Your 7-Day St. Barts Itinerary
Your 7-Day St. Barts Itinerary
Sun-splashed beaches, French-Caribbean cuisine, chic boutiques, and postcard coves. This day-by-day plan helps you hit the icons and the quiet corners—without rushing.
At-a-Glance Schedule
| Day | Theme | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival & Gustavia | Harbor stroll, Shell Beach sunset, casual French-Caribbean dinner |
| 2 | Iconic Beaches | St-Jean, Nikki Beach vibes, Eden Rock lookout |
| 3 | Sailing & Snorkeling | Half-day charter to Colombier Bay, turtle spotting |
| 4 | East Coast Serenity | Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon, paddleboarding, spa |
| 5 | Nature & Local Eats | Saline Beach trek, picnic, artisanal bakery crawl |
| 6 | Boutiques & Nightlife | Shopping in Gustavia, rooftop cocktails, DJ set |
| 7 | Hidden Coves & Farewell | Gouverneur or Petite Anse, long lunch by the sea |
Day 1 Arrival, Harbor Walk & Shell Beach Sunset
Arrive via St. Maarten ferry or the famous short runway at SBH. Check in, then stretch your legs along Gustavia Harbor—a perfect first taste of the island’s blend of casual glam and yacht-spotting.
- Afternoon: Espresso and a pastry near the quay; pop into a few boutiques to get your bearings.
- Sunset: Walk to Shell Beach for a swim and sundowners—bring water shoes if you’re tender-footed.
- Dinner: Keep it easy with beachfront grills or a bistro around the harbor.
Ballpark spend: $$–$$$ • Driving time: minimal
Day 2 St-Jean Beach Day & Eden Rock Views
Ease into island time at St-Jean, the lively crescent fronting the runway. Watch prop planes skim the water while you swim in calm turquoise.
- Morning: Claim loungers; order a light breakfast bowl or tartine.
- Midday: If you like a scene, grab lunch where the beach meets the beats; otherwise head to the quieter eastern end.
- Afternoon: Short stroll up for views near Eden Rock—the photo op is worth it.
Ballpark spend: $$$ (chairs + lunch) • Parking: limited near the beach
Day 3 Sail & Snorkel: Colombier Bay
See St. Barts from the water on a half-day charter. Colombier is a protected cove reachable by boat or via a scenic hike—sea turtles are frequent guests.
- Morning charter: Snorkel over seagrass and rock gardens; look for rays and turtles.
- Onboard lunch: Light salads, fruit, and chilled rosé—keep it simple and hydrating.
- Late afternoon: Dock back in Gustavia; gelato break and harbor photos.
Ballpark spend: $$$$ (private) or $$–$$$ (shared) • Seas: generally calm
Day 4 Grand Cul-de-Sac Lagoon & Spa Afternoon
Shallow, clear water and steady breezes make Grand Cul-de-Sac ideal for paddleboarding or kitesurfing. Post-lagoon, book a spa slot for island-grade bliss.
- Morning: SUP lesson or lagoon paddle; sea turtles often cruise by.
- Lunch: Lagoon-side restaurant for fresh fish, ceviches, and light pastas.
- Afternoon: Spa treatment (think sea-salt scrubs and aromatherapy) and a nap by the pool.
Ballpark spend: $$$ • Watersports packages available
Day 5 Saline Beach Hike, Picnic & Bakery Crawl
Channel your castaway era at Saline, a broad dune-backed bay with crystalline water. It’s a short, sandy approach—reward yourself afterward with an island bakery crawl.
- Morning: Hike over the dune; swim when the lifeguards deem conditions safe.
- Picnic: Pack olives, cheeses, baguette, seasonal fruit, and sparkling water (reef-safe mindset: pack out what you pack in).
- Afternoon: Cafés for flans, éclairs, and espresso; window-shop nearby boutiques.
Ballpark spend: $–$$ • Facilities: limited; bring shade & water
Day 6 Gustavia Boutiques, Rooftop Cocktails & Nightlife
Dedicate a day to Gustavia shopping—think resort-wear, jewelry, and French beauty finds. Sunset glows over the harbor; after dark, the island’s lounges wake up.
- Morning: Start at the lighthouse viewpoint for harbor panoramas.
- Shopping loop: Do a lazy circuit around the quay; pick up linen, swim sets, and gifts.
- Evening: Rooftop cocktails; then choose between a chic lounge, DJ set, or toes-in-sand nightcap.
Ballpark spend: $$–$$$$ (souvenirs vary wildly) • Dress code: resort-chic
Day 7 Hidden Coves & Long Seaside Lunch
Finish soft at a lesser-known cove—Gouverneur for the drama, or Petite Anse for calm, pebbly snorkeling. Linger over a farewell lunch by the sea.
- Morning: Early swim before crowds; bring a mask and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Lunch: White-tablecloth terrace or rustic grill with sea views.
- Afternoon: Last stroll through Gustavia; pick up edible souvenirs.
Ballpark spend: $$–$$$ • Airport check-in is quick but don’t cut it too close
Where to Stay
For privacy, a villa with a pool is king; for amenities and prime beach access, choose a beachfront hotel. Book early in peak months and consider trip insurance during late-summer shoulder season.
What It Costs (Per Day, Typical)
- Car rental & fuel: $$
- Beach club w/ chairs & lunch: $$$
- Dinner for two with wine: $$$–$$$$
- Half-day boat charter (shared/private): $$–$$$$
- Spa treatment: $$–$$$
Logistics & Etiquette
- Driving is right-hand; roads are narrow. Compact cars win.
- Tap water is generally safe; many prefer bottled/mineral.
- French/Creole greetings go a long way—start with “Bonjour.”
- Protect reefs: reef-safe sunscreen, no standing on coral, pack out trash.
- Restaurant reservations are normal; confirm day-of in high season.
St. Barts Itinerary FAQs
Is 7 days enough for St. Barts?
Yes—this plan balances beaches, sailing, dining, and downtime without rushing. Add a second sailing day if boats are your thing.
Do I need a car?
Highly recommended. Taxis are limited and pricey; parking near popular beaches fills early.
When is the best time to visit?
December–April for dry weather and full energy. May–June and November offer good value; some venues close late Aug–Oct.
Disclaimer: Beach conditions, opening hours, and prices change seasonally. Always verify current details before you go.