About a kilometer from downtown Gustavia, is a unique and picturesque beach known for its distinctive shoreline covered with countless small seashells.
Naturally, it is called Shell Beach.
It’s the only “in-town” beach and is easily accessible from the marina or Le Select Bar which makes it ideal for visitors who want to combine beach time with some shopping or dining in town.
The little cove of Shell Beach
The beach earned its name in the 1960s and 1970s when port dredging in Gustavia deposited an abundance of shells and sand along the shore.
This dense layer of shells created a unique texture and it became a paradise for beachcombers looking for collectible shells.
You can walk here from downtown - just follow the signs from the marina for easy navigation.
Uncrowded and fairly private
This little beach is nestled in a calm cove protected by rocky cliffs.
You can enjoy the turquoise Caribbean Sea and on clear days you the islands of Statia and Saba are easily seen.
The breathtaking sunsets here are often considered among the best on the island.
Beauty on the beach
This sheltered beach is ideal for swimming and wading, and a great spot for families.
The restaurant Shellona is to the left, and the high pricing of St. Barth is no exception at this restaurant.
You can rent the lounges and umbrellas here, but currently they run about $80USD for a single, and $180 for a double.
Shells, shells and more shells!
Beachcombing is a popular activity here, with visitors hunting for unique or collectible ones.
The rocky areas near the beach attract all sorts of different fish species, offering good snorkeling opportunities, too.
There are 14 white sand beaches on St. Barth. but this one is very accessible and calm, making it a favorite for the locals.
Shellona Restaurant
Due to the high pricing on St. Barth, you can always bring your own towels and snacks.
On the other hand, it’s wonderful to sit and have a beer here at the restaurant and watch island life drift by.
Topless sunbathing is common on St. Barth beaches, so why not join in with abandon!
Billy and Akaisha enjoying the sea
Billy is topless, but I passed on that opportunity this day!
What a beautiful day and what marvelous water, we are greatly enjoying our visit on Shell Beach.
This is an easy-peasy beach and worth putting on your list when you come to this Caribbean Island.
Have a brew or two at Shellona and it will be a never-to-be-forgotten-memory to take home with you!
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About the Authors
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.
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