The Geography of St. Barth

St. Barth is just slightly southeast of St. Martin and Anguilla, in the Caribbean Sea. It is a northeast of St. Kitts and approximately 160 miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico. The Virgin Islands are also nearby. Although the main portion of St. Barth is a single island there are also a handful of smaller islets that are considered part of the collectivity. Along with Anguilla, Dog Island, and St. Martin, St. Barth makes up a unique area comprised of shallow waters and flat banks.

The island abounds with beaches - with at least 22 designated as public access - and many are within visual sight of one of the dozens of natural reefs in the area. A majority of the reefs are part of the St. Barth marina reserve, a 2,500 acre reserve officially established in 1999 to protect not only the coral reefs, but also their abundant marine wildlife. One of the things the St. Barth is known for is its unwavering commitment to environmental protection.

A visit to the island's northeastern shore reveals two splendid lagoons known as Anse du Grand Cul-de-Sac and Anse de Marigot. These peaceful, tropical lagoons epitomize all that St. Barth is. On the other extreme is Morne Vitet, the highest mountain peak on the island from which a spectacular views of the entire coastline and the neighboring islands can be had. It's been said by some that a trip to the island is not complete without going to the top of this peak. In between the mountains and sandy coastline lies a potpourri of topographical features including valleys, hills, gentle slopes, and rolling fields..