St Barths is a melting pot thanks to the blend of French, Swedish and Caribbean cultures — and it’s a haven not only for people, but for wildlife as well. Thanks to protected environmental areas, travelers can spot some of the most exotic animals in the Caribbean on this island.
Here are just a few of them:
Sea turtles
Take a kayak, surfboard or snorkel into the sea and you’re likely to run into one of the six species of sea turtle found in the Caribbean. Although they are endangered animals, these beloved creatures often come up for air in small lagoons like Grand Cul de Sac, which is home to hundreds of fish that serve them as food. In lucky cases, you might even see what is apparently one of the planet’s largest leatherback turtle nesting sites.
Dolphins
The bottlenose dolphin is an emblematic figure throughout the Caribbean and St Barts has its population too. Its intelligence and acrobatics make it highly sought after by conservationists who protect their habitats all over the world. They usually jump between waves or follow boats swimming at high speed with minimal effort.
Whale watching
Between February and May, anyone who sails out into the open sea has a great chance of seeing one of nature’s most impressive spectacles: humpback whales heading south for mating season — then north again past Quebec during summer months. These enormous marine mammals are known for their fountains of water expelled through their blowholes that can be seen from miles away.
Tortoises
If you go hiking through one of our forest trails such as Colombier beach path you may stumble upon smaller red-footed tortoises; named so because they can hold their shell above ground level if they walk slowly enough! They’re about 12-16 inches long (30–40 cm) and weigh around 10 pounds (4.5 kg). They are indigenous to tropical forests in northern South America.
Exotic fish
The underwater world of the Caribbean Sea is wonderful and offers us a myriad of shapes, sizes and colors. If you decide to take advantage of Colombier beach’s beautiful trail down to its shore, which is also one of the most popular snorkeling destinations on the island, you will encounter hundreds of species that allow themselves to be admired in all their splendor: from tiny seahorses and exotic crustaceans hiding between rocks to gigantic manta rays swimming next to you.
Exotic birds
St Barts is a paradise for birdwatching aficionados because there are many species living here all year round. Whether next to the coast or in the middle of a dense tropical jungle, this is one of the best places on earth — if not THE best — for an amateur ornithologist who wants to see them fly up close or hear their songs while they rest on tree branches. Here you can find blue herons, egrets, red-tailed hawks, spotted sandpipers, short-eared owls and pelicans among others.
Iguanas
The Lesser Antillean Iguana is far from an ordinary lizard. This dinosaur-like creature can grow up to four feet long, and it has a row of spines that goes all the way down its back and tail. The Green Iguana, which is a cousin of the species, is also endangered and in sharp decline. So, count yourself lucky if you get to see one during your visit.
Goats
While you’re out on the island’s natural trails — for example, while hiking in Petit Cul de Sac — you might notice an unexpected sight: a wild goat or two (or 10). These herding animals are found throughout the island’s cliffsides and mountaintops, using their days to snack on tropical grasses and enjoy some of the best views of the Caribbean Sea that any resident could hope for.
St Barts is rich with not just culture but also wildlife. From sea turtles and dolphins to whales and exotic fish, these islands’ protected areas offer a refuge for many creatures. So keep your eyes peeled; there’s so much nature to connect with here.
