Travel Guides

St. Barthelemy

St. Barthelemy car rentals

The island of St. Barthelemy, commonly known as “Saint Bart’s” in English, offers Americans a fantastic, but generally expensive tropical getaway in the heart of the Caribbean. This island is part of the beautiful French West Indies and functions as a well-established hotspot for the rich and famous. It boasts clear turquoise waters, excellent diving and snorkeling, a laid-back atmosphere, a good share of dreamy five-star resorts and a scenic interior. Moreover, it’s proximity to the US make it easily and quickly reached without jet lag.

Travelers’ favorites

Saint Bart’s has a seemingly endless array of things to do, each one a favorite among different travelers; perhaps the most renowned are its stunning beaches- Anse de Colombier on the west side of the island features arguably the most perfect white sand in the Caribbean. There’s also a great selection of fine dining options for foodies, which feature the work of top chefs from around the world, many of which prepare top-notch French Creole favorites. Meanwhile, those on a tighter budget may prefer to head to one of the buzzing local markets in Gustavia, where visitors can search for the most authentic and tasty local goods.

Best time to visit

Saint Bart’s receives the majority of its visitors during the winter months of the US and Canada; this is also its drier and cooler season and the ideal conditions make it necessary to compare car hire and hotel rates far in advance. Hurricane season and wetter weather lasts from July to November and if you’re comfortable with the risk, prices can be much more affordable during this period.

Driving in St. Barthelemy

With no public bus system and the high cost of taxis, car rental is strongly advised for those visiting Saint Bart’s. Roads are in good condition and driving is done on the right-hand side of the road. However, be aware that children under 12 are not allowed to sit in the forward passenger seat of a vehicle.