For those visiting St. Barth's, it will be necessary to pull into the Gustavia, Guadeloupe Port. There is no pier in St. Barth's and therefore all cruise ships and smaller ships will need to anchor off the coast in Gustavia, the main town in the area. When you arrive, you will find numerous yachts and sailboats, since this is a small harbor which is often home to private, wealthy visitors. Still, the Gustavia port of call is fantastic with its beautiful lush greenery and unique culture.
Shopping
The Gustavia cruise port opens up into wide streets where you can browse through numerous shops. Take some time to visit Rue Oscar II, Quai de la Republique and Rue du General De Gaulle. Each street offers something different and is within walking distance of the wharf.
The city is popular among the wealthy, so you can expect to find a variety of high priced fine products. The shops are duty free shops and carry French wines and clothing. Jewelry, French deserts, cosmetics and crystal are some of the most popular purchases.
Things to Do
When you visit Gustavia Port, take in the natural coastline. Mountains seem to extend out into the water and alongside are white sandy beaches, sprawling along the shore. The city offers ideal water sports, fishing and the beach. Outdoor activities such as hiking and even rock climbing are popular. Snorkeling, windsailing, scuba diving and fishing excursions leave from the pier throughout the day, most days of the week.
If you plan to visit some historical sites, visit the St. Barth's Museum. It is small but a good place to learn about the history of the location. Also, you can tour Fort Gustav III, which is located at the northern point of the harbor. Climb up and take pictures from the top.
Also, travelling to St Jean, which is a short taxi ride away from the coast, offers more shopping with a lower price range. In addition, the location is perfect for French café dining and walking up along the beach.
Restaurants and Bars
For those who want American food, check out the Le Select. In the musician Jimmy Buffet's song, "Cheeseburger in Paradise," he was referring to this restaurant after a long trip in a sailboat.
For something a bit more casual and inexpensive, check out the local market in the downtown region. Sample the dishes being made "on the spot" with local ingredients. The French cuisine is common here, though you can also find American and other international favorites to enjoy as well.
Traveling to the Gustavia Port is well worth the trip as this is a slice of paradise.