Blink and you’ll miss it! But you’ll be sorry if you do. Popularly known as “Saint Bart’s,” this tiny island is a French territory (or “dependency”) that belongs to Guadeloupe, the “overseas department” of France in the West Indies. These islands are located in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles. They were colonized by France in the 17th century. So small is Saint Bart’s, only 8 square miles, that it is not even contained on some maps. Sheer speculation has it that this is where flyer Amelia Earhart vanished when she ditched her plane due to a fuel leak. There is no substantial evidence to support this claim, but if you wanted to disappear, Saint Bart’s is one place where probably no one would search for you! Gustavia is its primary port and chief town. Tourist accommodations are sparse, so you won’t be crowded in Saint Bart’s.

Water Sports
Saint Bart’s, small though it is, is a popular tourist spot. Its snowy-white beaches and clear blue water is a delight for swimmers, snorkelers and beach combers. Scuba divers appreciate the array of colorful fish and corals; many well-traveled divers say that the clarity of Saint Bart’s water makes it preferable over other larger island destinations. The shoreline slopes gently downwards; it’s possible to wade in the water for more than half a mile in some areas, all the while watching the fish and manta rays glide by. Underwater photography is popular at Saint Bart’s, again because of the water clarity. Tides are gentle and tidal pools yield a lovely array of sea creatures. So smooth is the water, salt-water skiers love the coves. Cruising boats make an easy day trip to the north to Saint Martin and Saint Maarten, and just a bit further to Anguilla.

Island Diversity
Saint Bart’s is too small to be very diverse in composition and appearance; it is, after all, just eight miles of ocean bottom that swells up to the surface! It is, by description, a “dry” volcanic island; there is no actual volcano caldera on Saint Bart’s. The highest part of the island is only 1,300 feet above sea level.

Activities
Water sports aside, Saint Bart’s either has a lot to offer or little to offer, depending upon your point of view. It is quite popular among hikers since you can literally walk across the island in less than a day. On the way through the interior, lush vegetation and the call of seagulls fill the senses with tranquility. Serious hikers prefer to walk the entire circumference of the island, taking in the cool, quiet coastline of white sands, the intoxicating smell of the sea and tropical flowers, and the magnificent view of seemingly endless ocean as far as the eye can see. The “round trip” involves camping overnight, an exhilarating experience; the crackle of a driftwood fire, the sound of the changing tide, and the night sky so dark but scattered with Heaven’s diamonds – a sight so pure, that many travelers say only Saint Bart’s can provide.