Saint Barthélemy, often referred to as St. Barts, is a Caribbean paradise renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts. The island boasts over 14 pristine …
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Backpacking Saint Barthelemy in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Saint Barthelemy with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Saint Barthelemy
Saint Barthélemy, often referred to as St. Barts, is a Caribbean gem known for its stunning beaches and upscale vibe. While it offers breathtaking scenery and a taste of luxury, it’s not the most backpacker-friendly destination.Pros: The island boasts pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a mix of French and Caribbean culture. Its small size makes it easy to explore, and the friendly locals add to the charm.
Cons: However, the high cost of accommodation and dining can be prohibitive for budget travelers. Limited public transport and a lack of hostels further diminish its appeal for backpackers seeking affordable options.
In comparison to other backpacker hotspots, St. Barts is more suited for those looking to splurge rather than save. If you’re after a luxurious getaway with stunning views, it’s worth a visit, but for traditional backpacking experiences, you may want to consider more budget-friendly Caribbean destinations.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Saint Barthelemy
Beach life
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Saint Barthelemy
- Gustavia Harbor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque harbor, lined with luxury yachts and charming boutiques.
- St. Jean Beach: Relax on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, known for its soft sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Colombier Beach: Accessible only by foot or boat, this secluded beach offers tranquility and stunning natural beauty, ideal for a peaceful day in paradise.
- Shell Beach: Famous for its unique shell-covered shoreline, this beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the sunset.
- Fort Karl: Explore the historical remnants of this 18th-century fort, which offers panoramic views of Gustavia and the surrounding coastline.
But Saint Barthelemy offers more...[click to explore]
cities
hikes
national parks
beaches
unique sites
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Saint Barthelemy
The best time to visit Saint Barthélemy for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to April. This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. Temperatures typically range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), perfect for hiking and enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches.While the peak tourist season occurs from late December to early January, visiting in the shoulder months of late April to early June can provide a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, along with more affordable accommodation options.
Keep in mind that hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. If you choose to visit during this time, be prepared for potential rain and storms.
Overall, for backpackers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation, the ideal window is from mid-December to early June, avoiding the peak holiday rush while still enjoying the island’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture.
🦜 How to communicate?Language in Saint Barthelemy
The main language in Saint Barthelemy is French. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your French skills have become a bit rusty.Hello
Bonjour
Good morning
Bonjour
Good afternoon
Bon après-midi
Good evening
Bonsoir
Goodbye
Au revoir
How are you?
Comment ça va ?
I am fine
Je vais bien
Thank you
Merci
You are welcome!
Vous êtes le bienvenu !
Welcome!
Bienvenue !
Please
S'il vous plaît
What is your name?
Quel est votre nom ?
My name is …
Je m'appelle …
Could I have [one beer], please?
Pourrais-je avoir [une bière], s'il vous plaît ?
Do you have [water]?
Avez-vous [de l'eau] ?
How much is it?
Combien ça coûte ?
Where does the bus to … leave?
Où part le bus pour … ?
one
un
two
deux
three
trois
four
quatre
five
cinq
six
six
seven
sept
eight
huit
nine
neuf
ten
dix
hundred
cent
thousand
mille
In Saint Barthélemy, English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The island is a popular destination for travelers from the United States and Europe, which contributes to the prevalence of English. Many locals, especially those working in the hospitality industry, are fluent in English and often speak multiple languages, including French, which is the official language.
While French is the primary language of the island, visitors will find that communication in English is generally easy and effective. However, it can be beneficial to learn a few basic French phrases, as this may enhance interactions with locals and show appreciation for the culture. Overall, travelers can expect a welcoming environment where English is commonly understood, making it convenient for tourists to navigate and enjoy their stay.
👛 A typical day in Saint BarthelemyAverage daily cost for backpacking in Saint Barthelemy
Backpacking in Saint Barthelemy can be relatively expensive compared to other Caribbean destinations. On average, daily costs can range from $80 to $150 per person, depending on your preferences and choices.Accommodation is typically the largest expense. Budget travelers might find dormitory beds in hostels or guesthouses for around $50 to $100 per night. Camping is limited, so securing an affordable place is essential.
Food costs can vary widely. Eating at local markets or casual eateries can cost about $10 to $20 per meal, while dining at restaurants may range from $30 to $60 for a meal. Cooking your own meals can help save money if you have access to a kitchen.
Transportation is another factor. Public transport is limited, so renting a scooter or bike might cost around $30 to $50 per day.
Activities such as beach access and hiking are often free, but excursions and water sports can add to your budget, ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the activity.
Overall, with careful planning and budgeting, backpackers can enjoy the beauty of Saint Barthelemy without breaking the bank.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Saint Barthelemy
Safety has impact on the way you can travel. Always check the safety of the country you go to and adjust the way you travel to the advice.Saint BarthelemyMy tips to get you on the way!
Does Saint Barthelemy sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Saint Barthelemy. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Saint Barthelemy may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Saint Barthelemy. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Saint Barthelemy may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute).
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute).
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”