St Barts is an overseas collectivity of France. The collectivity is one of the four territories among the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean that comprise the French West Indies. One of the most chic, civilized and least known parts of France, it is known as a perfect playground, with its tiny harbor, red - roofed bungalows dotting the hillsides, a beautiful shoreline with some beautiful coves, many of them culminating in perfect strands of beach. The tourist industry has steadily grown in the last 30 years, but it has still maintained an exclusive and luxurious style. This gem of an island continues to draw an ever-widening circle of fans.
We arrived outside the small harbor on a Sunday, off season. We were tendered to the main pier which runs all the way around the harbor, which was full of various small boats. We tried to find a boat to take us snorkeling, without success. We were then pointed in the direction of the nearest beach called "Shell Beach". The picture shows how appropriately it is named! We walked thru town, passing many designer shops like Louie Vuitton and Chanel. They were all closed!
We found the beach which was beautiful. Lots of fine sand and piles of shells. I'd never seen so many perfect shells in one place like that. We swam toward some rocks to snorkel, but I started getting stung by something, so headed back. Mel didn't feel anything so continued on. I stayed near the sandy part of the cove and dove for shells. It rained for a bit, but we were in the water, so it didn't really matter. It was a great day in the sand and sun.
We headed back to the pier. We did find 2 souvenir shops that had opened while we were at the beach. Turns out the Harbor Master forgot to inform the shop keepers that a ship would be in port. The people on the pier at least called the owners of the small shops that did open. I would have been sad if we couldn't do any shopping in St Barts! I bought a T shirt and a shot glass for Brigitte.
Back at the ship we went on our deck for sail away. I said to Mel that it felt like we'd been there but no one cared. Strange to have the entire town closed. It also turns out that during the season, which is our winter, there are many yachts and large sailboats in the harbor. This time of year they had all returned to Monaco, or whereever they spend their summers. It is a beautiful little island (only 8 sq miles!) and a place I could definitely spend a week or 2. Maybe someday. Nice stop for our last port. Can't believe the voyage is almost over.
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