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Water sports
Shallow reefs fully encircle each corner of St Barts with mild, crystal clear waters. It has many calm bays, surfing spots and soft sandy beaches to lounge out on. It is obvious, therefore, that this small, picturesque island offers some fantastic water sport opportunities.
The waters around St Barts are in five zones and are protected by the Nature Reserve of Saint-Barthelemy, which is the marine reserve. The water in St Barts is mild – so for most water sport activities, you do not require a wetsuit. Windsurfing, paddle boarding and kiteboarding are the most popular activities to choose from and all offer lessons, however, there is much more.
Diving on Gros Ilet spot
Scuba Diving
For something a little more adventurous, why not plunge into the turquoise waters for some scuba diving. Gustavia, the capital of the island, is a great spot for this. Scuba divers can explore the surrounding caves and reefs off the harbour. You will also be able to see two shipwrecks that are peacefully nestled on the seabed around Pain de Sucre an islet further away from the harbour at Gustavia.
You can also attend a Diving school which provide daily excursions to the islets around St Barts or if that is not exciting enough you can book an evening or late-night dive. The Diving schools will be able to provide a PADI certification after you have completed the lesson in diving and expedition.
Surf on Lorient beach
Surf the waves
Lorient and Grand Cul-de-sac are two beach locations that offer calm waters for swimming, and further, out along the bay they also feature great surfs. Lorient is the best for surfing and windsurfing alike, as it has suitable waveforms and mild winds along the coast. Grand Cul-de-Sac and Toiny, however, are more suited to kitesurfing as the area have powerful gusts of refreshing wind ideal for catching the perfect wave.
Seabob
Motorized Watersports
St Jean is one of the most sought-after locations on the island. It offers many great fine dining opportunities on St Jean beach and Nikki Beach – both of which overlook the same bay. The waters here are calm and therefore perfect for sea bobs. Seabobs are essentially electric water scooters that are great fun. The water device is a blend between a jet ski and an underwater scooter – and is fun for all ages. Jet through the water around St Jean and after, you can lounge out on the beach and enjoy a delicious Caribbean meal.
While staying in St Bart, we recommend getting involved in the profusion of water sport activities available. The water here is unlike any other destination so while to enjoy the endless views of the dazzling sea, dive in to and see for yourself.
Whether you choose boating, paddle boarding, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing or sea bobs – enjoy the natural, preserved waters that surround this tropical haven we know as St Barts.