Planning a visit to St. Barts? If so, you may or may not already know that it has many things to see and do. After all, there are 22 amazing beaches (all of them public), a long list of outdoor activities on land or the water, and then there is the shopping and dining. There are many other things you can enjoy on St. Barts beyond the “basics” listed above.
Consider what the travel pros at Travel + Leisure say about this topic, noting that St. Barts is home to “beautiful beaches and loads of outdoor activities to reward the adventurous traveler… You can also charter a wooden sailing yacht for a morning or afternoon excursion, watch the sunset in Lurin from one of the hilltop cafés, or simply sunbathe.” In our list of three unforgettable things to do while visiting St. Barts, we do have a charter option mentioned, but we also have a few equally intriguing items in the mix.
Kick It Off After Dark
Something that few travelers stop to consider about a visit to St. Barts is the option for an active amount of nightlife. Yet, it is home to some impressive clubs. After all, with its French roots, the idea of salons and gathering spots as well as cabaret shows, are obvious outcomes, and this rather cosmopolitan island is home to a particularly unique club known as Le Ti St Barths.
Again, as experts note, “reservations are a must at this boudoir-themed club, which puts on one hell of a cabaret show that’s definitely not for the kids.” It is dimly lit and even the restaurant is packed on weeknights as well as weekends. There are often large groups in attendance, and there is a bar and patio with standing room only options.
Most come to see the dancing, and this is because of the costumes made available to everyone who arrives. There is a room at the back of the club full of costumes and props, and plenty of photo opportunities in the photo booths. There are pole dancers, and they are the only professionals in the mix, meaning that this is a dizzyingly fun and unique destination.
Visiting the venue’s website lets travelers discover upcoming events and shows, as well as learning more about the VIP program. Whether you are in St. Barts around the winter holiday season or the peak of summer, there is always something going on at Le Ti St. Barths and it will definitely pay to book a reservation and spend an evening in Gustavia’s most unique hot spot.
Above and Below the Waves
Have you heard of a Seabob? This is an innovative water vessel that allows users to soar across the surface of the water, and then with one deft maneuver to quickly sink beneath the waves and continue to navigate at speed. Quite literally operating at the flick of a button, it is, as the website explains, “he ultimate electric high-performance water craft, polyvalent, stylish, silent, 100% green, easy to steer underwater and on the surface.”
Naturally, it is not the ideal activity for everyone, and you will need to take a bit of instruction before you can beginning living like the world’s fastest seal, however, as one of the top things to do during a visit to St. Barths, it is tough to beat.
It is 100% green because it uses an electrical motor (which is why it can go below the waves) and can be done at a limited range of beaches. The most current list of locations includes Anse de Flamands, Emeraude Plage, Tom Beach, Shell Beach, and Nikki Beach, among others. There are multiple providers of Seabob rentals and lessons, and some providers combine a bit of snorkeling along with a day spent aboard a Seabob.
This is an ideal group activity, but is also a good choice for the solo traveler or couple eager to savor a truly unique island experience. There are also some providers with classes for kids, scuba tours, and more. Private yacht owners may also request delivery to their boats.
And speaking of yachts…
Private Charters for Amazing Island Experiences
Do you remember the number of beaches around St. Barts? There are 22 of them, and it is not surprising that many people want to approach them from the water rather than the land. Many just want to enjoy the views of these crescents and coves from aboard their own vessels, and that is why private boat charters in St. Barts has to rate as one of the best activities.
Yet, as you might already realize, there are many kinds of boats that are available for charter, including:
· Motor Yachts – This is the premium way to charter a vessel to take you around the island and out into the surrounding waters
· Sailing Yachts – Hire them with or without a crew (you’ll need to demonstrate an ability to sail a vessel of the size and complexity chartered or book a crew of your own), and savor the classic way of plying the waters of the area
· Catamarans (crewed) – These more complex vessels are best left in the hands of experts. The upside to them is that they have almost no draft and allow you to get the boat closer to shore than any other, ensuring you can savor the feeling of approaching the beaches by water and striding ashore on the silky white sands.
· Bareboats – Essentially, you are renting a sailboat or yacht that you are going to inhabit throughout your visit. You will be the sole operator and navigator, and may even opt to just leave your vessel at anchor most of the time you stay, savoring the delights of sleeping onboard and beneath the stars.
Don’t overlook the option for fishing charters, too!
So, if you were at all worried that St. Barts was limited to shopping, dining, sunbathing, water sports, land activities, and all of the other myriad adventures available, you can rest assured that you have more than enough to do. With all of the things just mentioned and the three top things to do in St. Barts above, you will be able to make a lifetime of memories.