Gustavia St Barths (Saint-Barthelemy Island France)

Saint Barthelemy Island (aka St Barts / St Barths) is one of the French Overseas Territories in the West Indies, Caribbean Sea. Its capital city is Gustavia, where is also the island's main/principal harbor/port. The island is approx 35 km (22 mi) southeast of St Martin Island, north of St Kitts Island, and approx 240 km (150 mi) to the east of Puerto Rico (US territory in the Greater Antilles). The Port's locode is GPGUS.

The island has total area approx 25 km2 (10 mi2) and population around 10,000. St Barths is a popular tourist travel destination, especially during the Christmas holidays.

Saint Barthelemy Marine Reserve (1999-founded) covers 10+ km2 (4 mi2) of protected areas, including bays and small islands, plus a zone restricted to scientific observations only.

The sea around the island features numerous coral reefs rich in marine life.

St Barths has 22 public beaches (most are named "Anse". Of those, 15 are suitable for swimming. Some (like Anse Toiny) are popular for windsurfing. St-Jean and Grand-cul-de-sac are best known for their watersports facilities. Among the most popular beaches are Flamands, Gouverneur, Colombier, Grand Galet, Grande Saline (nude beach). Anse de Grand Galet is in Gustavia's southwestern part.

On the island's northern coast there are 2 lagoons (Marigot, and Grand Cul-de-Sac).

St Barthelemy Island was named after Columbus' brother - Bartolomeo. The French arrived in 1645 as the island's first colonists. Later, it was sold to the Knights of Malta, then abandoned following several Carib Indians raids. In 1674, it was resettled by the French. The British occupied it for a short time, then the French prevailed once again. In 1784, St Barths was sold to Sweden. In 1878, France bought the island back, and today it is considered part of France's Guadeloupe dependency.

Gustavia St Barths cruise terminal