Cheap Flights to Saint Barthelemy

Discover Saint Barthelemy

If you've always wanted to squish your toes in warm tropical sands, relax on the beach with a cool drink in hand or dive beneath the waves to discover an underwater haven, Saint Barthelemy is for you. Would you like to explore this French-speaking Caribbean gem, also known as St. Barts? Skyscanner's online search program can help you find the cheapest airfare, sort out your hotel needs and find that all-important rental car. This enchanted isle awaits your visit.

Best Time to Book a Flight to Saint Barthelemy

Between mid-December and mid-April is the high season on St. Barts. Snowbirds from northern climes head south for the holidays, sometimes for extended stays. The island is known for high-end tourism, which can make bargains harder to find. Head to St. Barts in late spring or late fall and you'll not only enjoy comfortable weather, but have a better choice of hotels and airfares. Skyscanner's Whole Month Search program can help you find those cheap airfares. Pull up an entire month's worth of air prices and it's easy to zone in on the lowest rates. If you find a great rate, book it ASAP. St. Barts is one hot vacation ticket.

Getting to and Around Saint Barthelemy

The Barthelemy Airport (SBN), also known as the Gustaf III Airport, is in the small village of St. Jean. It's a small strip, accommodating mostly regional aircraft with less than 20 seats. Some carriers that fly into St. Barts include Air Antilles, Anguilla, the St Barth Commuter, Tradewind Aviation, Trans Anguilla Airways and Winair. The terminal is small and easy to navigate but has few services. Rental cars are available onsite and taxis are usually standing by when a flight is due.

The Princess Juliana Airport (SMX) on the Dutch side of Saint Martin, is the most common connection point for passengers heading to St. Barts. Air Canada Rouge, Air Transat and WestJet all offer flights from Toronto or Montreal. Other world-wide carriers include American, KLM, United, Air France and Delta. Several regional carriers, including some mentioned earlier, also serve Juliana Airport. The four-story terminal is well-equipped with passenger services, including free Wi-Fi.

There is little public transportation on St. Barts. Your best bet is a rental car, preferably some sort of 4x4 to help navigate some of the less than stellar roads. The island is small, only 21 square kilometres. Some people elect to rent bicycles, scooters or even ATVs to get around. Most rental locations are found in the towns of Gustavia and St. Jean. Some car rental outfits, including a few at the airport, will deliver a car to your hotel. If it's your first visit, taking a taxi to your hotel is a good way to get your bearings. Most taxi drivers will point out landmarks and such on the way, often in both French and English.

What to See and Do in Saint Barthelemy

• No less than 14 beaches dot the shoreline of St. Barts, each with its own distinctive vibe. Nude sunbathing is legal on many beaches in St. Barts. You'll find this form of sun worshiping quite popular on the Anse De Grande Saline Beach, near Manzini. Closer to town, Shell Beach, or St Jean Beach, one of the most popular on the island, allows topless sunbathing, but not full nudity. While the Anse De Grande Saline Beach is a lovely bit of almost deserted sand, Shell Beach is lined with hotels, shops and restaurants. Shell Beach also lives up to its name and is literally lined with scattered shell bits. That's perfect for finding beach treasure, but walking about can be hard on the toes. Consider wearing sandals when on the sand.< /li>
• For a bit of history, check out Fort Karl, which was constructed in 1787 and overlooks the town of Gustavia. Built by the Swedish to protect the harbour, parts of the bottle-shaped lighthouse still stand, along with a few replicated cannons. The best thing about the fort is the panoramic view of the harbour and city. A plaque helps identify the local landmarks. Gustavia's harbour is also where most of the mega-yachts come in to dock, especially during the holidays.
• St. Jean is the second largest town on St. Barts. It boasts the islands first hotel and is known for its impressive scenery. Perhaps one of its best known claims to fame is the beach that's under the flight path to Saint Barthelemy Airport's runway. Signs are posted so you can set your towel on either side of the glide-path, but no matter where you are on or near the beach, you'll have an impressive photo-op.