St. Barthelemy, a volcanic land mass of only 8 square miles, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was named after his brother Bartolomeo. In 1673 the island became a part of France and a part of the government of Guadeloupe. By 1687, St. Barth had a population of 500. In 1784 Sweden's King Gustav III was given the island by Louis XVI of France.

Capital: Gustavia

Location: 15 miles southeast of St. Martin and 140 miles north of Guadeloupe.

Island Size: 8 square miles

Population: 7,000+

Climate: Temperatures range from 72� to 86� F. Climate is generally dry with no rainy season.

Currency: Euro with US dollars and Credit Cards accepted widely.

Language: French and English

Time zone: Atlantic Standard time. When daylight savings time is in effect, the time is the same as the US East Coast. Otherwise, St. Barth is an hour ahead.

Electric Current: 220 volts. US appliances will need a converter and an adapter plug.

Entry Documents: Passport is required. Anyone who is not a US, Canadian or European citizen must have a visa in addition to a passport.

Getting There: The easiest way to connect to St Barth (SBH) is via Sint Maarten (SXM) on the two major inter-island carriers, Windward Island Airways and Air Cara�be (formerly Air Guadeloupe & Air St. Barthelemy). Between the two, you can generally find a flight departing approximately every 30 minutes. The flight only takes the 10-12 minutes. Although American Airlines offer the majority of service to St. Martin, you will also find service on Continental, US Airways, Delta, and a variety of charter companies from various areas of the country.

SHOPPING Downtown Gustavia is lined with dozens of boutiques and duty-free shops. There is also the open air market of 'Ti Marche' proudly displaying local crafts for sale.

Activities: day trips, fishing, water skiing, boat charters for day cruises to neighboring islands, horseback riding, snorkeling, day boating; power and sailing, jet skiing, scuba, museums, art galleries and much much more!

St. Jean Beach
This beach is actually two beaches. Eden Rock juts out into the Baie St. Jean and divides the beach. The smaller side is very calm and sheltered. It's great for young children. The larger side is the site of several hotels and restaurants as well as the infamous airport landing strip.

Lorient Beach
Is located on the north side of the island. This beach is protected by a reef and has little surf and good swimming. The beach provides some shade and is seldom busy.

Grand Cul de Sac Beach
Its calm, shallow water is perfect for small children. This is a great beach to have lunch and watch the wind surfing. Also a great spot for afternoon cocktails.

Flamands Beach
This is a classic, wide Caribbean Beach with some shade and surf. A few restaurants but never a crowd can be found on this beautiful white sand beach. If you enjoy riding a wave, don�t miss Flamands!

Marigot Bay
Is a palm tree lined, small, calm cove with a narrow shoreline. Good swimming and snorkeling. Great open-air restaurant on the beach.

Colombier Beach
A picturesque cove only accessible by boat or a 25 minute hike along a goat path. Take one of the catamarans from Gustavia and spend the day swimming and snorkeling.

Saline Beach
Is a spectacular, unspoiled, southern shore beach. One of the favorites of repeat and new travelers to St. Barths. It is a long stretch of beautiful, unshaded, sandy beach.

Gouverneur Beach
Also unspoiled and on the southern side, Gouverneur is a beautiful white sand cove with surf, snorkeling by the rocks and no shade.

Petit Cul de Sac
Nestled in the northeast corner of St Barths is this calm protected lagoon with beautiful white sand beach. A favorite of many locals for its peaceful setting, it is also a nice place to picnic.

Shell Beach
Located in Gustavia, Shell Beach is very calm, and, as the name suggests, is covered with shells. The islands of Statia and Saba can be seen from here. When the other beaches are windy and rough, count on Shell Beach to be tranquil enough for swimming and sunning. In the winter, visitors and islanders come here to watch the sunset.