Set in the far northwest end of St.Barts, Colombier Beach is wonderfully remote and accessible only by foot or boat.
The sands of Anse de Colombier serve up dazzling scenery and an away-from-it-all ambiance. Dramatic limestone cliffs and wonderful snorkeling are among the highlights of this secluded beach.
Location: Colombier Beach in St. Barts is a roughly west-facing crescent on the island’s northwestern end. This area is part of the Quartier of Colombier in Saint Barthélemy.
It’s a 20-minute boat ride from Gustavia. And If you prefer to hike instead and explore the trails that lead to the beach, you have two options to choose from. (more on this below)
Why it's unique: Even though the hike takes only 20 minutes or so, Colombier Beach’s isolation keeps it uncrowded.
Many St. Barts visitors have never made an effort to get here, but those who do are richly rewarded. A hilly peninsula curves east to west to the north of the beach, protecting the beach from winds and waves.
Best for... Couples, who delight in the setting’s splendid scenery and away-from-it-all vibe. Of course, anybody who values the gorgeous, isolated, unspoiled beachfront will enjoy this unique place.
Accessibility: There are two hiking trails to access Colombier Beach. The easier one, the Colombier Beach Coastal Trail, starts at Petite Anse and takes about 20 minutes.
A steeper trail reaches the beach from the high overlook at the end of the Colombier road and takes about 45 minutes. Both serve up stunning oceanfront views from cacti- and shrub-lined slopes. (For a sense of how amazing the hike can be, check out this video.)
For those arriving at Anse de Colombier by boat, once you enter the cove, you’ll find placid waters and ample moorings. Sailboats commonly pepper the waters here.
If you don’t have your own, it’s easy to arrange a yacht charter for half or a full day.
Amenities: Colombier Beach doesn’t have any amenities, so pack everything you’ll need for a beach day, including snacks and water.
Restaurants Nearby: There aren’t any eateries within walking distance of Colombier Beach. However, a number of great restaurants await just a 10- or 15-minute drive away. These include La Cabane on Flamands Beach and scores of amazing restaurants in Gustavia.
Activities: Bring along snorkeling gear. It’s common to spot sea turtles in the waters of this blissful cove.
Know Before You Go: There’s not much in the way of shade along Colombier Beach. If possible, time your visit for morning or late afternoon to beat the most intense sun and heat.
WIMCO Insider Tip: Colombier Beach comes with some pretty fascinating history. On the beach’s western edge, look for the ruins of a private home on the peninsula. In the late 1950s, Laurence Rockefeller purchased the entire cove and the land that surrounds it.
When a hurricane nearly swept away the house and left it uninhabitable, the area around Colombier Beach went into a virtual state of conservation, protecting the precious beach from development. You can hike up to the ruins for an amazing view of Gustavia Harbor.
Villas Near Colombier Beach
The three-bedroom, breathtaking Villa Taniko and Villa Cactus, occupying a fabulous hillside perch with amazing views, are just a short stroll away from Columbier Beach.
Within a 10-minute drive, there are many stunning villas to choose from: Browse the possibilities here!
© Cate Brown, Snorkeling at Colombier Beach
