Gouverneur, St. Barts Guide

Know Before You Go...®

St. Barths is the epitome of Caribbean luxury, known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and sophisticated charm. Located in the French West Indies, this exclusive island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From the serene sands of Gouverneur Beach to the vibrant scene at St. Jean, St. Barths caters to every traveler. Luxury villas provide privacy and elegance, often featuring breathtaking ocean views, infinity pools, and world-class amenities. With its gourmet dining, high-end shopping, and vibrant culture, St. Barths promises an unforgettable escape where natural beauty meets refined indulgence.

Why Gouverneur, St. Barts?

  • Gouverneur Beach is a stunning white sand beach on the northeastern coast of St. Barts.
  • Gouverneur is home to the exclusive Eden Rock Hotel, a luxurious five-star resort.
  • Gouverneur is one of the most exclusive and affluent areas of St. Barts.
  • Gouverneur is the only beach on the island that is overlooked by a hill, giving it a unique landscape.
  • The views from Gouverneur are stunning, looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby islands of Anguilla and St. Martin.

Gouverneur, St. Barts Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
82.9° F
° F
February
72.8° F
° F
March
83.2° F
° F
April
84.3° F
° F
May
85.4° F
° F
June
86.4° F
° F
July
86.6° F
° F
August
87.1° F
° F
September
87.6° F
° F
October
87.2° F
° F
November
85.8° F
° F
December
83.7° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.28 inches
February
1.83 inches
March
1.99 inches
April
2.29 inches
May
3.60 inches
June
2.15 inches
July
3.13 inches
August
4.00 inches
September
4.38 inches
October
4.95 inches
November
4.26 inches
December
3.87 inches

History

Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barts, a small island in the Caribbean, has a fascinating history shaped by European colonization and its strategic location in the West Indies. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawaks and later the Caribs before being discovered by Europeans in the 15th century. In 1493, Christopher Columbus gave the island its name in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. Initially, St. Barts was uncolonized, with the French eventually settling it in the 17th century. The French established it as a profitable trading post, and the island became part of the French Caribbean possessions.

In the 18th century, St. Barts changed hands between the French and the Swedish. The Swedes controlled the island from 1784 to 1878, during which time they developed the port of Gustavia, the island’s capital, into a thriving trading hub. This period of Swedish rule left a lasting impact on the island, especially in terms of architecture, with many of the buildings in Gustavia still reflecting Swedish colonial style. After the Swedish period, St. Barts returned to French control, and it has remained part of France ever since.

Today, St. Barts is known for its exclusivity, attracting travelers and celebrities from around the world. Its picturesque beaches, luxury yachts, and sophisticated ambiance have made it a sought-after destination. Despite its modern appeal, the island maintains its French Caribbean charm, with colorful colonial buildings, fine dining, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Transportation on Gouverneur, St. Barts

Getting to Gouverneur, St. Barts and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from St. Barts is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No special pre-arrival authorization is required for most visitors, but travelers may need to complete a health declaration or entry form, depending on the current regulations.

Airlines Flying Here

  • St. Barts airport can only accommodate smaller planes, with flights connecting from St. Maarten, San Juan or St. Thomas.
  • Commercial jets require a longer runway and cannot land on St. Barts.

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax on St. Barts.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with well-maintained roads, though some areas may be narrow and winding.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas and higher on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations, pedestrians, and other road users. Always exercise caution when driving on narrow, hilly roads, especially in more remote areas.

Local Transportation

St. Barts offers a range of transport options to explore its stunning beaches, luxury shops, and charming villages. With its small size, the island is perfect for getting around by rental car or scooter, which allows you to easily navigate the narrow, winding roads at your own pace. Taxis are also available, though they are often best booked in advance, as they can be in high demand, especially during peak seasons. For a unique experience, you can also explore the island by boat, with water taxis offering a scenic way to reach various beaches and nearby islands.

Know Before You Go...® - Gouverneur, St. Barts Travel Tips

Before making their way to Gouverneur, St. Barts , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Gouverneur, St. Barts even more relaxing.

Capital: New York
Population: 2021Approximately: 10,000 (based on 2019 estimate)
Size: 2000Approximately 7.8 square miles.
Electric Current: 220
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-03-19 07:47:41
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: Official language in Gouverneur, a town in New York, is English. However, due to its diverse population, other languages are also spoken, such as Spanish and French. These languages are considered secondary but are widely used in daily life and businesses
Currency: Gouverneur is a small town located in northern New York, United States. It is a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque scenery and rich history. As with most places in the United States, the official currency used in Gouverneur is the US dollar. The US dollar is widely accepted and used as the only form of currency in Gouverneur. Visitors can easily exchange their home currency for US dollars at local banks, currency exchange offices, or even at some hotels. It is recommended to exchange currency before arrival in Gouverneur, as the options for currency exchange in the town may be limited. In addition to cash, most establishments in Gouverneur also accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. These cards can be used for purchases at restaurants, hotels, and shops. Some smaller businesses, however, may only accept cash, so it is always advisable to carry some cash on hand. For travelers who prefer to use digital payment methods
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Gouverneur, a small town located in St. Lawrence County, New York, are an important aspect of the local economy. Tipping is a common practice in the service industry, while taxes are required by law to fund government services and projects. In Gouverneur, tipping is considered a customary way to show appreciation for good service. It is expected in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other service establishments. The standard tip for servers is 15-20% of the total bill, although it may vary depending on the quality of service received. Tipping is also common in other service industries such as hair salons, spas, and taxi services. It is important to note that while tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated by those working in the service industry. On the other hand, taxes in Gouverneur are an essential part of the local economy. Sales tax, which is currently at 8%, is added to the purchase price of most goods and services. This tax is collected by the st
Dress Code: The dress code in Gouverneur is likely professional or business casual attire.
Topography: Gouverneur is a town in northern New York with a diverse landscape including rolling hills, valleys, and the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.
Telephone: Gouverneur's telephone country code is +1 and its area code is 315.

Gouverneur, St. Barts Weddings and Honeymoons

In St. Barts, the process of getting married is straightforward. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local town hall (Mairie de Gustavia). Required documents include:

  • Valid passports for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in St. Barts (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately €100. For weddings outside of the registry office, additional fees for the officiant apply, ranging from €200 to €500 depending on the ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 3 business days before the intended wedding date.