St Barts by scooter: beaches & island tour
Our practical guide to exploring Saint-Barthélemy on two wheels: the best beaches, a one-day loop of the island and tips for riding safely.
St Barts is a small island of about 25 km², with narrow, winding and often steep roads and very little parking, especially in Gustavia and Saint-Jean. On a scooter you go from beach to beach without hunting for a parking space, for a fraction of the cost of a rental car.
Here are our favourite spots and a simple one-day loop to see the best of the island.
The best beaches by scooter
Shell Beach
A shell-covered beach a short walk from Gustavia harbour; climb up to Fort Karl for the view.
Saint-Jean
The liveliest beach, next to the airport, with a calm lagoon.
Grande Saline
A wild, undeveloped beach reached by a short path over the dune. Bring water and shade.
Gouverneur
Reached by a very steep road from Lurin; a 125cc is recommended for two.
Colombier
Accessible only on foot (about 30 minutes) or by boat; great snorkelling.
Grand Cul-de-Sac
A shallow lagoon for kitesurfing, paddleboarding and spotting turtles.
A one-day island loop
- Morning in Gustavia: coffee on the harbour, the Fort Gustave lighthouse, then a swim at Shell Beach.
- Corossol and Flamands: ride through the fishing village of Corossol to Flamands beach.
- Lunch in Saint-Jean: watch the planes land over the Tourmente hill.
- East coast: Lorient, the Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon and the wild views of Toiny.
- Afternoon in the south: Grande Saline, then sunset at the Gouverneur viewpoint.
Riding tips
- Helmets are mandatory for rider and passenger (provided with the scooter).
- Some roads are very steep: brake gradually and take bends slowly.
- After a tropical shower, roads get slippery: slow down.
- Traffic drives on the right, as in mainland France.
Frequently asked questions
Is St Barts easy to explore by scooter?
Yes, it is the easiest way to get around: distances are short and parking is simple on two wheels.
Can I ride to Colombier beach?
You can ride to the start of the trail, then walk about 30 minutes to the beach.
Do I need a 125cc?
Not for most trips. A 125cc is recommended for steep roads like Gouverneur or Colombier, especially two-up.