with your carrier in advance of travel.

Valid passports are recommended for all US, Canadian and European Union citizens traveling as tourists to St. Barthélemy.

For citizens of other countries, a visa may be required in addition to a passport.

A return or ongoing ticket is required of all visitors.

No vaccination papers are required unless arriving from an endemic area.

Items for personal use (e.g. tobacco, cameras and film) are admitted without formalities or tax if not in excessive quantity. For other items, French regulations apply. Rien à déclarer marks the entry point for travelers with nothing to declare.

PLEASE NOTE: Entry and customs regulations are subject to change. For updates and additional information, please check with the contacts given below.

Contacts:

The French Government Embassy
4101 Reservoir Road NW
Washington DC 20007
Tel 202-944-6000

In St. Barthelemy:

Office du Tourisme / St. Barthélemy Tourist Office
B.P. 113, Gustavia 97098
St. Barthélemy, F.W.I.
Tel 590-590-27-87-27 Fax 590-590-27-74-47

The tourist office is located on the pier in Gustavia and is open weekdays from 8:30 to 12:30 and again from 14:30 to 17:30. The doors are also open on Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30. Information, maps and brochures are available.

MEDICAL FACILITIES – Gustavia has a small hospital (Tel: 0590 27.60.35), eight resident doctors, dentists, one gynecologist, and specialists in ophthalmology, dermatology, etc. A medical laboratory including an X-ray lab is located in Gustavia. There are pharmacies at La Savane Commercial Center (Tel: 0590 27 66 61), in St. Jean near La Villa Creole (0590 29 02 12) and in Gustavia (Tel: 0590 27 61 82). It is also possible to buy short term medical evacuation insurance from Medical and have yourself whisked, by air, to the hospital of your choice.

PET REGULATIONS - Cats and dogs over three months old are admitted temporarily with certificates of origin and good health (or anti-rabies inoculation), issued by a licensed veterinarian from the country of shipment.  Check with your villa rental specialist in advance regarding their policy on pets.

POST OFFICES – St. Barths has one Post Office with two branches. The main Post Office, on rue du Centenaire in Gustavia, opens daily 8 AM to 3 PM, and closes on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. The branch in Lorient is open from 7 to 11 AM weekdays and from 8 to 10 AM on Saturday. The branch at the St. Jean Commercial Center, near the airport, opens daily from 8 AM to 2 PM, as well as Wednesday and Saturday morning 8-11 AM. Both are closed on Sunday and holidays.  UPS, Federal Express and DHL all have agents on the Island.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES – St. Barths offers a number of churches with many denominations represented including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical and Jehovah’s Witness.

SHOPPING – St. Barths is a duty free port.  Shopping on the island’s 200 boutiques is a shoppers’ delight.  You can find beachwear, casual wear, accessories and jewelry.  Shopping for decorative items for the home is better in St. Barths than anywhere else in the Caribbean.

In Gustavia, boutiques line the two major shopping streets.  The Carre d’Or Plaza is great to explore.  There are shops also in La Savane Commercial Center (across from the airport), La Villa Creole (in St. Jean) and Espace Neptune (on the road to Lorient).

Stores are generally open weekdays from 8:30 AM to Noon and from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  On Saturdays most stores are open 8:30 AM – Noon and closed on Sundays.  Some of the stores across from the airport and St. Jean stay open on Saturday afternoon until 7:00 PM.  A few in St. Jean stay open on Sunday during the high season.

TELEPHONE & INTERNET ACCESS – To call St. Barths from the US, dial 011-590-590 + the local 6-digit number. If you are trying to reach a cell phone in St. Barths, dial 011-590-690 + the local 6-digit number. When you are in St. Barths, dial 0-590 + the local 6-digit number for local calls and 0-690 + the local 6-digit number for local calls to cell phones.

If you bring a cell phone to the island and wish to activate it for local use, visit St. Barths Electronique across from the airport, as many alternatives are possible depending on your service provider.  You may also be able to purchase an adapter chip for your phone or rent a portable phone from one of the local companies during your stay.

To use a public phone from St. Barths, a Télécarte (phone card) makes local and international calls easier and less expensive. Télécartes are sold at Post Offices and other outlets marked Télécarte en Vente Ici. They are used in special booths marked Télécom found all over. There are no coin phones. Many phones will now accept VISA, MasterCard or other credit cards for long distance calls. Operator-assisted calls are higher in cost.

The villas are all equipped with telephones and guests will be advised of the particular phone number prior to departure for the island.  Please do note that none of the properties have an open international line.  International calls can be made with AT&T and MCI cards.  Phone cards or Télécartes can be purchased at the gas station next to the airport or at post offices.

Instant internet connection is becoming more available in the islands. A growing number of villas provide internet access. In addition, a growing number of businesses provide internet access on a fee per minute basis.

TIPPING – When dining out, it is normal to tip on St. Barths.  Before you leave a tip, check the bottom of the menu or your bill as some establishments automatically add on a 15% Service Charge.  Additional tipping for fine service is appreciated.

TIME ZONE - The French West Indies are in the Atlantic Time Zone (GMT-4). When the eastern US is on Eastern Standard Time, the time in the islands is one hour later. When the eastern US switches to Eastern Daylight Time, the time in the islands is the same. Local time is usually indicated in the 24-hour format (1:15 p.m. is 13:15 or 13h15). As with most of the Caribbean, there is also something called "Island Time". This means that things may actually take a lot longer that one expects. The best way to deal with Island Time is to simply relax and enjoy yourself while you are waiting.

TOURISM OFFICES – The tourist office is located on the pier in Gustavia and is open weekdays from 8:30 to 12:30 and again from 14:30 to 17:30. The doors are also open on Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30. Information, maps and brochures are available.

Contact information as follows:

Office du Tourisme / St. Barthélemy Tourist Office
B.P. 113, Gustavia 97098
St. Barthélemy, F.W.I.
Tel 590-590-27-87-27 Fax 590-590-27-74-47

TRANSPORTATION – There are various forms of transportation available while on island.  Most roads are perched on hillsides and are quite narrow and very winding.  The three forms that we recommend to our visitors are as follows:

Car Rentals

In order to fully explore the island, renting a vehicle is recommended as are advance reservations, especially in the winter months.  Many guests will find that St. Barths car rentals offer small size cars to fit side-by-side on the small streets while having the power to move up the hills.  Most villas are located on the hillside and the island’s beaches are scattered from corner to corner making a St. Barths car rental even more essential for finding the perfect beach experience.  In addition, there are many wonderful restaurants and boutiques to explore in the capital Gustavia and other parts of the island.  When renting a car, it allows you to explore with complete freedom.

Though the island can be a bit pricey, St. Barths car rentals are moderately priced.  Prices do vary between high and low seasons.  Choices of vehicles range from small four wheel drives, to jeeps, to mini-vans.  Driving on the island is on the right.

A valid driver's license and credit card are required. The most popular vehicles in St. Barths are the Suzuki Samurais and other 4WD vehicles, which make sense considering the challenging topography. Small Japanese sedans and minivans are also available. The island is crisscrossed with about 25 miles of steep, narrow and winding roads, so careful driving is advised. The speed limit is 45 km/h (28 mph).

Most major car rental companies as well as a number of local companies operate from the airport in St. Barths. A few hotels have their own fleet of rental cars.

Gas is extra, and as in all islands, it’s quite expensive. There are two gas stations on the island. The one near the airport is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 to noon and from 14:00 to 17:00. A 24-hour automatic gas pump recently opened at the airport station and accepts most major credit cards. The station in Lorient is open from 7:30 to 17:00 except for Thursday afternoons and Sundays.

Please click here to review the rates and conditions, and if you need assistance with reservations, we will be happy to assist you.

Taxi Service

Flat taxi rates are in effect for trips up to five minutes long. The fare increases for each additional three minute increment. Fares are higher Sundays, holidays and evenings. Ask the driver. There are two taxi stations on the island, one at the airport, and one in Gustavia on Rue de République. There is no public bus service in St. Barths.

On 2 Wheels

Motorbikes and scooters are popular with the locals but are recommended only for the most experienced riders. They can be hazardous with all of the other visitors driving around in cars who are unfamiliar with the terrain. French law requires that you wear a helmet and a motorbike or driver's license is required.

TRAVEL TO ST. BARTHS

Airlines, Charters and VIP Airport Service

Most international travelers begin by flying to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Dutch St. Maarten via American Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Air, Delta, Air France or other international carriers.  Upon arrival, if you have only carry-on bags or your luggage is checked through to St. Barths or you have arranged VIP assistance, you should be able to proceed directly to the In Transit gate. All other passengers may experience delays at customs, immigration and baggage claim.

From St. Maarten, it is only a 10-minute connecting flight to St. Barths via WinAir (Code WM), Air Caraïbes (Code TX) or St. Barths Commuter (Code PV). Air Caraïbes also offers flights from Guadeloupe (PTP). A number of charter companies (small plane and helicopter) also serve St. Barths from St. Martin/St. Maarten and other nearby Caribbean islands.

St. Barthélemy's airport is near St. Jean Bay known at the Airport Saint Jean and accepts nothing larger than 20-seat planes. It is not equipped for night landings. The terminal has car rental booths, small boutiques and a bar. Across the road is La Savane Commercial Center with boutiques, a pharmacy and a supermarket.

The airport is located approximately 15 minutes away from the majority of the villas on St. Barths.  We suggest guests to rent a car, which we are happy to arrange and we will provide a complimentary airport meeting and escort to the villa.

Sea Transportation

Ferry boat service to St. Barth from St. Martin/St. Maarten and other nearby islands is offered by several companies. Options include Voyager 1, Voyager 2 and the high-speed Rapid Explorer catamaran. Seasoned sailors should have no problem, but those who are not experienced should be aware that sometimes the seas can be rough and the crossing can vary from 40 minutes to over an hour.

We suggest guests to rent a car during their stay, which we are happy to arrange and we will provide a complimentary meeting at the dock and escort to the villa.

TRAVEL INSURANCE - Travel insurance should be considered by all travelers with prepaid, nonrefundable transportation and/or lodging reservations. Other reasons to think about travel insurance include: travel during hurricane season, travel when your departure or connecting city could experience severe weather and travelers whose medical condition, small children or elderly relatives could cause an emergency change of plans. Travel insurance is not inexpensive but may be worth the extra investment.

Weddings – St. Barths continues to be a perfect island destination for honeymooners.  Weddings in St. Barths have a sense of French style and sophistication with a degree of hospitality that can only be found in the Caribbean.  St. Barths has the well-deserved reputation as a romantic destination.  Couples can arrange for barefoot ceremonies by the sea or luxurious affairs at some of the grand hotels on-island.  There are many coordinators available on island who ensure a professionally orchestrated hassle free wedding for you…

If you are interested on tying the knot at this perfect little French island, there are some legal requirements that apply.  At least one partner must have lived on the island for one month before the wedding.  11 additional days are requested to publish the banns.  Documents required for foreigners to get married on St. Barthelemy are original birth certificate (or copy with raised seal); certificate of good conduct (including certification of "single status"); residency card (one of the couple must have resided on the island at least one month prior to the ceremony); medical certificate (including blood test) issued within 3 months of marriage; French translation of English language documents by a sworn translator is required.  A Bulletin de Mariage and Livret de Famille are delivered at the ceremony. 

If interested, your villa rental specialist will be able to assist you with your request.

2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS – The Caribbean influences, the Swedish heritage and the traditions of the French settlers from Brittany, Normandy and Poitou are all apparent in the cultural life of St. Barths.  However, much of today’s culture also revolves around a love of the sea and an appreciation for the finer things in life.  Special events throughout the year honor traditional holidays but St. Barths also celebrates with art, music and film festivals as well as boat races, fishing contests and other sporting events.  The beauty, traditions and vitality of the island can also be seen in works of numerous local talented artists.

Please click here for a directory of local arts and events.

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