Tucked away in the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean Sea lies a little island that feels like a secret only a few lucky travelers know about St Barts (also known as Saint Barthélemy or simply St Barth). But where exactly is it? And why does this tiny island attract celebrities, honeymooners, and adventurers from around the world?
Let’s dive in.
So, where is St Barts?
St Barts is located in the French West Indies, in the heart of the Caribbean. Geographically, it’s part of the Lesser Antilles, specifically among the Leeward Islands (the northern part of the arc of islands stretching from Puerto Rico down to Venezuela). Geographically, it’s part of the Lesser Antilles.
To put it on the map:
- It’s about 35 km (22 miles) southeast of St. Martin
- Around 240 km (150 miles) east of Puerto Rico
- And a short flight or ferry ride from islands like Antigua, St. Kitts, and Guadeloupe
Although it’s nestled among English-speaking islands, St. Barts is officially French—think Parisian charm with Caribbean flair.
Fun fact: St. Barts became an autonomous French overseas collectivity in 2007, after being previously attached administratively to Guadeloupe.
Related : The Best Time to Rent a Villa in St Barts
A tiny island with big personality
You might be surprised to learn that St. Barts is around 21 to 25 square kilometers (8 to 9.7 square miles) depending on how you measure it. (Yep, it’s tiny—you can drive around the whole island in under an hour.)
But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm.
With 22 stunning public beaches, luxury villas, designer boutiques, and world-class French-Caribbean cuisine, it’s no wonder St. Barts is a favorite escape for the rich and famous. That said, you don’t have to be a celebrity to enjoy it—just someone who appreciates beauty, nature, and a little slice of paradise.
How do you get to St. Barts?
Since the island doesn’t have an international airport, getting there is a bit of an adventure (and that’s part of the charm).
Most travelers arrive via:
- Connecting flight from St. Martin (SXM) – a quick 15-minute hop on a small plane that lands at Gustaf III Airport, famous for its thrilling, short runway overlooking the beach.
- Ferry from St. Martin – about 45 minutes by sea, leaving from either Marigot or Philipsburg.
- Private yacht or charter plane – if you’re going full James Bond mode.
Because of the short runway (only about 646 meters long), only smaller aircraft can land, adding an extra bit of excitement to your arrival.
Once you’re there, everything feels close, intimate, and refreshingly low-key.
Why visit St Barts?
Because it feels like nowhere else.
It’s the kind of place where you can sip a cappuccino in Gustavia (the charming harbor capital), grab fresh croissants from a local bakery, and swim in turquoise waters before lunch.
It’s safe, stylish, and effortlessly cool.
Whether you’re into sailing, snorkeling, luxury shopping, or just doing absolutely nothing—St. Barts makes it feel special.
And beyond the luxury, there’s a deep French and Swedish cultural heritage woven into the island’s architecture and traditions, making every corner of St. Barts feel uniquely authentic.
Final thoughts: Where in the world is St. Barts?
Now you know—St. Barts is a French island in the Caribbean, just southeast of St. Martin and east of Puerto Rico.
But more than its coordinates, it’s a feeling. One of those rare places that balances elegance and simplicity, where the sea sparkles a little brighter and the sunsets stay in your memory long after you’ve left.
So the real question might be: Not just where is St Barts… but when are you going?
